Avon Product Review & Start Selling Avon for Only $20

I have been an Avon customer for years and years and love the quality, the price and selection of Avon products.  I have purchased products from the high end department stores as well as the really cheap stuff you can find.  Above it all, I have found that Avon products delivers the quality that I'm looking for at a price that I can afford.  When I had the opportunity to become an AVONdreamers Ambassador, I was really interested in spreading the word about Avon products.  I'm not getting paid and although I might get some incentive prizes, I feel as a blogger with readers that I just want to share my love for Avon.  If you haven't checked out Avon lately, you really should as you will be amazed at what they have to offer to include convenience.

There are so many products available from Avon to not only make you prettier but also to help you stay healthy from trimmer shorts to exercise shoes to scrubs.  The best thing of all, products through Avon are great for those on a budget.  They even have an outlet area online to save more money while making yourself look and feel better.

Check out these great Valentine's Day gift ideas:

 

If you are like me, you have contemplated selling Avon but haven't made that jump quite yet.  I have too many irons in the fire to start currently but to date, I have one person become an Avon Representative which is exciting.  Avon sells itself given its reputation for quality.  I also like that Avon has top celebrities helping them with campaigns that affect us as a society such as breast cancer.

I wanted to share some of my favorite Avon products:

Glazewear Lip Gloss on sale right now for $2.99!



It goes on smooth, looks great and has no taste as you know how unpleasant it is to lick your lips and forget you have lip products on when it tastes nasty.  I also like that it doesn't gunk up on your lips like some do so you don't have that sticky feel.  It also lasts a good amount of time.  The colors are perfect for that light pretty appearance.

Frizz Control Lotus Shield



This is an excellent product for those of us that weren't born with straight hair.  It really helps to keep the frizzies away while leaving your hair soft and shiny.  As with all frizz controllers, you can't put on too much otherwise you will get that weighed down heavy look.  It's perfect and a small bottle goes a long way.

Skin So Soft Bug Guard



Although not needed since most of the country has snow, this little bottle of power keeps away those pesky bugs while making your skin feel soft.  My dad loves this product due to all the mosquitoes they have.  It has a pleasant odor and not offensive like most bug repellents have.

Those are some of my favorites and I'll post more.

Check out Avon today or you can look up a representative to come to your house.  Either way, Avon is convenient and fun!

Want to start a career with Avon, let me know!



*Disclosure:  I am an AVONdreamers Ambassador.  I was not compensated for this post and I am a customer of Avon.

My Ideal US Family Great Getaway

Tis the season to start thinking about those family vacations or if you are like me, you want to start planning as soon as you returned from your last one.  Trying to find the perfect or ideal vacation can be hard especially if you are strapped financially like most.  I try to find getaways that are not going to take a lot of our cash yet give us some optimal fun.  When you think about all the possibilities, it's really not too hard to come up with creative ideas.  As part of my participation with SocialMoms teaming up with Alamo, here is my ideal getaway.

Although there are many great ideal getaways, I can think of a few that would really bring us some good solid family fun along with the ability to make great memories.  I have been to many foreign lands and have been around the United States so my experience helps me come up with something that I find as creative yet memorable.  I think an ideal vacation for my family would be taking a scenic route around the historical south.  We enjoy history so having the ability to tour old civil war sights, museums and other areas of interest would really peak all of our interests.  The great thing about visiting sights via a car, it allows impromptu trips to national parks and other natural areas of interest.  It's amazing the memories you can preserve with the diversity of natural formations, monuments in honor of our veterans and the many other points of interests along the way.


Many of the memories I have growing up didn't involve expensive vacations to places like Hawaii, although extremely nice, rather they were road trips camping or to visit national parks.  When you plan a getaway that involves camping out or even staying in hotels along the way, it expands the family time you have together and allows for easy games such as singing in the car, the license plate game and I Spy.  It's amazing how something so simple can end up being priceless.  I will admit that our last trip to Disney was quite memorable too but I think a change of pace is nice too.

Another feature of a getaway like this includes activities that you can do as a family from taking pictures to include in a scrapbook to natural pieces each family member finds such as fossils, leaves to make leaf impressions.   Our American history is rich and educational.  By including something of such prevalence into our children's lives is an excellent way to encourage interest in something vital to our future.  Not only does it teach about our past but it teaches how to spend time as a family with creative and innovative ways.

********

About Alamo

Founded in 1974, Alamo Rent A Car is a value-oriented, internationally recognized brand serving the rental needs of airport leisure travelers. Alamo offers low rental rates and a hassle-free customer experience at the most popular travel destinations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Latin America and Asia. In addition, Alamo customers in the U.S. are able to conveniently choose their own vehicles, based upon their advance reservation and requested car class, and then simply drive away from the airport.

The Alamo membership club, Alamo Insiders, offers its members numerous perks including exclusive, member-only deals, quick and simple reservations, and frequent traveler miles with each rental.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Alamo blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here

The Little Shepherd Boy

by Cheryl Malandrinos Book Review


The Little Sheperd by Cheryl Malandrinos and illustrated by Eugene Ruble is a delightful children's book that chronics the story of Obed, who is guarding his first flock of sheep, in the hills outside of Bethlehem. Obed experiences angels who appear to announce the Savior's birth.  Struggling with following the others to see the new King or staying behind to watch his sheep, he decides to go along and witnesses a night of miracles.

The story is geared towards children as it's told in the voice of a child.  My girls enjoyed the story line and the illustrations were colorful and captivating.  The simpleness and innocence displayed is appealing for children as well as magical.  I would recommend this book anytime of the year even though Christmas would be ideal. 

_______________________________

About the Author:


Cheryl Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. A regular contributor to Writer2Writer, her articles focus on increasing productivity through time management and organization. A founding member of Musing Our Children, Ms. Malandrinos is also Editor in Chief of the group's quarterly newsletter, Pages & Pens.

Cheryl is a Tour Coordinator for Pump Up Your Book Promotion, a book reviewer, and blogger. Her first children's book, "Little Shepherd", was released in August 2010 by Guardian Angel Publishing. Ms. Malandrinos lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband, three children, and five cats.

*Disclosure:  As part of my participation in the World of Ink January tour featuring author Cheryl Malandrinos, I received a complimentary e-book for the Little Shepherd.  The book tour is part of VC Grenier - Stores for Children Publishing's new idea in promoting authors a great way to introduce their books.  

Zulily's One Year Anniversary & Special Savings Code 1/26 - 1/31

I shop at many of the sample sites to get a bargain on some great looking items.  I've been a shopper for over a year and have been generally happy with what I get.  I used to check prices to ensure I was getting a good deal and I always do since the sample sites tend to offer up the same great looking products for a fraction of the cost.  Zulily is one of my favorite sites to get a great deal on products that usually center around children, moms and the home.

This Thursday marks the one year anniversary of Zulily which has been fun watching them grow since I joined in about a year ago taking advantage of some of the great deals.  If you haven't checked them out, you should and join the other 1.5 million others who have signed up.  

You can even save $10 with your first $50 order by using coupon code ZFSTBDAY10 (valid from 1/26-1/31).

Here are some of the great deals you will find starting on Thursday:

Birthday Extravaganza Boutique

Featuring Top Birthday Gifts for Every Age

  

1^st BIRTHDAY

Maya Organics Rattles

Among moms and child development experts, it’s well known that helping baby grow and build critical thinking skills start early.  Some of the simplest of toys that encourage touch and play (even chewing) help baby start to evaluate the world around him/her.  Rattles, noisemakers and simple toys that utilize contrasting colors help stimulate baby’s mind and encourage giggles.  Organic toys by Maya Organics are durable, beautiful and non-toxic.

2^nd BIRTHDAY

Squeaky Sneakers

Mobility!  At this age, kids have their feet firmly on the ground and are running running running.  We suggest playthings that can keep pace with those little legs. Squeaky Sneakers are great options or other toys that encourage movement or dance.

3^rd BIRTHDAY

Balance bike

There's no reason to wait until your kids are four or five to teach them how to ride a bike. There's also no reason to go with the false sense of security that training wheels create. Get your little one a balance bike instead. Developed for ages two to six years, these bikes have no pedals. Kids scoot them along and learn balance, agility and confidence as they go. Let's ride!

4^th BIRTHDAY

Bazoongi Play Tent

After you shop for Bazoongi products, your family's playroom will be bursting with fun. The folks behind Bazoongi want to knock your socks off with their quality, craftsmanship and in-house design. Their goal is to create goods that will last for kids to outgrow them and pass them on rather than demolishing them within a few play sessions. We love the whimsical imagery and lively colors they use.

5^th BIRTHDAY

Kidkraft Kitchen

The folks at KidKraft believe every kid is an individual with a limitless capacity to create and explore. Their goal is to inspire the power of imagination through unique and creative heirloom-quality toys and room furnishings. Designed by engineers, these pieces are well-made to the core. KidKraft's durable, high-quality toys and furniture stand up to hours of play.

6^th BIRTHDAY

Power Capes

Start a crime-fighting super-family with these amazing capes, tees, masks, and cuffs. Sized to fit ages two and up (some of us adults here at zulily tried on the "hero" size cape, mask and cuffs, and found them a blast to wear!), everyone can get in on the action. Choose your signature hero color and emblem, place your order, and soon it'll be "up, up, and away!" Now all you need is a hero name.

7^th BIRTHDAY

Zoobooks

Zoobooks is the all-in-one, everything-you-wanted-to-know-but-didn't-know-who-to-ask guide to the world's most fascinating animals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Zoobooks magazines are skillfully designed to enhance your child's learning potential through words, pictures, and interactive activities. Parents and teachers trust Zoobooks to educate kids... strengthening their vocabulary and reading habits. Kids just think the magazines are cool!

8^th BIRTHDAY

Dollie & Me outfits

Two is better than one! Dollie & Me knows the perfect outfit is twice as nice when it's shared. They create adorable clothes and accessories in girl sizes, and then make a tiny matching version for her favorite doll. Pretty party dresses, jumpers, cool tunics and leggings don't just make her feel doubly pretty, but they encourage friendship and help develop active imaginations.

9^th BIRTHDAY

Mouthman

Admit it, these shirts are cool and fun to wear for both kids AND adults. Mouth Man was Founded by Ross Valory, Original Member and Founder of the rock band Journey. Ross is Journey's noted bass player and along with Neal Schon, is the only original member of the band still performing with the group.  The original in “animated” apparel, Mouthman shirts convert from regular Ts into toothy velociraptor grins and shark smiles.

10^th BIRTHDAY

Just Jen Birthday T-shirts

You get one day a year that belongs to you - make the most of it with a Birthday t shirt that sparkles. Choose from our Birthday Girl, Sweet 16, Birthday Cake, or Birthday Age designs. Or create your own personalized birthday t shirts online with dazzling crystals.

Arctic Ease Review and Giveaway 2/8 WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Shellie & Brutus said...

I currently use pain patches from the drugstore for discomfort. Gollowing you publicly via GFC.
fatmeatloaf1 at gmail dot com

February 7, 2011 4:56 PM 

An e-mail has been sent to Shellie who has 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be selected via random.org.  Thanks to all those who entered!

If you are into exercising, sports or are just sore from time to time.  Arctic Ease has a quick solution for you in these easy cryotherapy wraps.  Arctic Ease can be used for minor burns, bumps, bruises, muscle cramps and arthritic pain.  As their website states, "it's an ice bag without all the ice."  I find this very convenient and with it's targeted cold therapy, no need for refrigeration, eco-friendly, non-toxic wraps, a win-win for anyone. The fact you don't need to keep it refrigerated is a big plus especially for athletes and those who work out since they can be conveniently placed in your gym bag or locker.

 

Other great features for the pad include:

• Stays cold for hours
• Odorless
• Cools and doesn't freeze like ice bags do
• Conforms to the injury or sore area without having to hold in place (big plus for kids)
• Convenient and easy to use right out of the resealable bag

Other great features for the wraps include:

• Stays cold for hours
• Odorless
• Cut to fit so no waste
• Cools and doesn't freeze
• Conforms to the injury
• Convenient and easy to use right out of the resealable bag

These pads and wraps work by absorbing heat energy thus enabling a thermodynamic cycle in which heat is removed from tissue allowing for tissues to be cooled.  You can read more about application and the science behind Arctic Ease here.

The Review:

I had two women, ages 63 and 69, also try the Arctic Ease to see how it helped their arthritic pain.  They both had no complaints especially with the ease of use.  One had the pads and one had the wrap due to an old knee injury.  They both complimented the comfort of coolness over freezing sensations often experienced with plain ice packs.  They found comfort in their pain levels with one more so than the other.  Ultimately, they both recommended Arctic Ease.

I tried it on my upper arm where I seem to have reoccurring pain and loved the cooling sensation.  I have a seven year old who has migraines and I wanted to see how it felt on her forehead as she usually wants a cold compress.  It was perfect! It was enough to stay put without being sticky or leaving a sticky residue.  It was cool and not freezing cold which she really preferred as it remained cold unlike cold compressions. Overall, I recommend Arctic Ease due to the many uses it has, the ease, the comfort.

 

To find retailers who sell Arctic Ease, click here.

The Giveaway:

One winner will receive an Arctic Ease gift pack.

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me what you currently use to ease discomfort.

Extra Entries:

• Like Arctic Ease on Facebook
• Follow Arctic Ease on Twitter
• Subscribe to my blog
• Follow me on Twitter
• Like me on Facebook
• Tweet about this giveaway (two entries - can be done daily)
• Blog about this giveaway (five entries - can be done once)
• Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)

Giveaway ends 2/8 at midnight (EST) - US only please

*Disclosure:  I received complimentary product in exchange for my honest review.

Right now, you can click here to find out how to save $2.00.

Coming Soon: Valentine's Day Giveaway from My So Called Homeschool Life!

VALENTINE'S DAY GIVEAWAY

February 1 - February 7th

Enter to win some great prizes being offered from the sponsors below. As a side note, I would like to thank our sponsors for their patience and for graciously allowing us to reschedule what was to be our Christmas Giveaway. Winners will be drawn on or around February 8. Contest open to U.S. residents only please, unless otherwise stated. 

Click HERE for JUMBiES review.

Click  HERE for Glee Gum review.

Click HERE Uncommonly Cute review.

Click HERE for Mineral Hygienics review.

Click HERE for Klutz review.

Click HERE for Violight review.

Anyone Interested in a $50 Spa Your Choice Giveaway?

I received a $50 spa gift card to Spafinder and was curious if anyone was interested if I offer a giveaway for it?

You can click here to see if there is one near you:  http://www.spafinder.com/

Time to Vote for Centrum Ultra Women's America's Most Amazingly Energized Woman

Did you nominate someone for the Centrum Ultra Women's America's Most Amazingly Energized Woman?  If you did or even if you did not, it's time to vote for one of these five women here.


 

Teri Sofsky, Ocala, FL

Wonder Woman, Super Woman, and the Bionic Woman do not hold a candle to my wife, the mother of our 4 children (ages 6 months to seventeen). Her platter (not plate) is always full! Carpooling kids to school, volunteering at a local thrift store, assisting friends with odds and ends, exercising at the gym and feeding the local homeless in our community on a weekly basis are just a few of her many triumphs. Obtaining her second post-graduation degree, handles all 3am feedings, manages our household finances and cooks a family dinner most every night. She does it all thru her love for God, her family, and others. And with all of this on her plate on most every day, she still finds time to slip away and give me a little time for just ourselves. She is an incredible wife and keeps our family soo well balanced. She is my Super Hero!

Bernadette O'Brien, Glen Rock, NJ

Bernadette O'Brien, who turned 80 in November, has been my water aerobics instructor for the past three years. You never met a more energetic lady! Before she retired, she was principal of PS 9 in New York City. Since her retirement, she has become an excellent physical instruction teacher. About 40 faithfuls take her class in water aerobics twice a week at the YMHA in Wayne, NJ or in the Glen Rock, NJ pool in the summer. In addition, Bernadette teaches Yoga and Tai Chi in the water once a week. Not only that, she participates in three additional water aerobics classes at the Y every week. She even has a brown belt in karate! Bernadette makes exercise so much fun that you forget you are working out. Just today, our class (women ranging from 50 to 83) attempted synchronized swimming. Bernadette just took a test for an additional prestigious water instructor certification - the next oldest person to her taking that exam was only 29. She is a dedicated member of the Glen Rock Chapter of the Red Hat Ladies, and enjoys socializing, seeing plays, and marching in parades with her fellow members. She is a devoted grandmother to several grandchildren, including one special child who happens to be deaf. This Christmas, Bernadette is preparing to host twelve people for dinner. She will then leave for Puerto Rico, where she will study new water aerobics instruction techniques for four months with her special advisor. She always has a smile on her face and makes us smile and laugh as we become healthier under her tutelage. Bernadette is the most energetic 80-year old woman I know, and all of us in our water aerobics class think she is the perfect candidate for your award (plus, she even takes Centrum Silver).

Autumn Moricz, Pinckney, MI

Loving us and wishing nothing but happiness and prosperity for our family is what keeps my wife going. She is the most energized person I know. Around the holidays she kicks it into full gear. She works overnight from 2am to 12 noon Monday through Friday and takes care of all of us here at home. Our kids happiness comes first and she makes sure we all stay active and involved in family and our community. How she manages to work, take care of our 3 kids (with one more on the way) and still make time to be a scout leader and active volunteer at the kids school is impressive. It is all about time management and making all the pieces fall into place. With her scheduling and adventures of the day it all falls into place.

Kathleen Selman, Tampa, FL 

Kathleen Selman is the wife of an active-duty career US Army Officer, who is often deployed. They have a blended family with five children and are currently stationed on MacDill AirForce Base. Kathleen also works full-time in the healthcare field, and in her free time fosters underage kittens for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay and volunteers her time for Hope Children's Home, which houses 80 orphans. Her most important time is spent with her children though and she loves to see them happy and healthy. Weekends are packed with trips to the Zoo, the Aquarium, the Science Museum or participating in beach clean-ups. Her secret to achieving great health during the holidays: Don't stress out, have fun. Life is short. Take your Centrum Vitamin in the morning with a glass of juice and live your life without worrying about getting sick and not being able to attend all of those fun holiday events with family and friends. Her secret to balancing life and love during the holidays: When your soldier husband is able to be home during the holidays, make an amazing meal, decorate the house and make the holidays extremely fun and stress-free! Most importantly, make sure you enjoy all those little moments with you children (baking cookies, decorating the tree, viewing Christmas Lights). Life is too short not to be happy and to spend an amazing time with your family! Thank you.

Leanna Loud, Mt. Pleasant, SC

 

She wakes up in the morning, trying not to think of the first thing that enters her mind, turns her aching, beat up body and swings her legs over the edge of her bed. As her toes hit the floor, she takes a deep breath. She walks into the kitchen and sees her three children waiting and ready for breakfast. She smiles, knowing that every smile matters. She is tired, but she never wants her kids to know what it is like without her. So she pulls from within her deepest core, and finds the energy and strength to hear their laughter and help them plan their days. These are the moments that she cherishes, the reason she digs deep and finds energy every single day. Today is the walk, so after she takes time with her precious family, she pulls on her running shorts, laces up her shoes, and feels the adrenaline rise from her belly. She has $2,000 riding on her walking this race, and she refuses to let any of her donors down! She is a mom. She is a woman. She is proud. And she is a cancer fighter. Pushing through Invasive ductal carcinoma - breast cancer - as a young woman, with children and a husband to take care of, she fights to energize herself for them every day. As she walks the Susan G. Komen Walk on October 16, 2010, she inspires millions. To get up, get to it, and not live with an excuse. Live with a purpose, an energy, and a faith. She is Leanna Loud, and she is the most energized woman I have known in 2010.... by strides!

The grand prize winner will win dozens of exciting adventures to share with everyone she cares about. Four runner-ups will also win great prizes.

Limit one (1) vote per e-mail address per day. Be sure to check back on February 2, 2011 when they announce our grand prize winner! 

MultiGrain Cheerios® cereal and The Biggest Loser Club® Prize Pack Giveaway 2/8 WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

janetfaye said...

2. Tweet:
http://twitter.com/Janetfaye/status/30469952368541696

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

January 26, 2011 10:40 PM 

An e-mail has just been sent and Janet has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via random.org.  Thanks to all those who entered!

I have written many post on getting healthier this year and as I've noted before MultiGrain Cheerios® cereal and The Biggest Loser Club® are a part of my plan.  Keeping track of my food intake, exercising, soliciting the help from family and watching the Biggest Loser are key motivators in keeping me going.  This week, I've lost four pounds and I plan to get healthier once and for all.  I have my box of MultiGrain Cheerios® cereal next to me for those quick snack attacks when I just have to have something.  With only 150 calories with 1/2 cup of skim milk, I can indulge in some multiGrain goodness withi Cheerios.

With my participation in MyBlogSpark, I'm sharing my experience with MultiGrain Cheerios® cereal and my path in getting healthier.  My kids and I all watch The Biggest Loser so I am more than pleased to take part in this endeavor.  I was so dedicated into finally getting it right this time that I even created a Facebook group and have my family taking part to not only get myself healthier but them too.


MultiGrain Cheerios® cereal and The Biggest Loser Club® can help you also get started on your weight management goals with a free 7-day plan. 

With tips, advice, and inspiration, the MultiGrain Cheerios website can help you start your weight management journey. After entering the code found inside specially marked boxes of MultiGrain Cheerios cereal, you can access exclusive tools, including:

• A Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator to gauge how much weight you may need to lose or gain to be considered healthy and not at risk for serious health problems
• An exclusive 7 Day Plan that pairs daily meal plans with cardio and strength-training routines
• 15 tasty recipes that will give your body the fuel it needs to get through the day
• Daily workouts that couple cardio with mobility and resistance exercises to hit major muscle groups

Along with using the online tools, eating MultiGrain Cheerios cereal in the morning is another simple step you can take toward helping to manage weight. Studies have shown that people who eat more whole grain tend to have healthier body weights, and with 110 lightly sweetened calories per serving, MultiGrain Cheerios has more than 16 grams of whole grain per serving (48 g recommended daily) to help keep you on track for a healthier you this New Year!

You can also join in on the fun with MultiGrain Cheerios on Twitter™ during each episode of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser: Couples” Tuesday nights at 8PM EST through May 24, to connect with past contestants, share weight loss tips and discuss how to become your own Biggest Loser.  Be sure to follow @MGCheerios and use the hashtag #mgcheerios to keep up with the conversation! 

______________________________________________________________

The Giveaway:


A box of MultiGrain Cheerios cereal with an exclusive online code, a gym bag, water bottle and cereal container!

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me something you are doing to get healthier this year or who is your favorite past Biggest Loser contestant?  Mine is Mikey!

Extra Entries:

• Subscribe to my blog
• Follow me on Twitter
• Like me on Facebook
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries) "Enter to win MultiGrain Cheerios® cereal and The Biggest Loser Club® Prize Pack Giveaway 2/8 http://bit.ly/gIj8nj #myblogspark #mgcheerios"
• Blog about this giveaway (can be done twice at least 7 days apart for five entries)
• Enter any of my other giveaways

Giveaway ends 2/8 at midnight (EST) - US only please

Disclosure:  Cheerios provided me with the product and information through MyBlogSpark.