Where Have I Been?

I’ve been absent from this blog for a little over a month and I wanted to let you all know why!

 

I’VE BEEN PROMOTED!!!

Yep! I’ve been working really hard over the last few months towards promoting to Director with Thirty One Gifts (www.mythirtyone.com/AmandaSmearman)! In April it finally happened! I’ve been busy these last 2 months helping my team grow and focusing on my own business as well to make sure I’m setting the example I want to for my team.

This has been one of the biggest blessings to my family and I still can’t believe sometimes that I’ve actually made it here! I worked so hard because I knew the benefits of promoting and wanted to help inspire other women on my team in their own businesses.

I will slowly be getting back into posting more and will continue my series on ARC notebooks, but wanted to give you a quick recap of what I’ve been up to these last few weeks.

 

Hope you all are well!

Direct Sales Home Party Games: Bingo!

bingo

 

 

Direct Sales Home Party Games!

The heart of my direct sales business is my home parties. It’s my favorite part of what I do because I get to meet new people, share products and an opportunity that I love, and I get out of the house for a few hours ;) .

I try to make my parties fun for the guests and host, while making my job a little easier. One of the most popular games I use that is also the most successful when it comes to orders, bookings and potential team members is Bingo!

It’s not your traditional Bingo though. The image at the top of this post is exactly what I use, except I add my company’s logo to it.

Here’s how it works:

  • Hand each guest one sheet at the beginning of your presentation.
  • Tell them that as you go through the products to fill the open squares with products that they’d like to have.
  • Once your presentation is over and everyone has the squares filled up (you can use a smaller grid with less squares if your company has fewer products)
  • Then call out your favorite products and have the guests cross them off on their sheet.
  • The first person who gets 1 row or column filled up shouts out “Bingo” (or the name of your company for more fun).
  • They win whatever prize was listed in the row they won.

I then use their Bingo sheet at checkout. Compare it to their order form and see what is left over. Is there an item on there that is for Hostesses only? Is there an expensive item that they could save big on if they got it for 1/2 price when they hosted their own party? Is there several items on there that is included in your company’s enrollment kit?

You job is to not just sell products, but to also help your guests and hostess get the most for their money. So if they could get that $80 item for 1/2 price, make sure you mention that. If there’s 4-5 items that they could get in the enrollment kit, ultimately save money, and be able to start their own business, be sure to offer them the opportunity! Make sure that guest leaves with a Recruiting pack to look over and be sure to follow up with them within 48 hours of the party.

 

Using games like this will only build and help your business. It’s great to play other games that aren’t focused around the products or your company too, but when you add a game like Bingo to your parties, your business can greatly benefit.

 

*You can click on the image above to print out your own if you’d like, or create your own using free software from Open Office. Simply select the Insert tab at the top and choose the Table option.

 

I use this game for my Thirty One parties. www.mythirtyone.com/AmandaSmearman

 

Free Samples, Music, eBooks and more!

free

 

Check out this week’s list of FREE samples, music, eBooks and more! Thanks to Savings Lifestyle, you’ll be stocked up on FREEBIES! If you see something you like be sure to share this post with friends and family so they can get free samples and more too!

L’Oreal Revitalift Sample

Book from Barnes & Noble Summer 2013 Reading Program

Jesus Firm Foundation Download (iTunes)

All About Jesus by Robert Quy

Spring Inspirational Printables

Ovaltine Drink Mix Pack

How to Argue: Powerfully, Persuasively, Positively by Jonathan Herring

Power Verbs for Job Seekers by Michael Lawrence Faulkner & Michelle Faulkner-Lunsford

Market Fresh Mixology: Cocktails for Every Season by Bridget Albright

Killer Work from Home Jobs by Lee Evans

Marketing Metrics by Multiple Authors

Color Scents Vanilla Trash Bag Sample

Natural Cleaning Recipes by Becki Andrus

Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Pet Food Sample

Treasure Island (Audiobook) Enter code “FREEISLAND” at checkout

365 Days of Happiness: Inspirational Quotes to Live By by Various Authors

Love Works: Seven Timeless Principles for Effective Leaders by Joel Manby

Noah’s Ark: Children’s Picture Bible Stories by Allison Miller and Nancy Radke

Breakfast Mug Menus: Quick and Easy Meals for Everyone by K.H. Gardner

The Old Schoolhouse May 2013 (Digital)

 

Did you find any free samples or other freebies that are posted above? If so share them below!

3-Step Brownies with Peanut Butter Icing!

Brownies with Peanut Butter Icing!

 

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I finished up my Spring Thirty One season on Friday with a great party from a new hostess of mine. She served some AMAZING food and my favorite was the dessert. I have to admit that I normally try not to eat, or just eat very little at my parties. Most of the time I don’t have time to, but there are occasions when the food is just too good to pass up. And this was one of them.

I tried this dessert which looked like chocolate cake with peanut butter icing. Come to find out that it’s BROWNIES! I love me some brownies but every time I make them at home my husband has them gone by next morning and the most I usually get to eat is 1-2 plus the batter I licked from the spoon after I got them in the oven. Can you relate?

I asked the hostess what the recipe was and I was shocked at how simple it was and totally excited that I had all of the ingredients in my cabinet at home!

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  • 1 box Brownie Mix (prepared as directed on box)
  • 1 Container of White Icing (I used cream cheese icing and it was delicious)
  • 1 scoop Peanut Butter

That was it!

 

So I come home that night, eager to try this recipe once I got my son in bed only to discover that I’m missing brownies AND peanut butter :(

So… 3 days later when I finally make it to the store I can finally make this!

 

I baked the brownies in a 13×9″ baking pan and then let cool on a wire rack.

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Meanwhile, I emptied the icing into a bowl and added a HUGE scoop of Peanut Butter. As I’m mixing, I turn around to find my 2 1/2 year old with his whole hand in the Peanut Butter jar. Oh, the joys of motherhood with a toddler ;) I live for those moments though.

Mix the icing and peanut butter until it’s well blended. It will be a tan/light caramel color when finished.

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Once the brownies have cooled somewhat, spread the frosting over the top, cut, serve and ENJOY! These are so good while the brownies are still warm. Try to resist the urge to eat the whole pan….as I tell my husband ;)

 

 

I mentioned my Thirty One business in this post. Be sure to check out what’s new for Summer at www.mythirtyone.com/AmandaSmearman!

My Family Budget Notebook

My family budget notebook is one of the best “tools” we use in our house. It’s what helps us stay on track, make a plan if we go “off-track”, and it also makes tax-time a breeze!

I go in to more detail in the video below, but basically my family budget notebook is separated in different sections to keep everything where they should be.

 

Main Section

  • Pouch for pen, stamps, checks, address labels
  • Monthly Calendar to write bill due dates on, followed by a budget breakdown sheet for each month
  • Checkbook register I made using an Excel spreadsheet

 

Pocket Dividers

  • Mortgage Statements
  • Vehicle Loan Statements
  • Utilities
  • Debt
  • Business Income/Expenses (will go in to more detail in a later post)

Check out the video below to see exactly how this notebook is used and why I love it!

 

How I organize my family budget notebook

 

I’d love to hear how you organize your family’s finances! Do you use a similar method? Share below what works best for you! Or send you photos and info to amandasblogs@yahoo.com and I may just feature it in a post!

 

You can find the ARC Notebook System at Staples!

For more information on the Irregular Income Planning and Debt Snowball, check out DaveRamsey.com.

Monday’s Printable Coupons Roundup!

Newest Printable Coupons!

Happy Monday! I call Monday’s “Money Monday’s” because it’s the day I like to focus on our family budget for the week and go through my coupons I’ll be using at the stores this week! I’m passing that on to you!

Here’s the newest printable coupons currently available! Remember that you can print up to 2 of the same coupon per computer! The best ones go fast so print now!

 

FEATURED PRINTABLE COUPONS

25¢ off when you buy any ONE (1) Country Crock® Spread 15oz. or larger

COUPONS.COM

$0.75 off ONE Welch’s Light Juice Beverage
$1.00 off 2 JENNIE-O Turkey tray pack products
$1.00 off 1 JENNIE-O Turkey Burgers
$1.00 off JENNIE-O Marinated Turkey Tenderloin
$0.55 off two JENNIE-O Turkey Franks products
$5.00 off Chasing Mavericks on DVD or Blu-ray
$5.00 off Life of Pi on DVD, Blu-ray, 3D Blu-ray
$0.55 off any ONE (1) Hefty Zoo Pals Product
$1.00 off ONE (1) Wisk Power Blasts
$5.00 off one REMBRANDT Whitening Kit or Strips
$2.00 off (1) REMBRANDT Toothpaste or Mouthwash

COUPON NETWORK

99¢ off when you buy any SIX (6) Gerber® 2nd Foods® Organic Pouches
65¢ off when you buy any TWO (2) I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!® Tubs
25¢ off when you buy any ONE (1) Country Crock® Spread 15oz. or larger
65¢ off when you buy any TWO (2) Country Crock® Spreads 45oz. or larger

SMART SOURCE

Save $1.00 on any BENADRYL® product (excludes trial sizes)
Save $1.00 on any Children’s BENADRYL® product (excludes trial sizes)
Save $1.00 on any SUDAFED® or SUDAFED PE® product (excludes trial sizes)
Save $1.00 on any Tylenol Sinus Product (excludes trial sizes)
Save $7.00 on any (1) Zyrtec® Product 70ct or larger
Save $1.00 on any Children’s SUDAFED® or Children’s SUDAFED PE® product
Save 75¢ on any one (1) 8.75 oz tub of Marzetti® Otria® Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip

REDPLUM

SAVE $1.00 on any ONE (1) Gaviscon® Product
SAVE $5.00 on ANY Nicorette® Lozenge 72 ct or larger, NicoDerm®CQ® 14 ct or larger or Nicorette® Gum 100 ct or larger
SAVE $1.00 on ANY Advil® Congestion Relief, Allergy & Congestion Relief, Cold & Sinus or Allergy Sinus Product
SAVE $0.50 off any TWO (2) McCormick® Taco or Mexican Seasoning Mixes.
SAVE $1.00 off ANY FAT HAIR Shampoo, Conditioner, Stylers & Finishers
SAVE $1.00 on any TWO (2) packages of Brawny® Paper Towels
SAVE $1.00 on ANY L’Oréal® Paris Advanced Haircare shampoo or conditioner
SAVE $2.00 on ANY L’Oréal® Paris Advanced Haircare treatment
SAVE $1.00 on ANY L’Oréal® Paris lip product
SAVE $2.00 on any ONE (1) Garnier® Moisturizer
SAVE $2.00 on any ONE (1) box of Garnier® Nutrisse® Haircolor
SAVE $3.00 on ANY BODY FORTRESS® Powder
$1.00 OFF on ANY Nicole® by OPI Nail Lacquer
$1.00 OFF ANY RIMMEL LONDON EYE, FACE OR NAIL PRODUCT

Wal-Mart Value of the Day!

Walmart

 

I love checking the Wal-Mart Value of the Day daily just to see what deals I can score! You never know what’s going to be on sale! Be sure to add this to your daily website check!

I saved on several items over Christmas with the Wal-Mart Value of the Day and plan on grabbing up any deals I can for my son’s next birthday too! Click the picture above to check it out!

Younique Makeup and Business Opportunity

maykit
I joined Younique in October 2012. They officially launched on November 1st of that year. Younique is the best makeup I’ve ever used and in the 6 months they’ve been in business they have experienced amazing growth because of these products. So much so that they recently had to move to a larger warehouse!

Younique’s products are all-natural, with no talc, parabens or other fillers. The concealer, blush, and eye shadow are mineral based and go on smooth so you can get that natural, flawless finish that we all want. The eye shadow will last all day without creasing too! That was a huge issue I had with previous brands I’ve tried, but I’ve experience no issues with Younique.

Over the next few months, Younique’s cosmetic line will grow, but one thing will stay the same– they will remain, high-quality, all-natural and affordable. (View my comparison to other brands here)

 

The Younique Business Opportunity

A couple months ago they announced the Triple Digits Club for Presenters. This is exclusively for the first 999 Presenters to join the company. Anyone in this group will be considered a Founding Presenter, get their website FREE for 1 year, plus $33 in Younique Cash spend on products for you the day you sign up!

The current kit that new Presenters will receive is featured in the picture at the top of this post. You’ll receive a few of our most popular products, including the 3D Fiber Lashes and Glorious Face & Eye Primer! This is great for getting starting!

One thing that makes Younique “unique” is that they focus selling through Social Media. Our parties are called “Virtual Parties” and when you set one up it automatically creates an event on your Facebook account so you can invite friends to join in! It’s so easy and you’ll be set up within 5 minutes! Hostesses earn FREE and 1/2 price products based on the party total.

 

For more information on the business opportunity or hosting a Virtual Party, visit my website! www.youniqueproducts.com/AmandaSmearman

 

My Meal Plan and Shopping Notebook

Meal Plan and Shopping Notebook using ARC Notebook System from Staples

 

My Meal plan and shopping notebook is one that I will use several times a week. This being the case, I may switch things around as I use it and find what works best for me.

But for now I have it set up in 5 sections.

  • Meal Plan
  • On Hand (to keep track of what we already have in our deep freezer and pantry)
  • Lists
  • To Buy (for bigger items and “wants”)
  • Projects (to keep track of what projects we’re working on and items that we need for it.

I go in to more detail in the video below.

What I love about the ARC system is that you get custom set up that a binder gives you, while functioning like a spiral notebook. Being able to move pages freely and change the layout is very important to me. The notebooks take up much less room on my desk and shelves than my binders did though so I’m super happy about that.

Find more about ARC notebooks at Staples.com

Grocery List found at DonnaYoung.org

Grocery Shopping List found at HelloCuteness.com

Price List found at MoneySavingMom.com

 

 

Do you use a notebook similar to this for you meal planning and shopping lists? If so comment below and let me know what way works for you!

Money Saving Monday! New Printable Coupons!

Ready to start this week of right by saving money? Here’s the newest printable coupons!

The best printable coupons don’t last long, so print the ones you want quick!

 

FEATURED COUPONS

$1.10 off when you buy any FOUR (4) HÄAGEN-DAZS® gelato, ice cream, sorbet or yogurt 14oz

COUPONS.COM

$1.00 off BROOKSIDE Dark Chocolate Covered Fruit
$0.70 off PHILADELPHIA SNACK DELIGHTS Cream Cheese
$0.75 off Dr Pepper & ONE 3M or Milky Way Bars
$0.50 off any ONE (1) Jimmy Dean Bowl
$0.50 off any ONE Jimmy Dean Snack Size Sandwich
$0.50 off any (1) Jimmy Dean Meat Lovers Sandwich
$0.50 off Jimmy Dean Maple Turkey Sausage Patty
$1.00 off any (1) Delights by Jimmy Dean
$0.50 off any ONE (1) Jimmy Dean Sandwich
$4.00 off Citracal and One A Day Multivitamin

COUPON NETWORK

$2.25 off when you buy any ONE (1) 22 oz or larger size Gerber® Good Start® SOOTHE
75¢ off when you buy any EIGHT (8) Gerber® 3rd Foods® Baby Food
$1.10 off when you buy any SIX (6) HÄAGEN-DAZS® cups, 3.6oz
$1.10 off when you buy any FOUR (4) HÄAGEN-DAZS® gelato, ice cream, sorbet or yogurt 14oz
$10.00 off when you buy any ONE (1) Philips Norelco StyleShaver QS6140
$5.00 off when you buy any ONE (1) Philips Norelco MultiGroom Plus QG3360
$5.00 off when you buy any ONE (1) Philips Norelco Click & Style YS524

SMART SOURCE

Save $7.00 off any ZYRTEC® product 24 count or larger
Save $4.00 off any ZYRTEC® product 24 count or larger

REDPLUM

SAVE $1.00 on ANY MAYBELLINE® NEW YORK Super Stay 24® Lipcolor or ANY MAYBELLINE® Lip Product (excludes Baby Lips)
SAVE $1.00 on ANY L’Oréal® Paris Sublime Bronze™ product
SAVE $1.00 on any ONE (1) Newman’s Own® Complete Skillet Meal
SAVE $1.00 on ANY L’Oréal® Paris skincare product (excludes trial size)
SAVE $3.00 off ANY Centrum®, Centrum® Silver® Multivitamin, or Centrum Specialist® Multivitamin (80ct or larger)
SAVE $3.00 on Sinus Buster® or Allergy Buster® (Available at Walmart®)
SAVE $2.00 on ANY L’Oréal® Paris Sublime Sun product
SAVE $1.50 off any ONE (1) Right Guard® Xtreme Antiperspirant, Deodorant or Body Wash
$1.00 OFF any ONE (1) Surf® Laundry Detergent
SAVE $3.00 on Nasal Ease® Nasal Spray. Only available at Walgreens and CVS/pharmacy®
SAVE $1.00 when you purchase any ONE (1) BUITONI® Riserva Pasta. Redeemable at Publix.