Fragrances 101

Ancient perfumery has a 4,000 year history, and fragrance chemistry has used a variety of herbs, spices, flowers, resins, woods and even animal materials.

Fragrance Concentrations

Fragrance concentration is the percentage of "aromatic compounds", and determines how long a scent will last and how strong it will be. From most strong and lasting to least strong and lasting:

• parfum, up to 40% aromatics, lasting up to 8 hours
• esprit de parfum, up to 30% aromatics, lasting up to 6 hours
• eau de parfum, up to 20% aromatics, lasting up to 5 hours
• eau de toilette, up to 15% aromatics, lasting up to 4 hours
• cologne, up to 10% aromatics, lasting up to 2 hours

Avon has eau de parfum, eau de toilette and cologne.

Chemists classify "aromatic compounds" by their molecular structure, in categories like "ester", "terpenes", "amines", "aldehydes", and "ketones". But we like to refer to scents by their main aromas, like rose, jasmine, orange blossoms, greens, and musk (respectively). It is the scent ingredients that are often the most alluring, and we love to take in the aroma of a unique blend, like blackberry, rose and vanilla.

Apply Fragrances at Pulse Points

If you love fragrances, your fragrance should be applied at pulse points:

• behind the ears
• on the neck
• at the inner wrists
• the inside elbows
• behind the knees. 

Applying too much fragrance is not only unnecessary, it can also create allergen problems for others around you. If you apply the fragrances just to your pulse points, you enjoy the aroma on your own body, and you smell "nice" to others close to you, but you will not overpower others with scents they may react to.

Layering Fragrances

Help your fragrance last all day by layering it with same scent shower gels, bath oils and body lotion.  Avon has these for many of their fragrances!

Fragrance Notes

Fragrance notes are the combinations of aromatic compounds that work together to create beautiful aromas. They are layered and designed to release over time and in response to body heat.

• Top Notes: Your first impression of the fragrance. What you smell right away, it also evaporates right away. Usually a light scent. 
• Middle Notes: The heart or substance of the fragrance. This is a pleasant and smooth odor that will carry the fragrance.
• Base Notes: The body of the fragrance, that will last the longest. This is the scent you will have at the end of the day.

Did You Know? Your body chemistry actually changes a fragrance when you apply it. So, the same fragrance will smell different on different people! Avon fragrance samples instruct you to apply the fragrance to the wrist, because the body heat at pulse points help to amplify the scent, and it will help you determine how it smells on you, whereas a scratch and sniff or smelling the sample itself wouldn't.

Current Perfume Trends?

Light floral scents are in for fall, as are earthy, spicy, "global" scents.

Layering different fragrances to create your own unique blend is definitely in, though it does take some trial and error to get your own perfect scent just right!

You don't wear the same clothes every day, so why wear the same fragrance every day? On trend right now is having a wardrobe of different scents to wear based on mood or destination.

Serious personalization is very trendy, if you can afford it! There are many companies offering personal mixology so you can create your very own scent. Some even have bottle and logo design to go along with your aromatic chemistry experiment!

August's Birthstone: Precious Peridot

August’s birthstone is precious peridot. The peridot birthstone ring is sterling silver with a round center 3/4 ct. Peridot with shining CZ embellishment. Peridot symbolizes balance and healing. Introductory price of $29.99 (will be $59.99)

 

Lip Crayons To Color In The Lines

My first thought when I saw lip crayons: What the hay is a lip crayon and why would I use it?

Then I realized... it's lip balm, lip stick, lip gloss and lip pencil ALL IN ONE! Mind. Blown.

When I have a busy work or mom day, I still need to reapply my _fillintheblanklipthing_. I admit, I do not use a mirror. Like, ever. I'm just winging that lip color application. Which is one reason I really like these lip crayons! They are so easy to apply, and I don't need a mirror to know that it's looking good.

 

So let's talk about these cute little crayons. They are easy to hold, and easy to apply. It's like a crayon. A four year old can do it! SO easy and fun to color in the lines.

Bonus, they even add hydration with the Vitamin E and Shea Butter.

Avon has just released 7 new CREAM shades, for extra creamy lips... so it's sort of more like an oil pastel than a Crayola!

July's Birthstone: Radiant Ruby

July’s birthstone is radiant ruby. The ruby birthstone ring is sterling silver with a gorgeous 3/4 carat princess cut simulated ruby in the center surrounded by CZs. I adore the flowery look to this cut and CZ setting. Ruby symbolizes devotion, integrity, courage, and happiness. Introductory price of $29.99 (will be $59.99)

Anti DV Anthem

Madonna's "Unapologetic Bitch" might just be my new anti-domestic violence anthem.

There have been others...
Katy Perry "By the Grace of God"
Florence and the Machine "Shake it Out"
Dresden Dolls "Delilah" (a personal favorite, mainly because it's Amanda Palmer)
Foo Fighters "Best of You"
Alanis Morissette "Sympathetic Character"
Pretty much every song Ani DiFranco has written.

There are more. Why are there so many?

Summer Skincare Workshop

This is information archived from my Summer Skincare Workshop Facebook event on June 28th. 

My Skin Story

For a long time, I never did anything for my skin. Like, I would clean my face of course, but I never wore moisturizer or makeup. Then I realized that my skin was getting damaged.

Everyone was always yelling at me to wear sunscreen in the summer (which I did!) but it didn't matter. I would burn to a bright lobster red anyway... it didn't matter how much sunscreen, what SPF or how frequently I reapplied it... Red. And after the burn and the red... peeling. Not fun.

My face wasn't much better. That was also red all the time. I would flush (it sort of looks like blushing) but it was more than just embarrassment; my face would flush red in reaction to almost anything: cold, heat, changes in temperature, alcohol, and, yes, adrenalin. So I started wearing makeup to cover the red. I actually would shop for a concealer with a green tone and slather that on my cheeks and neck to cover the red. (Color theory: green and red are opposite on the color wheel and green neutralizes the red.) After I realized that product (!) could actually help my appearance and confidence, I started paying more attention to my skin.

7 Things That Damage Skin

Skin Type Tissue Test

SPF and Photoaging

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor.  For basic protection, SPF 15 is ideal. Higher SPFs only offer a small percentage more of protection. And here's a dirty secret: SPF only protects against UVB. UVA also causes sun damage and skin cancer.

Ultraviolet light from the sun is categorized based on wavelength. UVA is long wave, UVB is short wave, and UVC doesn't penetrate the ozone.

In order to be protected from UVA rays, you have to see one of these phrases on your sunscreen product: multi spectrum, broad spectrum or UVA/UVB protection. These products will contain either a chemical UVA protective ingredient (like a somethingbenzone - there are several - or Ecamsule) or a physical UVA protective ingredient, like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

Photoaging is the lifetime accumulation of skin damage as a direct result of sun exposure (or tanning UV rays). There is actually a really fascinating anecdotal evidence of a truck driver who has photoaging effects clearly visible on the left side of his face. So, his face is significantly damaged and wrinkled, dry, and rough as a direct result of being exposed to sun on the left side of his vehicle because he spent so much time in the driver's seat! Crazy, right? Google "Bill McElligott".

UVB rays can penetrate the epidermis, is what causes sunburns, initiates the skin to produce melanin and can contribute to skin cancer.

UVA rays can penetrate deeper, into the dermis. Here, the skin's collagen and elastin can be damaged, and over time the dermis thins, causing the epidermis layer to droop and sag.

Sunburns are the initial clue that the sun has damaged the skin. However, signs of early photoaging can also include melanin production in spots (think freckles), the new presence of spider veins, and wrinkles that form around the eyes and mouth. Long term photoaging effects are seen more visibly as deep wrinkles, spider veins around the nose, rough skin texture, and most frightening, the presence of skin abnormalities that could signal skin cancer.

Sun is a significant contributor to skin aging: wrinkles, dry skin and age spots (increased melanin). Most skin damage from the sun happens during the summer. A single, simple way to prevent sun damage is sunscreen. SPF of 15 or higher, apply a lot, reapply frequently especially if you are sweating or swimming, choose one with broad spectrum protections (which has chemical or physical ingredients to protect from UVA as well as UVB). Use lip balm with an SPF. Wear hats, sunglasses and UV reflecting clothing. Make sure ears, neck, elbows and knees are covered. Men, women AND children/ white, ruddy, brown AND black skin all need sun protection (while darker skin have more melanin which acts as an SPF, and dark skin tans more than burns, sun damage is still occurring and skin cancer still is a risk!).

Skincare Solutions

How do you find solutions to your skincare problems? Well, you can:

1. Try your local drugstore, 
2. Look in Ulta, 
3. Browse high end department stores, 
4. See a dermatologist (especially important if you think you have something that might be skin cancer), 
5. Ask a friend about skincare products she recommends!

Photoaging and the Importance of Sunscreen

What is Photoaging?

Skin can be damaged by the sun. Over time, this sun damage creates wrinkles, fine lines, and coarse texture. What's happened is that UVA has actually damaged the collagen in the layers of skin. In addition, "age spots" are actually spots of melanin production as a result of sun exposure!

What are UV rays?

The sun creates ultraviolet light in long waves (UVA) and short waves (UVB). UVB rays are what causes sunburns, and UVA rays are what cause long term damage. Both UVA and UVB can be blocked by a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more.

Slather on the Sunscreen

The bad news is, the sun can and does cause skin cancer. (I have fair skin and I'm terrified of the results of a few severe sunburns in my lifetime.) The best way to prevent sunburns, photoaging and skin cancer is the apply sunscreen liberally. Like, a real lot!

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/06/when-you-really-need-a-face-sunscreen/index.htm

Work Hard. Make Pretty.

I work hard running our little homestead. House maintenance, gardening, chicken care, fighting the forest, not to mention taking care of the family and working full time... it's a lot of hard work!

Today, I used the edge trimmer to cut back all the super high weeds growing all around our property. My hands are shaking now and I can't really lift anything fragile for fear of dropping it and breaking it.

Afterwards, getting clean and pretty was so very satisfying. There is something to be appreciated about working or playing hard, getting all sweaty and dirty and then getting clean and pretty when you're done.

C is for Color (ABCs of Beauty)

B is for Beauty (ABCs of Beauty)

June Birthstone: Precious Pearl

June's birthstone is precious pearl. The pearl birthstone ring is sterling silver with a genuine Freshwater Pearl. It is set in a lovely flourish CZ embellished diamond shaped setting. Pearls symbolize affection, happiness, and generosity. Introductory price of $29.99 (will be $59.99)

 

Birthstone rings available:

January Garnet

February Amethyst

March Aquamarine

April White Topaz

May Emerald

A is for Avon (ABCs of Beauty)

Pineappley Goodness

I just used this pineapple slicer to cut a whole pineapple, and ermahgerd it is the coolest thing!

Soooo easy to use, made perfect rings and no mess. Even my husband said it's a pretty cool gadget.

 

Did you know pineapple has tons of Vitamin C? And that the pineapple is a colonial symbol of hospitality? Plus... yummy.

Simple Skincare for Men

Skincare shouldn't be complicated for anyone. Cleanse, Moisturize, Treat... right? Men face (heh.. face) some unique challenges when caring for their facial skin. Namely, HAIR!

Facial hair requires shaving, or maintenance. Shaving can cause irritation, dry skin, and other annoyances. Anew men will help avoid those annoyances!

Shave
Shave gel with aloe and vitamin e keeps shaving smooth. After shave with aloe helps the shave feel great.

Cleanse
2 in 1 gel cleanser keeps the oils and dirt away.

Moisturize
Lotion with SPF 50 focuses on the number one factor for aging skin in men: SUN! UVA causes damage to the skin, and this lotion with SPF and antioxidants is a true fighter. For dry skin, men can choose the moisturizing cream.

Treat
Even men's eyes need some TLC sometimes. This will help dark circles, crow's feet or other skin concerns that make you look a little older than you need to.

Incredible new skincare options for men!

May Birthstone: Mesmerizing Emerald

May's birthstone is mesmerizing emerald. This ring has 1/2 carat weight equivalent simulated emerald with shiny CZ embellishments set in sterling silver. Emerald symbolizes faith, hope and new beginnings. Introductory price of $29.99 (will be $59.99)

 

January, February, March and April birthstones available!

 

Summer Buggin’

Summer brings sun, fun, sand, swimming……… and BUGS! We all struggle with managing outdoor excitement while swatting away mosquitoes, black flies and gnats. Or dealing with the aftermath of an attack of chiggers or noseeums. Or, worse, finding a tick embedding itself into your skin. YUCK!

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are flying parasites that feed on blood. Gross, right? Well, they are also very problematic because of 1. Itchy, red, irritating skin reactions that are caused by their saliva, and 2. They can transmit terrible diseases like West Nile Virus. Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk.

Gnats, Black Flies, Midges

Gnats are a family of flying insects, and can include black flies, sand flies and midges. Gnats are small, biting insects. Their bites can be extraordinarily itchy and inflamed, especially if there have been multiple bites concentrated in one area. They are typically found in wet or swampy areas.

Ticks

Ticks are a type of arachnid (like spiders). Ticks can carry all kinds of nasty diseases, but the one of most concern is Lyme. There are a variety of species of ticks, but the one of most concern is the deer tick. Deer ticks are called deer ticks because they exist primarily in areas where deer are found. There are other types, including dog ticks, and lone star ticks, but I always just assume that all ticks are bad, and all ticks can carry some type of disease, so avoid them or remove them all! Seriously, who wants any tick on their skin?! Deer ticks specifically, however, can be identified by its 8 black legs, black head and brown rounded body. And it is really really small. I hate to say this; because it will forever affect the way you look at watermelon, but a deer tick kind of looks like a tiny watermelon seed. (Sorry!) An engorged tick will look MUCH bigger, sort of like a small grayish ball. GROSS!

Disclaimer: If a tick is attached to your skin, YOU MUST REMOVE IT! Using tweezers, grasp the tick gently near where it is attached to the skin and pull straight out. Do not twist, do not rupture the tick, and the head must be fully removed from your skin to help prevent exposure to Lyme. After you have removed the tick, disinfect the area using rubbing alcohol. If you are concerned, or if you think the tick has not been fully removed, keep the tick (put it in a small unused container with some rubbing alcohol) and take it with you to a doctor. If you have been outside, always check your skin for ticks!

  

Are you at risk? These maps show the areas of the United States with higher concentrations of tick carrying Lyme and mosquito carrying West Nile Virus. Where are you? (This doesn’t mean only these states have insects, obviously. These are the higher risk/concentration areas.)

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Gear up with BUG SPRAY! But what does it all mean? There are so many options, how do we choose what is best for our area and our family?

First of all, insect repellents are *chemicals*. Because they are chemicals, they can cause adverse reactions, damage certain types of products, and have health side effects. Any chemical can do this. However, expert organizations have found that the diseases are far worse than the effects of insect repellents. It’s always a personal choice, but there is research available for us, as consumers, so that we can be best educated to make the best choices.

I will be referencing several organizations within this blog article, so I wanted to use their acronyms. These organizations are:

• Center for Disease Control and Protection (CDC)
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

DEET

Diethyltoluamide, created by the US Government and first used by the public in 1957. Use less than 30% concentration and reapply every 3-5 hours. Do not use on children under 2 months old, and AAP recommends not using on children’s face or hands.

Pros

• Considered safe by the CDC, AAP, EPA and WHO
• Effective against mosquitoes, gnats, ticks

Cons

• Significant odor
• Greasy residue
• Cannot be sprayed directly on skin, spray only on clothing
• ·Must be washed off at night
• Can cause physical side effects (some evidence it has been linked to seizures)
• Concerns about toxicity
• European Union classifies DEET as Harmful (Xn)
• Will dissolve plastics

Picaridin

Piperidinecarboxylic acid, developed by Bayer in the 1980s. It has been available in the United States since 2005.

Pros

• Effective against mosquitoes, gnats, ticks
• Works as well as DEET, without the negative effects of DEET
• Considered safe by the EPA
• Endorsed by AAP as an alternative to DEET
• Will not dissolve plastics like DEET does
• Does not irritate skin, and can be directly applied to skin
• No significant odor

Cons

• Needs to be reapplied more frequently for effectiveness (every 2-3 hours)

Permethrin

Phenoxybenzyl, an insecticide rather than an insect repellent.

Pros

• Kills mosquitoes and ticks

Cons

• Known to be toxic to cats
• Toxic to fish
• Can ONLY be used on clothing, tents, etc.
• Not suitable as a personal insect repellent

IR3535

Ethyl ester, developed by the Merck company, and used in the United States since 1999. As far as I have been able to tell, AVON SkinSoSoft Bug Guard is the only product available with IR3535. Many people prefer IR3535 primarily because it has the most effective insect repellent in comparison with the least level of toxicity.

Pros

• Effective against mosquitoes, some gnats, ticks
• Considered safe by the EPA
• Does not irritate skin, and can be directly applied to skin
• No significant toxicity has been found

Cons

• Does not repel black flies
• May be less effective than DEET or Picaridin, particularly against mosquitoes
• Can be irritating to eyes
• May dissolve plastics

Other options, such as Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus is a plant based insect repellent that has been approved for use as an insect repellent by the EPA. It is important to note that the Environmental Working Group does not advocate using any other “organic”, “botanical” or “natural” insect repellents to ensure that disease carrying insects are repelled because 1. They are not approved by the EPA for use as insect repellents, and 2. There is no evidence that they repel insects effectively.

What about the sunscreen? When using a sunscreen / insect repellent combination product, be sure to reapply every 2 hours to maintain the effectiveness of the sunscreen.

I recommend using AVON Skin So Soft Bug Guard with either Picaridin or IR3535.

Sources:

Environmental Working Group. "EWG's Guide to Better Bug Repellents." Environmental Working Group, July 2013. Web.

Ogg, Barb, PhD. "What's the Scoop on Insect Repellents?" University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Aug. 2008. Web.

Scutti, Susan. "The Four Best Bug Repellents: DEET, IR3535, Picaridin, Oil Of Lemon Eucalyptus Most Effective, Says EWG." Consumer News (2013): n. pag. 18 July 2013. Web.

Stafford, Kirby C., III. "TICK BITE PREVENTION & THE USE OF INSECT REPELLENTS." The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (2005): n. pag. June 2005. Web.

Skin Science

Skin, like every other part of our body, is alive. It changes because the cells are always changing. The skin has very unique roles for us – a barrier that protects us from the environment, a way for us to receive sensory information and it helps our body regulate temperature.

Skin has three layers… Epidermis, Dermis and Tissue/Fat.

Epidermis
The epidermis has five different layers, which includes dead skin cells, keratin and melanocytes that determine skin color. It is the epidermis that we can control through skin care.

Cleansing, moisturizing and treating the epidermis can help our skin look its best! 

Cleansing removes the oil build up, makeup we wear and other dirt and particles from the environment. Sunscreen protects the epidermis from UV rays, and also helps to prevent skin cancer.

Dermis The dermis holds hair follicles, sweat glands and sebaceous glands. A diet rich in vitamins and drinking plenty of water contribute to a healthy dermis. 

Subcutaneous Tissue The subcutaneous tissue layer is where the blood vessels and fatty tissue are.

Dealing With Adversity

We all face difficult situations in life. How we figure out ways to handle that adversity can help us become stronger, more confident people or it can break us down. Adversity, or as I like to call it, LIFE, happens.

Adversity is defined as difficulties or misfortune. It can also mean bad luck, hardship, disaster, suffering, trauma, or pain. Or a whole bunch of other things!

The most important thing to remember is that adversity is different for every single individual and every adversity is VALID. To one person, an adversity could be a medical or health issue. For another, a traumatic experience. For another, a financial hardship. For some people, adversity is a challenge that they seek. For yet another, a string of small bad luck occurrences. Every single one of those adversities is valid.

So, of course, how we deal with adversity is going to be different!

I personally think it is acceptable to state, “I don’t like having to face this challenge.” Stating you have an adversity and stating that you don’t like it or want it is completely different than not dealing with it positively. It is facing it and acknowledging that it is a difficulty. However, state your dissatisfaction and then move onto fixing the problem. Continuing to complain about it will only drive your friends away. (Been there, done that!)

Don’t let adversity defeat you. For many, facing difficulty requires drugs or alcohol, or creates an unhealthy mental situation.

So what can you do?

• Rely on resources. Ask for help. Lean on a friend. Search for your personal strength.
• Acknowledge that adversity WILL happen. Accept that adversity is a blinding snowstorm and actively seek that sunshine on the other side.
• Don't take it personally. Adversity doesn't seek certain people, and while I frequently feel like I have bad luck, adverse situations can affect any one at any time.
• Be thankful for all the beautiful, wonderful things you do have in life! Love the people around you every day.

Fight the adversity and don’t let it bring you down! You can defeat it.

April Birthstone: Sparkling White Topaz

April's birthstone is sparkling white topaz. This ring has 1 1/4 carat weight white topaz with CZ accents set in sterling silver. White topaz symbolizes compassion, faithfulness and kindness. Introductory price of $29.99 (will be $59.99)

5 Skin Types and Skin Care Tips

How you care for your skin depends on your skin type. Is your skin normal? dry? oily? sensitive?

Normal skin is smooth, has few pores and few blemishes. We are not all so lucky, though! If you have been blessed with normal skin, your routine should be daily cleansing, moisture and treat as needed.

Products I recommend: Cleanse with Purifying Gel Cleanser, and moisturize using Instant Radiance Lotion with SPF 20.

Oily skin is shiny and might even feel oily or wet. If a bit of tissue paper sticks to the skin, your skin type is likely oily. Those with oily skin types may also experience large, visible pores. Oily skin needs cleansing and exfoliating to help remove the oil build up. Try to avoid the toner because that might cause irritation. You still need a moisturizer though, so choose oil free. Finally, the extra oils can cause spot issues, like acne, so treatment may be needed to reduce breakouts. When you are feeling particularly oily, remember that oil is a natural anti-aging mechanism for your skin, and you may have fewer wrinkles as your skin ages!

Products I recommend: Try the Refining Scrub and Mask to cleanse and exfoliate, then Oil-Free Daily Moisture Cream with SPF 15. For treatment, use Clearskin Professional Liquid Extraction Strip for extra oily areas like the nose.

Dry skin feels tight, can have a rough or cracked appearance and may feel flaky. Dry skin (called xerosis) can also peel, appear red, or even bleed. Dry skin care routines include a mild cleanser, but the most important thing is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Dry skin really should have two moisturizers: one for day, and a rich cream for night. Dry skin tends to create more lines as you age, so start moisturizing now!

Products I recommend: Anew Clinical Overnight Hydration Mask, which has shea butter for creamy moisture.  It is also suitable for sensitive skin, so if your skin is dry because you have sensitive skin and avoid products, this mask may not have the reactions you typically have, and will rehydrate.

Combination skin can be difficult, because there is probably oily skin on the t-zone (forehead, nose and chin) but the cheeks may have dry skin. Cleanse daily, and then choose a balanced moisturizer: an oil free for the t-zone with moisture for dry areas. Spot treatment might be necessary, too.

Products I recommend: The Moisturizing Cream Cleanser is oil free but has balance for your combination skin. Swipe Clarifying Toner Pads across your t-zone when it’s feeling oily. Oil-Free Daily Moisture Cream with SPF 15 is good for combination skin. 

Sensitive skin can be the worst. Skin may be painful when using a product, and you may experience irritation or reactions like burning, stinging and redness. Be sure to avoid products that contain AHAs, like glycolic acid. Use a mild cleanser and moisturizer formulated specifically for sensitive skin.

Products I recommend: This is hard, because sensitivity can be caused by so many different things. Consider Nourishing Cleansing Milk as your cleanser and try fragrance free, hypoallergenic Skin Revitalize Night Radiance Cream to moisturize.

Ancient Secret to Removing Makeup with Cold Cream

Claudius Galenus was an ancient Greek medical scientist. His studies of the human anatomy were groundbreaking... and controversial! He is also the man who first developed cold cream. much to the delight of ancient Greek beauties.

Cold cream is an emulsion of fats and water. Emulsion is essentially the blending of two liquids that normally don't blend. As we all know, oil and water don't mix! Today, cold creams are typically made with beeswax and mineral oil, which will not spoil like vegetable oil or animal fats. (Ewwww)

If you're thinking what I'm thinking... cold cream is a relic of the past, once the domain of our mothers and grandmothers beauty regime. It is one of those beauty staples that has many uses.

Perhaps the most convenient use is to remove makeup at the end of the day, In fact, that should probably be its only use. Leaving cold cream on your face might dry out your skin. But the chemical composition of the ingredients make it perfect for easily cleansing makeup.

How to Use Cold Cream to Gently Remove Makeup

1. Scoop a bit of cold cream out of the container with your fingers.
2. Apply the cold cream in a thin, visible layer all over your face, including your eyelids!
3. Using a warm damp washcloth, wipe all of the cold cream and makeup from your face.
4. Rinse your face and pat dry.

All clean!

So what's the secret? The formulation for cold cream includes mineral oil to wash away the makeup and beeswax to retain moisture. Ancient Greeks found this secret!

A Five Step Exercise for Creating Life Goals... Now, if not sooner

There is a children's show called Peep and the Big Wide World, and that show has a neurotic mouse character named Squeak. During a particularly stressful incident, Squeak insists that her main character friends help her. I love her urgency when she says, "Now! If not SOONER!"

That's really how I want to make my goals. I look long term, of course, for sustainability. BUT, I feel like making those goals and defining my ideal life has to happen NOW! (If not sooner).

Before you can set out to achieve, you need to identify what it is you want to achieve. What's your goal?

Goal Exercise:

1. Get a pen or pencil and a piece of paper. Physically write. (Read Write It Down, Make It Happen by Henriette Anne Klauser for more information).
2. Decide on a simple goal that you can achieve within the next month. Make it something you really want to achieve. You can choose a goal from one of the 7 categories: Health, Mind & Spirit, Relationships, Family, Lifestyle, Career, Financial.
3. Now, find your verb. Underline it. What will you be d o i n g?
4. Remind yourself every day that you want to achieve that goal. Either keep it with you, put it on your calendar, or setup a task reminder on your smart phone. However you remind yourself of important things to do, set this goal up as an important thing for you to do.
5. Share your goal only with people who are committed to positivity and helping you achieve your goal.

Example goals:

I choose to run a 5K on May 5th. HEALTH (Realistic if you are a runner and have been training all along).

I choose to enjoy a weekend with my family at a park. FAMILY

I choose to paint a picture of my favorite flower. LIFESTYLE

I choose to walk outside once a week. HEALTH

I choose to drink coffee with my bff. RELATIONSHIPS

I choose to make three new contacts at work. CAREER

I choose to save $50 toward a new car. FINANCIAL

I choose to learn how to be better at communicating. MIND & SPIRIT

(I have applied the word "choose" because we always have a choice. If you aren't doing this active thing towards your goal, you are choosing to do something else. Some choices have a higher priority and that's ok, but it always a choice.)

Take steps to make your goal happen... NOW! If. Not. Sooner.

Four Ways to Electrify Your Nails

1. Reckless - A sparkly purple
2. Saucy - Shimmering yellow
3. Hottie - A shiny pink with purple undertones
4. Vibe - A shimmery bright blue

 

Limited Edition Electric Shades Collection from AVON. 12 days of lasting color in four electrifying Nailwear Pro + Nail Enamel shades. Only $3.49 in Campaign 8!

Dream It? Do It!

I have had a string of randomly weird things breaking in my life. Over the past year, we have had to (or still need to?!) fix, repair or replace our furnace, hot water heater, dryer, water tank from the well, toilet, stove, multiple lights (bulbs keep burning out… a lot), internet connection and both vehicles have required some significant work. And my husband is seeking a new job.

But I am thankful. I am thankful to have my husband and my daughter. I am thankful to have extended family. I am thankful for our health. I am thankful for our garage (hey… it’s been snowing since November… you’d be thankful for a garage, too!)

 

My point is, some crazy weird stuff has happened TO us (as in, we did not make these things happen), but that crazy weird stuff isn’t all that bad. But for a while, it was really starting to get to me. It felt like every month some major thing happens that we have to deal with. It was stressful, expensive and I was just about done with it. What am I saying? Crazy weird stuff will always happen. There will always be *something*. What I’m trying to do is to make that crazy weird stuff that WILL happen into good stuff!

To manifest means to make clear.

I’m making it clear what I want. I want my family together. I want my house and cars in good shape. I want my husband to have the job he deserves and a creative place to make art. I’ve got goals and I am going for those goals. Just flat out going for them.

If I Dream It, I Do It.

I do want to state that I am not much for spirituality. This isn’t about me finding God or following some path of destiny. I do not have the “chalk of fate” here.  What I am doing is approaching life with the perspective that there are things I want, and I am reaching for those things. Every day, with deliberate, methodical action.

That might just be why I feel better about my stuff breaking. Instead of dreaming and wishing and hoping, I am just DOING. I’m taking action and doing things to work on my dreams.

Find Your Spring Lipstick Color

Mine, I think, just might be Orchid Petal!

To find the perfect lip color for spring, start with your skin tone! Light skin tone? Try Petal Pink or Pink Blossom. Medium skin tone? How about Poppy Pink, Orchid Petal, Red Tulip, or Rose Bouquet. Dark skin tone? Go for Plum Verbana, Honey Flower, Day Lily or Chocolate Rose.

I'm not much of a lipstick wearer... I truly prefer lip gloss because of how lipstick feels to me. But this lipstick feels creamy and not sticky. It isn't heavy feeling and has moisture to keep lips hydrated. This is important for me because I'm the type of woman who reapplies my chapstick like every half hour! Ultra Color Indulgence Lip Color is brand new, comes in 12 lovely floral colors, and is on sale right now for $4.99 or 5 for $20!




I have my list of colors ready to order: Orchid Petal, Peach Petunia, Poppy Pink, Honey Flower and Rose Bouquet.

Let It Go Through Four Steps to Mindfulness

That ice queen might be on to something: we all need to Let It Go. 

We are what we are. Some things we can change and some things we truly cannot. Elsa could not change her “power”. But she could change how she used it, by moving from fear to love. It’s a great story, and an excellent life lesson. AND easier said than done.

• Children want a toy and throw tantrums for it. They can’t just let it go.
• Teens have conflict with a peer and make drama about it. They can’t just let it go.
• Adults can get obsessed with political issues. They can’t just let it go.

So, the million dollar question is: How do you let it go? How do you release the fear, anguish, and hurt that goes along with something you just cannot let go of?

Four Steps to Mindfulness

1. Breathe. Focus on breathing. Don’t try to stop thinking about whatever is flying around in your head, just turn your focus to breathing.
2. Be aware of your body. Whatever position you are in, just become aware of your entire body, your limbs and their location. No need to move or anything, just be aware of them.
3. Relax your body. Stretch your muscles if you want, and position in whatever way is comfortable for you.
4. Now, release whatever emotion you are holding onto: concern, worry, fear, anger, apprehension, frustration, irritation, etc. Seriously. Let it go. Replace that negative feeling with something positive: a smile, a happy memory, a pleasant moment from the day, joy, love.

March Birthstone: Amazing Aquamarine

March, our birthstone is the beautiful aquamarine. This ring has simulated aquamarine with CZ embellishments set in sterling silver. I especially like the infinity twist design. Aquamarine symbolizes beauty, honesty and happiness, and is said to promote youthfulness and good health. My personal favorite because it's my personal birthstone! Introductory price of $29.99 (will be $59.99)

Rejuvenate Skin During Sleep

Hydration can happen overnight while you slumber. This cutting edge sleep mask uses Hyaluronic Acid and shea butter to rehydrate skin. 

Hyaluronic Acid is naturally found in the skin, and makes the skin smooth and elastic. Rehydrating the skin with Hyaluronic Acid helps to counter the signs of aging like facial wrinkles.

Shea butter is seen in the micro-beads which add emollient moisturizing.

You don’t have to use an overnight mask every night. Sleep gel masks will transform your skin in a single night, and this soothing moisture can be done a few times a week to improve the effects of dehydration.