Another month has come and gone. I hope you’re enjoying spring and looking forward to the warmer weather ahead. To start this newsletter, here’s a link to a site I forgot to mention in last week’s article about ‘going green, saving green’. I always keep vinegar in the pantry not only for cooking but cleaning too and this site’s has lots of great ideas www.vinegartips.com
Thinking of Taking a Class?
Many people have lost their jobs during this recession. If you’re one of them and considering a different career or just want to learn a new skill I found this site that lets you search around for courses that are available www.trainingclasses.com
Moms and Entrepreneurs
Some of you might remember Heather Allard…The Mogul Mom who I interviewed a few years ago…by the way, she’ll be back with more useful tips soon. She’s been busy updating her Web site and has an offer that got my attention. She’s selling her Mogul Mom Business Box Set which includes just about everything you need if you’re thinking about taking those first steps into entrepreneurship. She’s offering a special discount price of $37 until midnight on May 2nd,2010. And if you order the business box, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win some prizes which could also help your business grow. Here’s the link http://eepurl.com/t3hx
Avon Calling
When I was a child I remember my mom always having an Avon catalog sitting around the house. Today Avon’s not just about make-up but a whole lot more. If you’ve ever thought about becoming an Avon representative to make some extra money, here Sheila Caruso shares her experience.
Budget Smart Girl (BSG)-When did you join Avon?
Sheila Caruso (SC)-I joined November 2008.
BSG-Was it part or full time?
SC-Part-time.
BSG-Did you have another job at the time?
SC-No, I didn’t.
BSG-Did you have a sales background?
SC-Yes, I sold AVON about 6 years ago. I also sold Beauty Control, Nuskin and Private Quarters.
BSG-Did you consider any other company?
SC-No, I really like AVON.
BSG-What made you pick Avon?
SC-It only cost $10.00 to join and it has been around for 135 years, plus they have a great District Manager and great sales meetings, where I’ve learned a lot.
BSG-What obstacles, (if any) did you face?
SC-Getting people to go onto my website. I would love to build my customer base.
BSG-How did you move into your current position with Avon?
SC-I called an 800 # and a representative visited me and we filled out my application and I paid my $10.00.
BSG-How long did it take from the time you started with them?
SC-I started selling right away.
BSG-If someone’s interested in being an Avon rep, what advice would you give them? How can my readers get started?
SC-They can contact me in person or email me. It costs just $10 but you really need to be motivated to be a self employed Avon Independent Sales Representative.
BSG-Do they have to pay for any samples, etc?
SC-As you’re self employed you can order samples, but you don’t have to. And you receive 40 percent off your sales during the first 3 months of ordering.
BSG-What would you say to people who think that now’s a bad time to enter any business because people aren’t in a buying mood?
SC-I would say that AVON is the company for these times because our products are a lot less then department stores. AVON also has sales on different items within each campaign and they can find anything that they want on sale.
BSG-Can you still make decent sales if you don’t have a huge network of friends and co-workers who buy from you?
SC-Yes, you can. Like I said earlier they will receive 40% off of their sales for 3 months so that they have time to build up their sales by getting new customers, plus I would help them do that.
BSG-Anything special on the horizon at Avon?
SC-Yes, they are having more sales meetings that you learn great sales tips, they also offer new representative meetings that help new representatives. We are also having weekly Leadership meetings that helps representative learn more.
BSG-And for readers who might not want to join Avon but interested in the products. Any upcoming specials you can share with us?
SC-There is Eternal Magic Eau Toilette Spray for just $24.00 which also includes a FREE 3 piece gift collection (worth $20.00) includes purple gift bag, shower gel and body lotion. Also magical sparkle 5.00 ct ring for just $14.99. Necklace 6.00 ct for $14.99 and Earrings 11.00 ct.
A sterling magic fiery genuine topaz with a supernatural light and a precious rainbow of color for just $49.99 (Save $10.00) in sizes 5-11
Genuine Diamond Accent Watch with black or white band for just $9.99 (save $20.00).
Nailwear Pro Nail Enamel for just $2.99 (Save $2.00)
True Color Eyeshadow Quads for just $4.99 (Save $3.00) Lipstick $ 3.95 (save $4.00). All foundation on sale. Eye Palette and Eye Liner both for $9.99 (save $7.00).
Moisture Eye Makeup Remover lotion for lowest price ever 99 cents, Skin care all on sale, Butler Basics Essential Bag by Jen Groover for just $29.99 (Save $10.00)
Carry Me Away Handbag for $24.99 (Save $5.00). Studded Bright Sandals $12.99 (Save $4.00) Eye glasses all $9.99 each.
Slim Wear Kimono Sleeve top $24.99 (Save $5.00). All shoes up to 60% off, All Curves on Sale, SS Original Bath oil 16.9 oz for just $6.99 reg $13.00.
All bug guard on Sale. Roll on Anti-Perspirant Deodorants 89 cents each for him and her.
Glimmersticks Diamonds, Smooth Mineral Eye Liner, Astonishing Length Mascara, Wash-off Mascara and ergonomic Tweezer buy 1 get 1 free mix or match.
BIG DEAL Timeless Cologne Spray, Shimmering Body Powder, 2 Perfumed Skin Softeners, and Roll-On Anti-Perspirant Deodorants all 5 for just $9.99 ($30.24 Value)
BSG-What Web site should people check out if they’re interested in joining Avon?
BSG-Anything else you’d like to share with us?
SC-AVON has makeup, skin care for all skin types, fragrances for women and men, Wellness Products, Jewelry for men and women. Apparel which includes dresses, skirts, shoes, blouses and scarves. Personal Care, gifts for children, men and women. Gifts and Decor for the home.
Avon is a great company to work with. It becomes your company and as they say you cannot get fired. It is your company and you can work it any way you want to, You can just be a representative and sell to just yourself or to customers. You can network your business, or go into Leadership if that’s your choice. It’s a great company whether you are an employee of a company or a stay at home mom. It works for both.
And there’s also a new program where you can plant a Tree with AVON and help create a better future for our next generation. Avon is planting our first 1 million trees in South America’s Atlantic Rainforest – often referred to as “the lungs of the earth”. 93% of the Atlantic Rainforest is gone. The trees planted through Hello Green Tomorrow program will contribute to the United Nations Environment Programme Billion Tree Campaign. For every $1.00 donated, you will receive a certificate with “green” tips.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Be sure to look for coupons and special deals on Mexican food items next week to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. La Tortilla Factory www.latortillafactory.com offers some tips on foods you might like to try and a recipe for fish tacos. Lots of the ingredients, including cilantro and avocado will be on sale, so this makes it a very budget friendly dish.
Tips from La Tortilla Factory-
Food – Not a chef? Don’t worry! There are several Mexican dishes that are surprisingly simple to make, but will have your guests marveling at your cooking skills. Tequila Flank Beef with Tangy Grilled Cabbage, and Chicken with Chilies Sauce, are savory dishes that aren’t complicated to put together, yet have complex flavors. Or Try-
La Tortilla Factory’s Fish Taco in Pumpkin Seed Chipotle Sauce with Pan-Fried Avocado
Serves 4
1 pound white fish fillets (cod, tilapia or halibut)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 poblano peppers, seeded and cut into medium slices
½ cup toasted, unsalted pumpkin seeds
¼ cup chicken or vegetable stock
2 teaspoons adobo chipotle sauce
½ medium yellow onion
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, leaves and stem part, reserve some for garnish
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 avocado, peeled and cut into small dices
½ cup thinly sliced fresh lettuce
4-6 La Tortilla Factory Hand Made Style Corn Tortillas
1.Lightly sprinkle a pinch of salt, ground pepper and chili powder on the fish fillet.
2.Preheat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick heavy sauté pan. Pan-fry the fish over medium-heat for about 1 minute on each side, or until the fish is cooked or turns opaque. Remove the fish from heat and set aside on a plate.
3.In the same pan, lightly sauté the poblano pepper for about 1-2 minutes and combine with the fish.
4.Meanwhile, combine the pumpkin seeds, stock, chipotle sauce, onion and cilantro, oregano, salt and pepper into the blender and blend until smooth.
5.Then, transfer the sauce mixture into a small saucepan and simmer the sauce for 10 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
6.Stir in the sauce with the fish and poblano pepper.
To serve, put a handful of fish, poblano pepper, avocado and lettuce onto a tortilla and fold into a taco.
99 cent Ingredient Cooking
I saw this site listed in Woman’s World magazine, which by the way is another great publication for money saving tips and recipes. Don’t miss www.the99centchef.blogspot.com where chef Billy Vasquez offers recipes and meal ideas using ingredients from the 99 Cent Store. I’m not lucky enough to have one where I live, but I think most of these recipes are still very budget friendly…they look delicious too.
Get into the Habit
During my recent interviews with reporters about being budget smart, many have asked me how you can adapt to living on a budget. Sometimes it’s tough, just like starting a diet, but I found this site that might just help, www.habitforge.com
PC World
I always check out the copy of PC World my husband brings home from work and have to say every month it has lots of money saving articles. Their Web site is very informative too www.pcworld.com
Articles Of Interest
This month I thought these two articles were worth reading-
If the day at the spa is out of reach, try some of these DIY beauty treatments-
www.tinyurl.com/y3ykew8
You know one of my pet peeves is the cost of print cartridges. This article has some insight on how to make them last longer-
www.tinyurl.com/ylb97sa
Have a wonderful month
