Missing these things...

I miss holding my little babies, nursing them, and being their ALL...(they are now 8, 6, 3)

I miss stress free date nights...

I miss being pregnant...(sshhh, don't tell my husband)

I miss having cereal for dinner with no complaints...

I miss just picking out kids clothes with no fighting and complaints...

My list can continue for days... Not sure why the holidays get me to think and remember...but I love this time of year! Seeing my children begin to get excited and talking about the birth of Jesus, makes me miss my childhood. I had a fantastic childhood filled with many wonderful memories and tradition. I hope my children will remember these times...


My sleepy 8 year old daughter- 11/24/11

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Easy Homemade Sugar Scrubs

14 Easy HomeMade Sugar Scrubs

I am digging these Sugar Scrubs

(click on the link above to get the recipes)

I've purchased body and hand scrubs at the store and even through Avon and Mark...but I can honestly say that I prefer making my own. I save money that way. I ususally just bring in brown sugar into the shower and sprinkle it on my loofah and add my regular liquid soap and scrub away... It does the trick! But since I've come across these pictures on Tipjunkie.com I now have an idea for little Christmas gifts. I think it's clever and cost effective. The jars are about a dollar at WalMart, and the sugars you can buy in bulk as well as the oil and any lemon juice, spices or extract you want, and if you're extra crafty, you can nifty it up with a cute ribbon or tag. I'm sure the person who receives it will be pleasantly surprised with this homemade gift.

Holiday Look...Get it!

www.youravon.com/mparreira

This is just one of many mark. deals you can get. Let me know or click on the link and check out more Avon and Mark. products.

Miracle in a jar?

Miracle in a jar???
Hmmm... I am perhaps one of the biggest skeptics out there and especially when it comes to creams, lotions and potions... But I suppose almost anything is worth a try at least once... Right?

With that said......Avon has released their latest and greatest:



Avon Anew Genics Treatment Cream is the newest scientific innovation that promises to give you the power to look up to 10 years younger. Here are the
deets:
•Avon Anew Genics is for all ages and skin types!
•Use Avon Anew Genics instead of your night moisturizer after cleansing your skin.
•Anew Genics fights and improves fine wrinkles, discolorations, and age spots.

If you are interested in learning more or if you are interested in an Avon or Mark catalog, let me know and I will gladly get one to you.

(Is it too early to start thinking of Christmas shopping? The Mark line has some very chic and cute gift ideas... More ideas coming)

Maritza

How Crafty Are You?



I must admit that I say I am pretty crafty and love all things 'pretty'....the reality is I love all things pretty easy. My sister might call me lazy...(she's the avid scrapbooker...I mean AVID! She has a room in her house devoted to scrap crap...hahaha..yeah I said it! Honestly, I admire her scrapbooking skills and the gazillions of glitter containers) Being the busy mom that I am, I am about 2 years behind in any type of memory keeping. I think about it regularly and it makes me sick just thinking of how behind I am.

My sister recently began selling Close To My Heart Products and I love their products. Their papers are very pretty and their stamps are great. I now use stamps to make my own greeting cards....(most of the time). Take a look through their site- link above- and if you are interested in their products, contact myriam@missing.com for more information on how to get their good stuff.  The Halloween set above is actually a stamp set. Too cute! Halloween is about 2 months away..OMG already!

Stay crafty,

Maritza

Sexy Cute

A friend of mine just had a birthday recently...and what do I get the gal who has everything? Hmmmm...I was a bit stumped....and Sheila to the rescue!!! Booty Cookies...very cute booty cookies! The birthday girl is super cute and has a super cute booty...and what better gift than a little 'tasteful humor'!

She loved them...and I love Sheila!

Click on her link to the right of the screen- 'I Love'....

or here: Eklecticlife



Paletas Anyone?

Paletas (click here)

Paletas: Authentic Recipes for Mexican Ice Pops, Shaved Ice & Aguas Frescas [Hardcover]

 

How hard can it be to make your own paletas??? I think you'll be seeing me in my own bicycle&Cart ringing my bell... I think I'm ordering this book.... (Homemade Dinner can wait.... ;-)



Mealtime rut?!?!?!?

I think I need a re-charge. I seem to be in a cooking dinner funk! I can't seem to get motivated! Just when I have a 'good idea' for dinner, by the time dinner making time arrives, my inspiration has faded; and you'll find me suggesting Subway or pizza for dinner..... And then I feel guilty for not being one of those moms that makes healthy and delicious meals on time!!! This seems to be a cycle... And am now determined to 'plan ahead'! But first, I am doing some research: Can anyone recommend their favorite app/site for recipes? I need something efficient and easy to look up! I'll do my own research too and check back soon!

Thanks friends!

Updating E-mail List





If you want to stay connected with all things Mark and Avon, please respond to this posting to be added on my mailing list. I promise I won't bombard you with daily emails...just when I have upcoming sales/great deals, or to remind you when I am placing orders.  

You can email me : m-parreira@sbcglobal.net or respond to my post on facebook.

I also do texting, so if you prefer that I communicate with you that way, please email me your phone number.

If you already receive my emails, no need to respond (unless you want to drop out).

I WANT One!!!!!

Cuisipro Ice Cream Scoop

This totally reminds me of Thrifty's Ice Cream!

This takes me back big time!!!! 

I thought this was very cool and wanted to share!

Don't you want one?



Still creating...

My blog is still under construction. I recently discovered an app that will allow me to blog on my iPhone (genius people out there). Still playing with it... But I plan to link up and be up and running sooner than later...Mark and Avon still available with some cool stuff coming...
Blessings....
Maritza

Fresh Look Coming!

Busy does not begin to describe how I have been feeling lately! Shouldn't summer be laid back and less stressful? Well, that's my excuse for not visiting my blog lately, but I intend to do so very soon. I plan on changing things up. I have some ideas on how I would like to change things.....change is good, right?! I try to avoid getting stuck in a rut, so I am planning on updating my blog and adding some other stuff... some Avon related, and some not....starting with a name change.....hhhhmmmm! Still contemplating. Ideas?

And the Winner is.....

Amy A. (yaaaaay Amy!). Amy wrote: "Eye wrinkles, I hope I win!!!! Pick me, pick me!!". Lucky Amy...you were randomly selected...I went online to Random.org and well....Amy wins!

But there's more! I feel like I'm selling on an infomercial! For those of you who entered and didn't win will receive 10% off your next Avon or Mark. purchase. (If you recently placed an order this week, I will deduct 10% off that order).

(Amy, I will get you your Anew Ultimate Cream next week! Just let me know how you like it. You can either post it on the blog, or send me an email...but then of course, I know it will work magically because I will see your youthful skin radiate from a mile away!)

Thanks everyone for submitting your comments...and of course one of my favorites, was Myriam, who wrote: "I want to defy, butt dimples....."....to which I replied: "Butt dimples are cute... On babies!" Oh, the things that humor me.

I see that Father's Day is just around the corner....planning anything special for your dad or husband?  Feel free to leave a comment and help us all out with ideas.....

Softball season is here!!!!

My oldest daughter, Maya 8 yrs old, just started playing on a softball team (Go Gators!) And I realized something this week.... I realized that she is no longer my little girl!!! (I mean she'll always be 'my baby' just as my other two children will always be 'my babies')...but this is different. She's been practicing for a couple of weeks now, playing the outfield... But then last Friday she tried out being a catcher. She put on the protective gear, squatted and just dove right into it, looking tough and rough. Each time I looked out at her, I could see she was happy! During this last game, the coach (God Bless Her!) gave Maya a chance to catch. Boy, was Maya ecstatic! Sure she missed plenty of balls ...hehehehe... But she wouldn't give up! For those of you who know Maya, you're probably thinking the same thing..."Maya will make a great catcher"... You might be right. Who knows, she might not end up liking it later on after all, but for now I'm just happy that she likes it. Seeing her interact with her coach and teammates made me realize that she's growing up so fast and that although she will always need me and my support, she will also need her peers as well... Makes me a little nervous.... Just hope and pray that my prayers, her faith, and love will lead her down the roads ahead.....
I hear things don't get any easier... We shall see!

Supermoms aren't real!

In honor of Mother's Day, I'd like to share something that has been on my mind lately....

I have always had this whack idea that a supermom was one that did it all and look fantastic and put together at the same time! And by all I mean work (either in or out of the home), make all meals (ok, most meals.....and the occasional drive thru does still count, because it still takes time to drive and pick it up and bring it home..), do laundry, clean up, keep up the bills, be on top of the extracurricular activities, keeping up with the family calendar (because there have been plenty of Saturdays with 3 birthday parties to attend). I'm exhausted just typing this. But after several years of having heart to hearts with friends, moms at the grocery store, reading magazine articles, I am now convinced that supermoms do not exist. How is it possible to do it all and look HOT without losing your mind?

Now, I've been a mom for over 8 blessed years and I would never think twice about doing it over again differently, but I've had my fair share of times of 'letting myself go'. Sure extra pounds sneak up on you...ok, sometimes they slap you right in the face, but I think it's more than extra weight or looking frumpy. It's about not recognizing yourself from the outside or the inside. Thankfully I have never had a nervous breakdown or anything extreme..although I must admit I have needed time outs myself. I believe with God's grace, wisdom, and direction, I have made it this far. Daily prayer is important and essential to any family....but especially to Mothers. Considering all of the pressures these days of being a super mother, great employee and hot wife, how can we not have God on our side.

I recently purchased this book just out of curiosity. I just started reading it and although it is a bit cheesy, it seems pretty real and heartfelt. I'll let you know what I think of it. If anyone wants to read it after me, let me know and I'll gladly pass it on.

Hot Mom's Handbook

Total Body Age Defy Cream- Giveaway!!!!

Do you want your skin to look 10 years younger?

Who doesn't right? Leave a comment on this blog post, or on facebook (just leave a comment on the status entry) by Thursday May 12th 9:00pm and you may win. In your comment, tell me what kind of wrinkles do you most want to defy: eye, neck, hands, etc.....One lucky person will be picked. Please include your name.

No purchase necessary.

 I haven't tried it yet, but I'd love for the winner to let me know what they think of it.



Read on: Skin looks up to 10 years younger. In 1 week, 100% showed improved skin texture*. In 8 weeks, dramatically lifts and tightens the look of sagging skin**; reduces the look of wrinkly skin**; diminishes the look of dark spots*. With exclusive PRO-SIRTUIN BODY TECHNOLOGY. Formulated to help boost Sirtuin youth proteins at the gene level to help strengthen skin structure and radically improve the look of your body contours. 6.7 fl. oz. Retail price: $30

*Based on a clinical study. **Based on a consumer-perception study.

Freebie Coming Soon!

Check back in a couple of days to learn about my new Giveaway!

Trust me...you're not gonna want to miss it!

Don't forget to Follow Me on this Blog!! or find me on

Facebook: MoMaritza Parreira

It's Time to Clean Out Your Makeup Bag....

Since expired cosmetics can cause skin irritation and eye infections,

it's important to replace them often.

Unlike food, though, cosmetics aren't required to have an expiration date on their packaging.

Instead, you'll have to keep track of when you open it. If you have a hard time keeping track of when you've bought things, just use a Sharpie to write down the purchase date.

But use common sense: If your gloss is gloopy, your nail polish is separating, or your lipstick has a funny smell, it's time to toss it. I know that most of us see throwing makeup out as throwing away $$$$, but really....is it worth an eye infection???  

Product	Toss it...
Mascara	Every three months
Foundation	One year
Concealer	12 – 18 months
Powder	18 months
Blush/Bronzer	18 months
Cream blush	12 – 18 months
Eye shadow	18 months
Eyeliner	18 months
Liquid eyeliner	6 months
Lipstick / lip gloss	18 months
Lip liner	One year
Nail polish	One year
Makeup sponges	Wash after each use, then throw away after a month

For more information check out Bella Sugar.

I have the Hookup for Personalized Party Decorations

Check out this blog:

My Eklectic Life

Sheila is perhaps one of the most talented 'Dolls' I work with. She has mad skills in the decorating department. I swear she could be the next Martha Stewart, but she's so darned modest, she'd never admit it! If you need a party planner, or personalized party decorations, seek her out! Oh, and she makes scrumptious sweets!!!

Mother's Day is May 8th

Yesssss! Looking forward to another Mother's Day filled with lots of handmade goodies that my babies bring home! I love to see their excited faces as I open my tissue wrapped gift with tons of glitter spilling out....LOVE IT!!!!! Oh, and of course, my 3 year old son handing me my gift on the Friday before Mother's Day after I pick him up from daycare...He is so innocent.

Well on that note, I'm just reminding everyone....and especially myself, to get on the shopping for mom mode. Last year we invited my mother and mother in law for a brunch at our home. It was nice seeing my daughters decorate the table and participate wholeheartedly. Of course, I did most of the work, but I did not mind it one bit. Both mothers were very appreciative and I thought it was so special that I'm doing it again this year. I haven't been asked yet what I want for Mother's Day....and I'm sure it's coming soon, but along with the usual 'I just want all my children to behave and do well in school and clean their rooms', a nice new leather bag would be juuuuust nice....oh yeah, and a couple of extra hours of sleep. That'll do it for this year!

Since I'm on the shopping for Mom kick, please take a look at some Avon goodies! Maybe your mom (or yourself) needs some new body lotion. What about some new lipstick shades. I invite you to take a look at the online catalog...just click on the link on the left side of the screen that says Current Campaign and take a browse. Next order date is this Thursday, April 14th. As always, email me your order, or call me.


Easter Blessings,

Maritza

WINNER.............

And the winner is: CPMusso, who wrote:

I have been using the dramatic firming cream for years. This is my favorite Avon product. I am afraid to stop using it because I know gravity will take hold. Thanks, Carol .

OK, ok, so only 2 people responded...but I actually went on this site, Random.org and it picked #1 for me. Carol, thanks for submitting a comment, and I will get you your prize ASAP!

For those of you who did not respond,....I'll have another random drawing soon!

More to come......

Blessings,
Maritza

I'm In LOVE!!!

My friend Diana sells Gold Canyon candles. For those of you who know about candles, Gold Canyon makes the best candles out there....and their scents are fantastic! I love their scent pods! They are reasonable and they last forever (seems like it). Anyway, I recently ordered Dazzleberry and am IN LOVE! Love, Love, Love it!

Shop online at Diana's site or shoot her an email at dianagilbert@mac.com. While you're at it, host a party and get free stuff!

***Don't forget to post a comment to win a FREE AVON ANEW CLINICAL EYE LIFT!***

Click on the blogpost for the Giveaway and learn more!

Avon Product Giveaway!

So, I'm finally getting around to having a product giveaway! Yes, FREE! Read On!

I'm super excited and I hope I get a lot of responses!

Here's what you do: 

Post a Comment (at the bottom of this blog entry).

Let me know What is your favorite Avon Product and Why??! Also enter your email address so I can contact you!

I will randomly pick a winner by Thursday March 31st, 9:00pm

The Winner will receive a full size Avon Clinical Eye Lift, Retails for $28 (no purchase necessary) 

Visibly lifts the brow bone, upper and under eye areas.

Includes Upper Eye/Brow Bone Gel and Under Eye Cream. Each, .33 fl. oz.; .66 total fl. oz.
CEW Insider's Choice Beauty Winner.

***Be sure to leave a comment by 3/31 9:00pm! Also, Don't forget to Follow my blog (by clicking on 'follow' on the left hand side of page and entering your email address)

although it's not necessary to be entered to win.

You can also find me on facebook: momaritza parreira

Good Luck!

Next Avon Order is due by Thursday March 31st! Let me know if you'd like to see a catalog or check out the link on the top left hand side of the blog!

Got Oily Skin? Trouble spots?

I was perusing Real Simple the other day and came across the Ultimate Skin Care Guide. If you have oily skin and you need to spot treat acne, then try:

Avon's very own Clearskin Professional Invisible Blemish Treatment, retails for $12.

Spot-treat the occasional blemish with a gel or a lotion that contains salicylic acid. It will absorb surface oil and help pimples heal faster.

Wanna Read more:

Real Simple Skin Guide

 

Creative Party Place

Check this out!!!!!

Are you planning a party?

This is a great site that I check out often! Great ideas and full of pictures!

The Creative Party Place

You'll love it...you'll see!

Deals, Deals, Deals...

I know it's been a month since I've updated my blog. As some of you know, I am the cookie manager for my daughters' Girl Scout troop 1724 and have been inundated with cookies, orders, phone calls, etc. Having a full time job, being an Avon Salesrep on the side, a mom of 3 (with a sick child thrown in the mix sometimes) I have been recently 'time challenged'. Some of you are well aware of this, receiving my 1:00 am emails, or midnight FB  messages...sorry! Oh, that reminds me, if any one wants more GS cookies, please let me know. We still have some!!!  With that out of the way...I'll just say that I'll try to continue my weekly blog updates...

$$$$$I'm always up for a bargain$$$$$ Whether it's craigslist (John's secret obsession), eBay, or just a good old yard sale, I always get super excited when I see something that I like that's under $10 (sometimes gently used). These days, I think almost everyone of us seeks out a better deal...our family is no exception.
Here are a few of my faves:

Better Homes and Gardens - 1 year subscription for $5.99 (Click this link to go to the main BH&G page and look on the top of the screen)

Shop Smart- 6 month subscription for $18 (plus 4.95 S&H)- From Consumer Reports, offers unbiased, easy-to-read advice on all the best products to buy from a wide variety of categories including

• Big-Screen TVs
• Digital Cameras
• Vitamins
• Cookware
• Wine
• Cosmetics
• And many more!
• (I love this magazine- a little pricier than most, but its full of Consumer Report advice of products to buy, or steer away from..so....savings in the long run!)

Free Stuff Tip Junkie- This is Tip Junkie's Giveaway directory. Everything is free, you just have to leave a comment (most of the time). I haven't won anything myself, but I do not enter too much. You might be lucky!

Birthday Freebies- Check out Frugal Living tv website. If you have some time to surf this site, you can find some pretty neat $ saving deals. There's a special section to use if it's your birthday. On most of them, you have to just sign in and register your birthdate, but it's listed by restaurant, so its pretty easy to navigate.

Does anyone else have any sites they don't mind sharing....Don't be greedy! ;-) Leave a comment and share with the rest of us!

and Last but not Least....AVON. Right now all of the ANEW starter regiment kits (includes full size eye treatments) are $25. This is a great deal!

Great Deals!!! Especially if you'd like to try it if you're not sure if this is right for you. But everyone who has bought this from me has had no complaints! 

Campaign 7 is underway: ANEW is introducing their skincare products for 60+ yrs. Here's a sneak peak:

If you'd like to see a catalog, contact me

I also accept credit cards!!!

That's it for now...I'll be posting up more deals soon!

Don't forget to follow me on this website! Add your email on the left hand side...

Maritza



Need last minute Valentine Gift Ideas???

Thanks to the creative genius - Laurie Turk from TipJunkie, she has compiled some sweet ideas (some less difficult than others) that you can use! Here's a sneak peak:

Click HERE- TIP JUNKIE VALENTINE'S BLOG

I 'heart' tipjunkie



HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

XOXOXOXOXO

MoMaritza

Let's start tackling...

So I know that John is going to hate me for posting his picture (kinda big, I know) on my blog. He knew I was going to be using it....but I don't think he realized it was going to be so big. Anyway, my plan is to post a picture of his 'progress' every few weeks. The product I will be using on him is Anew Crows Feet Corrector

Retail value $29

Now he has already warned me that he will not be applying these creams on himself, and that it will be my responsibility to apply it on him... (party pooper!) But, oh well! I suppose I can handle that. Speaking 'handling' things....READ ON!



And....here's another link to a timesaving tip for doing laundry (The Dreaded 'L' Word) You can tackle the Beast! thanks to my oh so fave site- Realsimple.com.

***Don't forget to register your email address to my site so you will know of any upcoming giveaways or deals I have going on- look to the left side of the screen where the Google sign appears and click on FOLLOW***

Blessings!

Maritza

Girl Scout Cookie....Recipes???



So most of you already know that my daughters are Girl Scouts and they are selling cookies....so, if you would like to order some, please let me know! There are 8 delicious flavors...$4 per box. The profits will go towards Turlock Troop 1724.

As much as I want my daughter's to sell a lot of cookies, I am writing this post because I came across some very cool information. Girl Scout Cookie Recipes!!!!! CLICK HERE to get some great ideas...and yet another reason to stock up on cookies!!!

Thank you to all of our Friends & Family that have already ordered!

Please email me at m-parreira@sbcglobal.net or find me on Facebook- Momaritza Parreira.
You can also follow my blog by clicking on the 'Follow' icon on the left side of the page. I will be giving away an Avon product for Free in February, but only for those who Follow me on my blog. (More information to follow)

Oh, and if you are wondering about the status of John's crowfeet...well, the picture is on its way soon! I haven't forgotten, and I'm sure John hasn't either...he looks at 'em everyday!


Happy January (whatever is left of it!)
MoMaritza

Start ANEW this year!

I know, I know...kinda cheesy! (Since ANEW is the Avon skincare brandname) Well, for most of my 30 and 40yr old friends that still do not have a skincare regiment, I am nudging you (very gently) to start something. I used to use Mary Kary products...and honestly, it is a good product. My skin never broke out and I did notice a difference. That was several years ago, when I had 2 children and fewer expenses! Now, with 3 children, daycare expenses, house payments, bills, and more bills, I find myself having 'more month at the end of the money'. Avon products are fantastic, reasonable and they go on sale regularly. Click on the Anew link on the right side of the page to learn more.

I've been wanting to review products that really work and blog about it. Well, now thanks to a friend (who shall remain nameless....thanks Teresa!!!!.) who noticed John's crowfeet the other day, I will now have my chance. Yes, I have my 1st guinea pig with an Anew skincare product! Please check back to see before and after pictures. John has hesitantly agreed to help! More to come.........

If any one has received samples from me, or if you really think a product works, (or doesn't) please post it under 'comments'.  Follow me for more updates!  Check me out on Facebook too: Momaritza Parreira.

Thanks for reading,
Momaritza