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

2011 Already?

Dear 2010: You were a rough, yet memorable and blessed year!

I have so many memories of this year, things I'd like to forget and things I always want to remember. 2010 started with our family moving into our new home. Pouring finances, sweat and tears into a home that we hope and pray to be in for the 'rest of our lives'. Alicea, our sweet middle child started kindergarten. She was so ready to begin her lifelong learning venture! Maya never ceased to surprise, stress us out, and inspire us year long. John created a closer bond with his 'abuelito' this year, learning all about sheep and horses, and climbing fences.

Many times, I (and I'm sure we can all relate) get caught up in the 'now' so much that I miss what is truly happening around me. I am so worried about being the best mom that I can be (getting laundry done, dinner ready, house cleaned, etc...) that I forget about just being a mom. I want my children to know that I will always be there (with my husband's help of course) to Listen, Lead, and Love! God help me!

I have a good feeling about the upcoming year. Of course, I have not started my New Year Resolutions yet....and not quite sure if I will this year. No matter what I did, or did not accomplish in 2010, I pray that 2011 is full of inspiration to myself, my family and friends.

Do any of you save stuff, put it away and think, "When my kids are older, I want them to have this"? Well, I just came across this article in Real Simple online. 5 Surprising Items to Save for your Kids is a good article and shares some good ideas as well.

Check back soon! I will be writing about fashion, makeup and Avon (of course).  Dont forget to find me on facebook (Momaritza Parreira) and follow me on this site!

New year's blessings!
MoMaritza

Campaign 26 - Great Deals

If you have recently placed an order, your order is scheduled to arrive this week!

Please click on this link to view all current Avon catalogs. Almost everything is on sale!!!

Also,  you will find this very cool Butler Basics Tote Bag on page 31 of Campaign 26. 

Here are the details:

A Jen Groover innovation. Leather-like tote fully lined with zip pocket and organizing compartments. Top-zip closure. 11 1/4" H x 13" W x 6 1/2" D; handle drop 9".
Sale Price: $34.99

Also listed is the coordinating wallet:

Organizer Wallet
Leather-like wristlet wallet. Exterior has a slip and zip pocket. Approx. 4 1/3" H x 8" L, closed.
Sale Price: $12.99
Fashionably organized
Butler Bag: everything has a place… and stays in place

Organizer Wallet: with photo slots, credit card slip pockets, checkbook and pen holder, coin pocket and center zip pocket.

Mineral Makeup - Smooth Minerals by Avon on Sale. See pic below or this link to view in more detail.

Please email me or call me with any questions you may have!!! I will be placing another order next week and I'd like new orders submitted by Wednesday December 8th!!!!

Thanks and God Bless...

MoMaritza

m-parreira@sbcglobal.net

Just Giving!

As November is closing in on us, and the hustle and bustle of December is before us, I can not help but be amazed at how quickly December snuck up on us. Totally not fair! (as my girls would say). Our tree and decorations are up and I have begun to play Christmas songs any chance I get. I'm even thinking of adding hot chocolate to my children's daily diet...but only for this month!
As we wrap up or start our shopping list, let's not forget those who go without every day. Often times my heart melts when I see my oldest daughter, Maya, care about others. A couple of days ago, we were picking up pizzas at a local Little Caesar's, and before we entered the store, we saw an old dishheveled man, picking through the garbage, looking in bags and opening food wrappers and setting them aside in his basket. I saw that Maya had noticed. Since I was in a hurry, I quickly opened the door and started walking in. I noticed Maya was walking slower and was still at the door. She glanced at me and gave me 'The Look'. OOOh, I know that look. With almost tear filled eyes, she looked at me and nodded her head. I knew what she was thinking. Once she was inside the store, I asked her what she thought about us buying an extra pizza and giving it to him. Her face lit up and she quickly agreed! As we ordered the pizzas she kept looking back, making sure the man hadn't left. Finally, with pizzas in hand, she quickly grabbed the top one and jetted towards the door. I quickly followed her. I walked with her towards the man, and offered him the warm pizza. He looked up and said 'Yes, Thank you', took it and walked away. As soon as the man was far away from us that he couldnt hear, Maya then began to explain to me that the man was probably taking the pizza home to his hungry family. And if he didn't have a family, then that pizza would last him a couple of days. (She amazes me every day!)  I wish I was more like her sometimes. I pray that she continues with her warm and giving heart, (although I must say that she does have a sassy streak to her) and that her younger sister and brother will follow right along.
I know this story was a bit long, but I truly pray that most of our giving spirits were year round, and not only during the holidays. I pray that this will remind my family and others to always give!

Cleaning 101

I hope my mother never reads this post! I'm sure this goes against everything she has ever 'taught' me.
I recently came across this article in Real Simple (yup, my favorite magazine and website) that is a Cleaning 101. You will find a section on How To Fake a Clean House as well as Surprising New Cleaning Solutions and other tips on keeping a clean house. If there is anything I want (need) these days, its a housecleaner. One that comes every day and picks up after everyone, does the dishes, dusts...oh, yeah and cooks dinner!  Then again, I could take Maya's advice. Whenever I used to ask her to make her bed she replies (kinda confused) by asking why she has to make her bed, if it is just gonna get messed up again that evening. (Hhhmmmm, she's actually right! But she'll never know that). Take some time to click on these links. You might be surprised and learn a few things.

Happy Cleaning!

Momaritza

Still not convinced?

Are you still not convinced that Avon products are good? Well, to be honest with you, I was a skeptic at first. When most of us think of Avon, we think of Catalogs... and lots of 'em... filled with tons of stuff... like soap on a rope- (That's for you, Myriam!), lipsticks, perfumes that grandma would wear, seasonal products, and bubble bath (in like 10 different scents)...oh, and let's not forget the lip balm with the whole year's calendar printed on it!  Let me just tell you that Avon products have come a loooooong way! I have been pleasantly surprised in the past years as I peruse those catalogs filled with stuff. Their perfumes are fantastic, and their Anew skincare is a bestseller!
I came across this information that I think you will find very informative and helpful.  This Avon comparison chart helped me decide to sell Avon and Mark products.

Campaign 25 Catalogs:  

If you would like to order from this catalog, please email me your order by November 23rd, to ensure I get your order in on time. Please indicate the 6 digit number and brief description. I will confirm your order by responding to your email.  There is a great deal going on with the Anew skincare (Buy one get any for $10!!!) Please feel free email me any questions you may have. If you would like to see a catalog, email me your mailing address and I will make sure you get one. There is also the Mark Magalog that is full of holiday ideas, and some beautiful makeup shades and scents!

Feel free to leave a comment or 'follow me'.

Thanks for reading...

Momaritza





Are You Hosting Thanksgiving This Year? Keep it Simple!



This year, my family is hosting Thanksgiving. Thanks to one of my favorite magazines, Real Simple has created a very useful checklist that I think you can use.  I will be sure to print this out and post it on my fridge. Check out Real Simple's Website Thanksgiving Timeline Checklist. I will also add that Real Simple is one of my all time favorite sites that I visit regularly. It is easy to navigate and has tons of organizational ideas and lists (For those who don't know me well.....I love lists!!!! Just ask my husband). I hope you find this helpful.

Please email me with any ideas or thoughts, or with your favorite sites. I'll be posting again soon!

MoMaritza

Is it 'No-vember' or 'Yes-vember' ?

I heard this radio commercial on my way to work about a grocery store declaring 'No-vember' to be 'Yes-vember' (Yes, their items were cheaper, Yes they were better...etc) and I got to thinking that fall is officially here, and NOVEMBER has offically arrived, whether we like it or not.  As I started packing up all of my Halloween decorations, I could not help but think that this year is quickly slipping away, and I reminded myself that I must document as much as possible all of my children's accomplishments, struggles, funny faces, and even those 'Maya-isms' that I never want to forget. So, as you read this, dont forget to do just that! Pick up that digital camera or IPhone with those hundreds of pictures still saved in 'memory', weed through them. Upload them to Costco. (From your IPhone you can even email them to save@mycostcophotos.com and retrieve them later on using your email address and logging onto your account). Share them with your family this Thanksgiving!

To my Avon clients: Campaign 24 is officially underway!

The catalog is full of Christmas gift ideas. There are also some great deals on scent collections- and my favorite is Outspoken- by Fergie (I kinda like it!) A 4pc. collection for $36.00 includes parfum, perfumed pendant, body lotion and gift bag. Ask me for a scent sample!

I'll keep you updated on sales and promotions as they come my way. Thanks again for visiting my blog.

Tips anyone?

I am hooked on this site! Love it Love it Love it! I mut say this is my guilty pleasure and one of the reasons I stay up late. Look up http://www.tipjunkie.com/.  If you have to plan a party, event, holiday gathering or just need ideas, this is a great place to start. This gal is extremely organized, yet very creative. (In my perfect world, that would me ME).

Earlier this week I was perusing http://www.msn.com/ I came across Allure's Top Beauty Finds. Listed was Avon's very own MARK Save the Day Anti Acne Concealer. They compared it to others on the market, and this came out on top- just under $9. Yay! Free advertising! See for yourself. Just go to http://www.msn.com/ and look under their Beauty & Fashion/Makeup, Skin Care & Hair/Best of Beauty Picks:Cheap Thrills.  (I know you have to go searching a bit, but the list is interesting.

And for all my Aging Beauties out there: Also on a similar list on http://www.msn.com/ was The Best of Beauty: Anti-Aging. Avon was listed again Avon Anew Clinical Advanced Retexturizing Peel. Swipe on a self-neutralizing glycolic acid pad at bedtime, then sleep easy knowing fewer lines and a more youthful glow are just weeks away. $25 for 30 pads.

Well, it's nice to know that these products are being tested against other higher end products on the market and they are coming out on top.

Campaign 23 is wrapping up, and Campaign 24 is starting now. Please email me m-parreira@sbcglobal.net and let me know if you'd like to see a catalog. I'd love to mail you one! I know it is somewhat difficult to view things online.

Happy Halloween and All Saints Day
God Bless
Momaritza
m-parreira@sbcglobal.net





.

Welcome to my blog!

So I may be totally crazy for starting a blog...it's not like I don't already have enough stuff on my plate...I've been wanting to start one, and I kinda have an excuse now. For those of you who don't know yet, I have recently become an Avon Salesrep. I am using this site to promote and hopefullly sell some Avon.  I am also going to share some neat ideas, timesaving tips, pictures, thoughts, basically anything I think is cool.

So why MoMaritza you ask? Well, I am a mom and my name is Maritza. Kinda cheesy but kinda catchy.

Because I have a full time job, 3 kids, a husband, and a tight schedule, I am not going to be posting daily. But please check in often and shop frequently :-)

Since I am new to Avon, I am still getting the basics down pat, so bear with me. Basically, orders are submitted every two weeks. The next order date will be Tuesday October 26th. You have 2 options to order. One is to order online, and the other is to email me your order. I will also have catalogs handy for those who would like an actual copy.


(I must also add that I am not a perfect speller, so please excuse my goofs and goofiness).

God Bless,
MoMaritza
m-parreira@sbcglobal.net