Pages

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Budgeting in 2012


Where has the time gone? 2012 is around the corner and now is the time to start getting organized.  Let’s get you started. 
How?
Sit down and do a household budget and see where you can cut back on cost.  Maybe eating out too much?

Tips:
Did you know, that the number one cost outside of the home in 2011 was GAS.  Read your car manual and see if your car can handle the lower premium gasoline.  Several cars in the last ten years have been manufactured to take 87/89 unleaded.  If your manual says yes, then why not? Making the switch can lower your gas bill by up to 30 cents a gallon.  Purchasing gas at Costco, Sams or Grocery stores, with rewards, can also save you up to 30 cents a gallon.

Check your local movie theater for concession stand coupons. Most discounts and printable coupons require you to sign up for a newsletter.  I highly recommend that you obtain another email account only for coupons and discounts, you’ll quickly see your inbox fill up with weekly specials and savings.

Restaurants know that if your coming in with a coupon you are a loyal patron.  Don’t be shy when using coupons.  If you have a Girl Scout or Eagle Scout in the family, also have them take their uniform with them, you would be amazed on the freebies the whole family can receive. Such as free popcorn!



Thursday, December 1, 2011

Extreme Coupons!!!


Don’t throw those coupons out.  Did you know that the average household spends a min of $866 a month in groceries for a family of 6? Imagine what you can buy with $866 if you use coupons.  Even if your saving only 50 cent on those items you love, imagine using 20 of them in one transaction for 10 items, you’ve now saved $5.00.  Don’t forget to take advantage of store club cards that offer built in store and manufacture coupons, which allow you to still use paper coupons.   Don’t throw your money away. You can also receive coupons to your favorite foods by writing the manufacture directly. Shop and Save in 2012!

Getting started takes a little bit of effort and lots of organization.  Pool your friends and family together to collect coupons. If stores are not shy about charging you full price why not use coupons to reduce your cost. The key is to purchase when things are on sale, become a loyalty card holder and cut coupons.

Why use coupons
Stores submit coupons to the manufacture for a rebate on your savings.  So if you submit over $300 in coupons at checkout  the store receives a rebate for that amount. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.

How to get started
Look for an online discount code for your Sunday paper to be delivered to your home.  You can save up to 90% on in store cost.  In Chicago you can received the Chicago Tribune up to 26 weeks on Sunday for only $13.00.  Without a coupon that would cost you about $51.47. Start telling family and friends to save you their Sunday coupons as well.  Buy yourself a coupon organizer and organizer your coupons and get ready to shop. 

How to use your coupons
When you’re at the checkout have your loyalty card applied before you hand over paper coupons. Watch the screen closely and make sure you see your loyalty prices being applied.  Paper coupons should always go last. Also check your final receipt before leaving the store.

In the summer of 2011, I discovered the wonders of couponing.  I’ve managed to reduce my personal monthly grocery bill by 70%.  If HR can do you so can you.


 



Monday, September 12, 2011

The Sky Is Blue

The sky shines brighter today because you were part of this world.  I only wished that I had the opportunity to have been part of your life much longer than I already was.  You leave behind a powerful impact on all women looking to do better and bigger things in their lives. It was because of you that I knew I could be a better manager and positive role model to many females around me.

September has proven to be a blue sky month for me.  Remembering all those I've lost in the last few years and recent days. Family members, co-workers and employee. I am a better manager, mother, friend and co-worker today because they were part of my life in the living and will continue to be part of my soul forever.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Winding Down

Things are starting to wind down for me.  I feel like I'm on this never ending roller coaster right now. I just finished planning and attending my daughter's Sweet 15 party.  Wow was that a fun party, seeing everyone in the same room after a long time of no family reunions. Everything went very well.  It was a lot of fun.

The more I watch David Tutera in action and watch all these other dance shows the more I feel that I should be doing Event Planning. I'm thinking, I'm thinking.....

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Changes

Sometimes we experience changes in our lives that we have no control over.  Some are more overwhelming than others.  Its how we overcome those obstacles that make us stronger.  It's my experience that every obstacle I have ever encountered in my life has made me a stronger person, strong enough to fight for what I believe in and to stand up for what's right.

If you ever felt betrayed or lied to sometimes turning the other cheek and moving on with your life may be the only answer.  It's difficult to do when your instincts tell you to scream at the top of the mountain. Sometimes standing by "being the better person" is all we can do.  All we can do is make the best of the changes in our lives and learn to live with those changes.  As individuals we need to learn to embrace change and find the positive to be able to move forward.

You must be the change you want to see in the world!

Monday, April 18, 2011

Bridal Expo

I embarked on helping others make changes in their lives but what I have learned is far greater than I ever expected.  Even today, eight days later after the Matrix League Bridal Expo I am still learning on how to improve the next one, I'm still receiving editorial support and I'm still receiving feedback. What I learned is that so many people are not in the right mind set, whether it's spiritual or just business minded.  Someone once told me that a true entrepreneur does more than one thing. What I later discovered is that one of those things has to be to give. 

We have to have a connection with something greater than ourselves, that something that will help us get through the obstacles in our businesses.  We have to be able to end the fear of failure to be able to accept our future.  We have to be able to stop saying no to fate when someone is knocking at your door telling you that they want to help you grow.  You have to be willing to listen to that inner voice telling you it's okay to take that first step to the beginning of a new you.

I was thinking about Social Networking today and the impact that Facebook has had on my life.  Social Networking not only has opened new doors for me, but the story of the company truly hit  home.  When so many businesses out there are struggling and I'm trying to help them come back on top, why do so many people say so many hateful things?

It is so true what they say, that with success you make many enemies.  It's unfortunate that some of those enemies are the ones closes to us that don't understand what we do and fear there own success.  Yes we may sound like a fortunate cookie sometimes but if I am able to inspire just one person the same way I have been inspired then I have accomplished one random act of kindness. 

Dream Big and Never Say No!

Monday, April 4, 2011

The Beginning

So after putting it off for so long..I decided to start exploring, seriously exploring, how to start writing a book. I know I'm in for a long hall but I know I can also do it with all the support I get. I'm excited about completing my MBA program and embarking on the next chapter of my life.

to be continued...

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Vegan Day 2

Well I must admit I've seen a difference in my sleeping habits in only 24 hours. It was much easier to sleep than normal. I also feel more energetic in one day. I had toast this morning with coffee. Lunch I had a wide variety of fruit, I over killed the fruit category. Tomorrow I'm planning on having a more filling meal combined with a beet salad, beans with rice, nuts and a lot more I just thought of.

For dinner last night I had a veggie wrap and fries! Yum!

Wish me luck!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Vegan Weeek

So today I embark on a much needed journey for a healthier week. Thanks to Lizette Reyes, I'm inspired to try to go vegan for just one week. Just thinking about it stresses me out. I first didn't realize the different types of vegans there are out there. A vegan that does no dairy, a select vegan that does only fish, a raw vegan that does uncooked meals and so forth.

I didn't realize I would annoy myself hearing myself whine about everything in my fridge that is not vegan friendly. It appears that not even the olive oil mayo in my fridge is vegan.

So this morning I tossed backed in forth what to eat for breakfast, so I figured I had artificial milk powder for my coffee, check, organic pound cake, not so check, until I realized it's made with eggs and butter too. :(

For lunch, fruit, pasta and oh yeah yogurt...put then I'm thinking, isn't pasta made with eggs and yogurt with milk. I can't seem to win either way. I'll have see what I can do to get past this hurdle but I'm determined to try to go vegan. :)

Sunday, March 20, 2011

God is Good


It's amazing how God puts the right people in your path right when you need them. I feel that the resolution I prayed for a little over three years ago has just been an ongoing blessing for the last three years. I love that I'm able to connect with so many people and touch so many lives at the same time.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Staying Strong

I embarked on this new journey not knowing what to expect. Touching the lives of so many business owners but most importantly High School Students. I've come to realize even more now how much these kids look to be in an environment where they can be acknowledged for what they do.

I look at the remaining volleyball players on our Matrix League Team and am in awe of their dedication. These girls are college bound and will do whatever it takes to achieve their dreams.

I thought I was teaching them something but they have taught me to keep moving forward.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Think BIG in 2011!

If you ask it shall happen!

So many things have happened over the course of three months. Not only did I start my own IL Non-Profit Atheletic Club but I've add Event Planner to the mix. Using my event planning skills and community outreach, I've partnered with wedding vendors and am now running Bridal Expos in addition to helping other local communities raise money for their programs.

April 10th marks the first of many Bridal Expos to come. I still am amazed at the fact that this is real.

Please help spread the word on our club and who we are. This month through March 15th, follow us on Facebook under Matrix League and Matrix Production and enter a chance to win a $25.00 Restaurant Gift Certificate.

Thanks for readin and thanks for supporting us!