Financial Goals for 2010

Let me start out by saying I'm not a big fan of the whole trying to change your life all of the sudden just because a new year has begun. People try to do way to much way too fast, and it's just setting themselves up for failure. That having been said, my family has gotten into a lot of bad habits lately, and there is no time like the present to change the things that need to be changed, and get some short term goals establised to get us back on track! So my goals (completly unrelated to the new year) are:

1. I have to get back into the swing of cooking every day. My daughter is now 3 months old, and slightly easier to keep happy for short periods of time, so I am going to get back into the kitchen asap! We have started spending way too much money on fast food. Luckily the eat from the pantry challenge is here to help me stay on track for the first month, anyway. I want to cook atleast one meal a day every day for the entire month. If I succeed in cooking once a week on Sundays for the entire week, that will be great. We'll see.

2. I have to start getting out and Selling avon/ signing people up to sell avon. I've been making way too many excuses. I have a husband who is willing to come home from his graveyard shift job and stay up with the kids while I go do what I need to do, so there should be no excuses!

3. I want to start saving around half of my husband's income for the house we're planning to buy in the next few months. Tax returns are going to mostly cover the down payment, but there are going to be many other unexpected expenses along the way, and we haven't been saving nearly as much as we could/should be. Goal number 1 will help greatly with this!

4. I am going to start doing a post once a month about how I'm doing on sticking to these goals. Maybe the extra accountability will help me stay on track.

Check out Frugal Friday at Life as Mom for more New Year Goals!

Look around my eStore to see the amazing deals Avon has going right now (and help me reach my goals!) www.youravon.com/amcgilberry

Groups and Organizations!!!

Do you have a group or organization that needs to raise some money? Avon offers a solution that couldn't be any easier! Just contact me about doing an online Avon event, I will create a website and event code, you get the word out to people, they shop, and you receive 30% of sales (except on some items such as clothing and gifts on which you will recieve 20%). We can run your site as long as you need to, and all the orders will be shipped directly to your customers, so you don't have to worry about anything. All you have to do is spread the word and receive your check!

Individuals who want some free avon loot can also host an eParty, where you send the link to your friends and family, they enter an event code created especially for you while they're checking out, and you get to place an order for free in the amount of 10% of total party sales! If you know a lot of people, this could be a great way to get some free stuff, and all you have to do is send some emails!

If you are interested in more information about either of these options you can email me at alexismckellar@yahoo.com.

Date Night at Home

When was the last time you and your signifigant other had a date night? I know I have read on several blogs here lately that some of you have regular date nights, and that's awesome! My husband and I haven't been on a real date in months and I think it was taking it's toll. However, we don't have a babysitter at the moment, or atleast not for all three children at once, so last night, we improvised!

We had a date night at home! We stayed up after all the kids had gone to bed, he ran to the nearest Redbox, and I made a pot of coffee (would have probably done hot cocoa, but I needed the energy!)

I pulled out some chips and dip I had stashed for a very special occasion (we never keep that kind of junk food around here- mostly because our roomate just eats it all as soon as she finds it) and we snuggled on the couch and watched Julie and Julia (I loved this movie!) The total cost for the night was a dollar for the movie. How much more frugal does it get, a special date night for a dollar!

The suprising thing is I enjoyed it more than I usually enjoy our real date nights out. Comfy clothes, comfy couch, I don't know it was all just wonderful.

The most important part of date night (for me anyway) is just taking time out for each other. I think we were able to do that better at home than if we had gone out to a movie or something like that. I would love to hear some ideas about what others have done for frugal date nights!

Check out more great ideas on Works for Me Wednesday at We Are That Family!

Today is the last day for my Deal so check out the website fast and place your order!!!!! www.youravon.com/amcgilberry

Eat from the Pantry Challenge

Moneysaving Mom and Life as Mom are hosting a month long eat from the pantry challenge, and I'm going to give it a go! So here are my goals and plan of action.

Goals

1. To save an entire month's worth of grocery money up for the week we will be spending with my husband's family soon. I hope to go help them stock their cabinets!

2. To use up some surplus. We are currently living in a small apartment with a small kitchen, and there is just not enough space for everything that I have been buying on sale and with coupons.

The Plan

1. I know I have plenty of food in my cabinets to cook meals from scratch for a month, the main thing I've been buying lately is convenience food type stuff because I have a 3 month old and she knows when I'm trying to cook dinner, and picks that time to scream at me.

2. I love cooking from scratch and have been considering my options for about a month now, and have decided to try freezer cooking. What better time to start than now, right?

3. I can not take 8+ hours in the kitchen in one day, so I will be doing my freezer cooking weekly, on Sundays, starting the 3rd. Sundays are my most likely days to have fewer children, as my mom is supposed to take the two older ones all day long, although it hasn't been happening lately, so I am planning on having to keep all three kids happy while I'm cooking. We'll see how this works out!!!

Check out my previous posts for great deals from Avon. Only 3 days left on my deal! Head to www.youravon.com/amcgilberry and look around and pick up some things you've been needing, or a late gift for someone, or just register so you will receive emails about sales and shipping deals!

Menu Plan Monday- The Week after Christmas

So I'm still exhausted from Christmas Day (I had no idea how cranky all the kids were going to get with a house full of new toys. If I ever hear "NOOOOOOO THAT MIIIIIIIINE" again I'm going to scream!). We've been living (happily) off the Christmas leftovers for the past two days, and I think they're going to hold out until tomorrow night! So here's the plan for after that...

Monday-Pot Roast LOVE THIS RECIPE!!! It's the only thing we didn't have leftovers from on Christmas

Tuesday-Hash

Wednesday- Getting my husband to cook hamburgers

Thursday- Spaghetti and meatballs

Friday- Chicken parmesean (with leftover spaghetti of course!)

Saturday- Breakfast for Supper! Pancakes and Syrup, Eggs, Bacon

Sunday- Veggie Soup

Tah Dah. Notice the lack of specialness for New Years? I like that. I can't take anymore holidays! Be sure to check out my previous post about the Avon sale going on right now, and check out my website at www.youravon.com/amcgilberry! Register while you're there and you'll recieve emails notifying you of the latest sales, which is AWESOME! (Ok, so I'm not that great at sounding enthusiastic when I'm exhausted, but it really is a good idea to sign up!) (also I'm going to try to put together a very nice giveaway in the near future, and if you are registered as a customer on my website you will get an additional entry!)

Make sure to check out menu plan monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie!

Thanks for stopping by, come back soon!!!!

Made from Scratch Pancakes and syrup, and Hash.

My grandmother always made her pancakes from scratch, and I am spoiled on them! Luckily, they're easy to make (every bit as easy as pancake mix as far as I'm concerned).

Homemade Pancakes
4 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 egg
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Milk

You just mix it all together and cook them just like you would from a mix. I've never measured the milk out, I just eyeball it.

My grandmother also always made her syrup from scratch. If you like the thick syrup you generally buy, this syrup is not for you, but I like this because it's thinner, and it absorbs into the pancakes really well

Homemade Pancake Syrup
1 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Water
1 tsp imitation maple flavoring

Put water and sugar into a pot and heat it, just barely bring to a boil, and immediatley remove from heat. Add maple flavoring. It's that simple

If you have any pot roast leftovers (we never do around here) Here's a really great soup to make it last for another meal

Hash
Leftover pot roast, chopped
1 medium to large Onion, chopped
4 or 5 potatoes, cubed
Salt
Pepper
1-2 jalapenos (optional)

Just throw it all together, cover with water, and cook for about 3-4 hours (the longer you cook it the better it is, I swear!)

Check out more recipes at the recipe swap at Life as Mom

Make sure you check out my previous post for info on the Avon sale going on, and visit my website at www.youravon.com/amcgilberry!

Avon After Christmas Spree

The Avon after Christmas Spree starts today with Savings site wide, and free shipping on orders of $5 or more with coupon code Winter5

I also have the deal going that if you place one order through the end of this month I'll give you 20% off any order you place in the month of January. This is a discount I'm offering only through my website, and it comes out of the percentage I make, so you won't be able to get it through any other Avon Representative! This makes for some really great deals, so try that new makeup you've had your eye on or stock up on old favorites!

My First Menu Plan!

So here goes my first Menu Plan Monday post. This isn't the best week to choose to start such a thing, because my schedule is going to be all crazy with Christmas, but oh well!

Monday- Tacos

Tuesday- using leftover taco meat for Enchiladas (will try to post my enchilada recipe soon- they are soooo good!)

Wednesday- Fried Chicken Breasts

Thursday- Will be having Christmas Eve at my Grandmother's

Friday- I have a whole post here about my plans for Christmas Dinner!

Saturday- Leftovers

Sunday- Pumpkin Pancakes for breakfast, Leftovers for every other meal.

It may seem bleak after Christmas, but I just LOVE leftovers! Call me crazy, you wouldn't be the first!!!!!

Make sure you read about my Avon deal here and take advantage of it before time runs out!!!!

Mom's Chicken and Dressing and Granny Mc's Squash

Chicken and Dressing

This is the recipe my mom always used every thanksgiving. I made this for Thanksgiving for my husband's family and everyone said it was the best dressing they've ever had!

Ingredients
1 whole chicken, boiled and deboned
Cornbread (9x13 pan) from scratch or mix,
1 1/3 cup butter or margerine
2 cups chopped celery
2 cups chopped onion
8 eggs, beaten
2-4 tsp poultry seasoning
2 tsp pepper
5 cups chicken broth

Crumble cornbread and shred chicken and set aside. Heat oven to 350 Grease a 9x13 pan (you may need a small 8 or 9 inch pan too, depending on how deep your pan is). Melt butter in a skillet, add celery and onion; cook until tender, stirring occasionally. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Spoon into baking dish(es) and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.


Squash Casserole

My Grandmother used to make this for me all the time with Jalapenos in it, but my husband can't handle anything spicy so I make it without the peppers now and it's still really good!!! My kids eat it up too!!!

Ingredients
6-8 medium yellow squash, sliced thinly
1 large onion, chopped
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Sugar
Paprika to taste
1 lb (half a box) Velveeta
1/4 cup milk
1-2 jalapenos seeded and minced (optional)

Heat oven to 350. Put Squash, salt, and sugar in skillet and add enough water to cover. Cook until tender and then drain. Pour into 1 quart casserole. Melt cheese and milk together into a sauce and add peppers if desired. Pour sauce over squash and mix. Cook uncovered 20-30 minutes

Check out my AVON DEAL through New Years!

Also check out Tasty Tuesday at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam and Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life as Mom for more great recipes!

My Plans for Christmas Dinner

So far what I'm planning for the Christmas Dinner I will be making for my family is as follows:

Pot Roast- going to try this recipe. I love Paula Dean!

Chicken and Dressing- My mom's recipe, you can find it here

Green Bean Casserole- The Classic

Cheesy Squash- My Grandmother's recipe, you can find it here

Macaroni and Cheese- Elbow noodles, velveeta, and milk! So simple but so good!!!

Corn Pudding- Used this recipe for Thanksgiving and it was a HUGE hit!!!


Dessert is going to be whatever I feel like making that day. And what I have time for!

So there you go, that's the plan for now!

Make sure you check out my DEAL before time runs out on it!!!

Just for my Customers!

Place an order through my estore by January 1, and I will give you a 20% discount on your next order you place between January 1 and January 31. That's on top of any savings you find straight from Avon (and there will probably be some good deals coming up from them in the near future!)

This offer is only available through my store at www.youravon.com/amcgilberry. This discount comes out of the percentage I make on your order, so you won't get it from any other reps.

Don't forget to use coupon code HOLLY for free shipping on orders of $10 or more!

Lots of great deals, don't miss out!!!

New Avon Free Shipping code

Now you can get free shipping on an order of $10 or more with coupon code Holly. Go to www.youravon.com/amcgilberry

Remember you have until Noon EST on Sunday (12/20) for guaranteed christmas delivery.

There are lots of gifts under $10 in the Holiday Boutique!

My gift to everyone this year.

My little family has had a crazy year! It's the kind of year that leaves your head spinning for years to come. It has been a wonderful year. I am completely happy with how this year has gone. But it has been a crazy ride. Lets just say that my husband and I started out the year with one child and are ending it with three.

Needless to say, that doesn't leave much money for christmas! What money we did have to spend on gifts we spent on our two older children. This will be the first year that either of them will possibly remember christmas.

We picked up a jumperoo at Salvation army for our youngest. She won't care about christmas at all. She has no idea what's going on. I made this mistake with my oldest daughter on her first christmas. I scoured the shelves for any toys that were for 3 months or younger, wrapped them, got all excited (it was my first child's first christmas, that's supposed to be monumental, right?) It actually made her angry when we tried to get her to pull the paper out of the bags. Us pressing all the buttons on all the noisy toys we found for her equaled major overstimulation. It was ugly. I was disappointed. But I did learn my lesson!!!

Anyway, for everyone else in our family this Christmas, I am cooking a huge, all from scratch dinner. Cooking from scratch makes it special, and cheaper!!! I have been suprised by just how excited everyone has been about this gift! I love to cook, so it's not adding any stress to me, and my husband is more than happy to watch all the kids for a full day (I'm blessed to have a husband who can handle the kids no problem) so that I can prepare a feast. Thanks to stockpiling certain items, I am going to be able to prepare a meal for about 20 people for only a few extra dollars worth of groceries! Check back in the next few days for my menu and a few of my favorite recipes!

Check out more ways people are saving money at christmastime at http://www.lifeasmom.com/ on frugal friday

And remember, only a couple days left for guaranteed holiday delivery at my avon estore www.youravon.com/amcgilberry . Check out my previous posts for some coupon codes and deal highlights and register to recieve emails!!!!

Fried Pies!

This is a recipe my grandmother used to make the pastry to fill with anything you like for Fried Pies. I absolutley love these! No matter what the occasion, family get togethers, pot lucks, or just for my family at home, I have never had to worry about these sticking around long enough to go bad!

Fried Pie Crust

5 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp Sugar
2 tsp salt
1 can evaporated milk
1 cup shortening
1 egg (beaten)

Make dough and roll out to the size of a saucer. Fill with your filling of choice, dot edges with butter, fold over, and crimp edges together with a fork. Fry in a skillet with the oil of your choice until golden brown!

My Grandmother almost always filled these with applesauce, and that's still my favorite way to make it. Just make sure you use sweetened applesauce. I made the mistake of using unsweetened applesauce the first time I ever made these and the results were not that great (although they still got eaten!) I also like to sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the pies.

These also freeze well!

Be sure you check out all the recipes at the recipe swap at http://www.lifeasmom.com/

Also be sure you go look around my eStore at www.youravon.com/amcgilberry. you have until Noon EST December 20 to get guaranteed christmas delivery! Use code repflyer to get free shipping on your first order or rfsc01 for free delivery on an order of $20 or more. Make sure you check out the Year end beauty countdown (you'll see the link on my website it's right in the middle) They have eye makeup remover on sale for $1!!!!! That would be an excellent stocking stuffer!!! There's a ton of great deals going right now, so look around, and be sure to register so you can get emails every campaign with some of the best deals and a free shipping code!!!!

Current Avon Shipping Coupon Code

In case anyone is interested in ordering some Avon, check out my website at

www.youravon.com/amcgilberry

and enter coupon code RFSC01 at checkout to get free direct delivery shipping on an order of $20 or more.

Or you can use code repflyer to get free shipping on any order if it's your first time to order.

If you want coupon codes emailed to you, go to the site and register!