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Ideas for a Frugal myMoneyPower Party

Lauren Chapman — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:35:04 +0000

So you’ve already sent out invites the to your friends, family members, and co-workers. Now you’re at the point where you’re wondering: “How am I going to pull this off on a budget?”. myMoneyPower is all about saving and generating money, and it is designed to be as light as possible on your checkbook. Here are some ideas and resources to help you host a myMoneyPower Party and save even more money in the process.

Here’s a short checklist:

Atmosphere: It is always a good idea to create a pleasant setting for your guests. It will make them feel welcomed, comfortable, and relaxed. This will allow them to experience a myMoneyPower party in the proper setting, a fun one! The first step is to make sure you clean and tidy up your house. This act of hospitality will go a long way to impress your guests. You can use homemade cleaners from vinegar, baking soda, and water to avoid purchasing unnecessarily expensive cleaners. The second stop is to have enough seating to accommodate all your guests comfortably. Preferably in the same area so that you can keep every guest feeling included. If you don’t have enough seating, ask your guests if they don’t mind bringing a chair or two. If you are still short chairs, you should be able to rent some for less than a dollar each a day. Music is also always a good mood setter; just make sure that the music doesn’t drown-out the chit-chat between your guests. Make your CD/playlist selection available to your guest so that there is opportunity for your guest to play their “favorite song.” As always, the radio is always a good option if you don’t feel like being a DJ. This includes internet radio, Pandora is easily one of the best free online music options out there. Another great idea, light a couple of candles that have a pleasant scent. However, you don’t want to get carried away with lighting too many….it’s not Valentine’s Day.

Decorations: Adding a little decoration here and there is great, but it is not a necessary to fill your whole house with streamers and balloons. For a myMoneyPower party, I would leave it simple and concentrate more on a center piece or two. I love making my very own flower centerpieces. They can be very inexpensive if you just use your resources around you and get creative! Try incorporating your natural surroundings or seasonal elements. Take a stroll down your block and pick some wild flowers, greenery, and even berries. If you don’t have time or any flowers around you, then there are plenty of beautiful and cheap flowers at your local super market. The dollar store is always a great option for party supplies. They have a bunch of fun little knick-knacks to place around your home. Decorating is all about the overall presentation and if you have cleaned your home that’s more than half of it, so there is no need to fret about crazy decorations. If you have a co-host this would be a great time to collaborate!

Party Snacks: Finger foods and drinks are always a good idea to impress your guests. Cheese and crackers are always a hit and I strongly suggest it. It’s quick, easy, and depending on which cheese you buy, it should be fairly cheap! Slice the cheese into semi-thin pieces and lay the cheese and crackers out on a good sized serving plate along with some fruits such as grapes, strawberries, or kiwi. Finger sandwiches are another idea, just get a loaf of bread and make a few different sandwiches to account for the different tastes of your guest. Cut the sandwiches diagonally to make little triangle shaped bites. An easy dessert is to make a batch of cookies for the guests to enjoy. Oh what fun! For drinks, I would have a nice variety to suit the guests’ taste. Water, kool-Aid, soda, sweet tea, beer, and wine are among the popular favorites.

Icebreakers: It’s always a good idea to play a couple of fun games to keep your guest entertained, especially when the guests may not know each other that well. Establishing a social setting and breaking the ice will ensure your party gets off to a great start. Charades is always a fun game to play, but make sure that each person has a partner! Playing cards is a great way to entertain as well. I’m not really up on games but there is a great website with a bunch of fun icebreaker games for everyone to enjoy: http://www.divinedinnerparty.com/icebreaker-games-for-small-groups.html

Another site I find to be useful is Evite® @ www.evite.com. They have plenty of ideas to help get you started. Anything from invitations and party snacks to party supplies! I highly recommend this site!

Photo Credit: Orphanjones

Do you have any ideas for a frugal party?

Veggie Pizza Recipe

Lauren Chapman — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:17:35 +0000

This veggie pizza recipe is my favorite for entertaining large parties. I have quite of few friends who are vegetarians and they love this pizza. As soon as I serve the pizza it seems to disappear in minutes!

Serves 30

What you’ll need:

4 (8 ounce) refrigerated crescent roll pkgs

2 (8 ounce) cream cheese pkgs (softened)

2 cups of sour cream

2 (1 ounce) pkg of ranch dressing mix

½ teaspoon of garlic salt

2 cups of freshly chopped broccoli

2 stalks of celery (finely sliced)

1 ½ cup of finely chopped mushrooms

2 cups of chopped tomatoes

Etc… the vegetables are really your choice

Directions:

Spread crescent rolls onto 2 cookie sheets, (whatever is necessary to roll the dough out) flat. Bake as directed per the crescent pkg. Once baked, let it cool.

Mix the sour cream, dill weed, garlic salt, cream cheese, & ranch dressing mix in a medium to large mixing bowl. Evenly spread the mixture onto your cooled crescent crust. Place your chopped veggies on top. Let your pizza sit in the fridge for at least a half hour to an hour.

Before serving, cut into squares. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Easy & Cheap Pico de Gallo Party Dip Recipe

Maria Hinson — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:53:21 +0000

Over the years of throwing parties, I have found that my Pico de Gallo recipe is liked by everyone and best of all it is quick, easy, and cheap. It serves 6-8 people.

8 firm roma tomatoes cored, seeded, and coarsely chopped

½ white onion, coarsely chopped

½ red onion, coarsely chopped

½ jalapeno, finely chopped

4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

1 lime, juiced

Handful of cilantro

Salt and Pepper

Mix ingredients together and season to taste with the salt and pepper. Let it sit in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving to let the juices marinate.

Serve with tortilla chips.

Photo Credit: fancycwabs

Mix It Up!

Anne Arbogast — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:37:51 +0000

Interested in hosting a MyMoney Power party, but not sure who to invite?

Mix It Up!

Think about a recipe and follow these simple steps: Start with Friends as they are people you enjoy telling about new ideas! Fold in your Relatives – whether it is your brother, sister or cousin-as a part of the foundation of your party’s invitees. Combine your Friends and Relatives with Acquaintances new to your social or work circle and your MyMoney Power party is well on its way! Now, Blend in your Neighbors, to join and your recipe for a great party is complete. Wait! Don’t forget to tell your invited guests to bring their spouse! Top off your party with your MyMoney Power Representative and you have a MyMoney Power Party invitation list!

MyMoney Power offers two easy options for sending invitations – via email or a postcard – and you can ask your MyMoney Power Representative to help you with either option. Be sure to take some time a few days before the MyMoney Power party to remind everyone to attend – it won’t be a party without them!

Photo Credit: redjar

Do you have any tips for a myMoneyPower Party?

Affordable Party Foods

Scott Reynolds — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:29:10 +0000

You don’t have to whip out the old chips and salsa next time you have a get together. I found some easy recipes that cost less than $5 or $10. Both your guests and your bank account will love these finger foods.

Modified Pigs In A Blanket

Put your own spin on this savory All-American finger food by substituting ordinary frankfurters with succulent kielbasa. You’ll need one roll of frozen crescent rolls and a package of kielbasa, both of which you can purchase for less than $5. Cut kielbasa into 1 inch to 3 inch sections. Unroll crescent rolls and cut to slices large enough to wrap around the kielbasa slices once. Place in the oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the “pigs in a blanket” begin to turn golden brown.

Deviled Eggs

Piping the yolk mixture into egg white halves provides a formal touch that makes deviled eggs seem a bit more “expensive” than they truly are. Deviled eggs can be prepared for under $5, and in less than one hour. You’ll need 12 hard boiled eggs that have been halved and yolks removed, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, a finely chopped red bell pepper and a piping bag with an attached star tip. Place the cooked yolks, mustard, mayonnaise, cayenne pepper and red bell pepper in a large bowl. Mix with a large spoon until all ingredients have been evenly incorporated. Transfer the yolk mixture into a piping bag with a star tip and pipe the yolk mixture into the 24 empty egg white halves.

Quesadillas

You can create these tasty quesadillas for just under $10. You’ll need pita bread, lunch meat, cheese and mustard. Prepare the quesadillas by spreading mustard on one side of each pita and add three slices of lunch meat and a handful of grated cheese. Cover with a second pita and transfer onto a heated grill. Cook until cheese begins to melt slightly. Flip the quesadillas and allow to cook for an additional three minutes, or until cheese is fully melted. Remove from grill and cut into four slices.

Cheap and Tasty Recipe: Nachitos

Jed Azinger — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:32:41 +0000

This is a tasty and economical appetizer for any occasion. There are several variations and you can add toppings of your choice. Each sheet pan serves about 6 people and each plate will serve 3.

Ingredients

One large bag of Restaurant Style Tortilla chips (I prefer white corn chips but either will do)
Black beans (Dry or Canned), or Bean Dip, or Re-Fried Beans
Roma Tomatoes (4 or 5)
1 lb of Mexican Blend Cheese
1 Jar of Diced or Sliced Jalapenos
1 Onion (Diced)

Directions

I like to start with dry black beans soaked in water overnight.
Drain the water and add new water and a dash of salt and bring to a boil. (Prepare according to label.) Simmer for about an hour.
Drain off excess water and mash beans into a paste.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Spread tortilla chips in a single layer on a sheet pan.
Spread a small amount of bean paste on each tortilla chip. Distribute diced tomatoes over chips. Sprinkle a liberal amount of shredded cheese over chips and place on middle rack in oven. Place a sliced jalapeno pepper on each chip if desired.
Now bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until cheese is completely melted.

Jalapenos and/or diced onions can also be added after cooking. Serve immediately with salsa and sour cream of your choice.

Shortcuts

You can use canned bean dip or refried beans for fast preparation.

This also works well in the microwave. Simply spread chips on a microwave safe plate prepare as described and cook for about two minutes. For a bigger party prepare the plates as much as an hour in advance.

Photo Credit: betancourt

Easy & Cheap Pico de Gallo Party Dip Recipe
Veggie Pizza Recipe
Affordable Party Foods

New Years Party on a Budget

Lauren Chapman — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 22:15:59 +0000

With the holiday frenzy finally off your back, you find that the New Year is right around the corner. If you are planning to host a New Year’s party this year be sure to keep a budget in mind. Here are some quick and easy tips that will enable you to throw a great New Year’s party without emptying your wallet.

1. Limit the amount of guest attending. It’s simple logic; the more people that are invited, the more food, drinks, and party favors that need to be supplied. Plus you will be able to enjoy your company on a more personal level.

2. Make your own decorations. Get creative! I know it sounds like a lot of work but it may turn out to be a fun project for you and your co-host. You would be surprised with how many things you can make with construction paper: hats, confetti, shapes to hang from the sealing. Confetti is easy to make, use a paper hole puncher and punch out any color you want! You can put the confetti in balloons and pop them at midnight! There are many DIY decoration ideas @ ehow.com (love this site!).

3. Party Favors. Things like noise makers, funny glasses, and candy can be purchased at the Dollar Store or Wal-Mart. You can decorate brown bags with your guest names on them and fill them up with goodies.

4. Food & Drink. When you send out your invitations make sure that you include B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Beer). Request that your company bring one finger food dish as well. That will cut your cost in half right there! Some finger foods that the guests could bring are crackers and cheese, fruit, and little sandwiches. You still will want to have a dish or two of your own but with a little help from your guests it shouldn’t be such an ordeal. A potluck party is always alright, people love to share their family recipes.

When planning your New Year’s party, remember that it’s all about having fun. You don’t need to buy expensive decorations, food, and drinks to celebrate! Keep in mind what the New Year’s party is about; celebrating the start of a New Year with the people who mean most to you!

Feel free to share your tips below and have a Happy New Year!

Photo Credit: Optical_Illusion

Halloween Party on a Budget

Derek Allen — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:07:27 +0000

Halloween is right around the corner and you don’t have to break the bank to throw a really good party. Follow these tips and you could have your monster bash for as little as $20.

Preparation

If you have to buy anything, save money by shopping at your local Dollar Store.
Save money on invitations by doing them online. If all of your friends are on facebook, create an event and invite them. If not, use a website like evite or mypunchbowl. They have tons of Halloween invitations you can use for free.

Food

Plan the party to start after dinner. You will only have to worry about providing light snacks and drinks.
Ask the guests to bring their favorite snack, candy, or drink. If everyone brings a little something you don’t have to spend anything!
If you do plan on providing candy or snacks, buy it in bulk. Use the leftovers for Trick or Treaters.
Use gummy worms or food coloring to add a creepy accent to your food. You can even stick the worms in ice cubes; Be creative!

Decorations

Use extra cardboard you have laying around to create decorations. Cut out tombstones or bats and decorate them with some craft paint.
Cover the furniture with extra white sheets. Not only will it turn your home into a haunted house, it will protect your furniture from spills.
Go outside and take advantage of the season. Use leaves or twigs to add to the haunted theme.
Utilize creative lighting and shadows to create a creepy ambiance.
Save money by using dry ice instead of a fog machine. You can find it at your local grocery for fairly cheap. Be careful handling it.
Save and re-use decorations for next year.

Activities

There are tons of scary movies airing during October. A lot of stations will air marathons around Halloween. Save money by leaving the TV on these stations instead of buying a couple of movies for the party.
Save money on music by playing music off of your iPod or tuning into a radio station. You could even ask a friend to bring some Halloween music. Everyone has that friend with a crazy music collection. If playing it from a computer is an option, create a Halloween station on Pandora, or search for movie soundtracks on MoMuPl. They are both absolutely free to use.
Have each guest or couple bring a pumpkin to carve. Turn it into a contest and offer a novelty prize for the winner.

Costumes

Save money on a costume by coming up with a cheap and easy solution. Be one of your favorite characters from a TV show or movie.
You don’t have to spend a fortune buying a Halloween costume ensemble. Shop at Goodwill or a consignment center for used items. You’re only going to wear it once, why spend a lot?
Be creative and use word play. Throw on a ribbon and a gift tag that says, “God’s Gift to Women/Men”. Or put on some scrubs and a name tag that says, “Dr. Acula”. The possibilities are endless.

Don’t forget, a Halloween party is a great opportunity to earn some extra cash. Take 30 minutes out of the event to throw a myMoneyPower party and share some financial ideas with your guests. You could earn as much as $100 with little to no extra preparation. More information is available here.

The key to spending less on your Halloween party is being creative. Think outside the box for new and clever ways to cut the cost out of Halloween. I hope you enjoy your Halloween party and if you have any other tips for a cheap Halloween party or costume ideas share them below!

Photo Credit: hanna_horwarth