winter beauty

even though I am now living in Hawaii, I vividly remember the days of harsh, dry winters (in Wisconsin & Colorado).  beauty-wise, it was always awful for me.  

I saw THIS ARTICLE and the first thing I noticed was the quote from SELF magazine's beauty editor which was "it really comes down to going back to the basics."

I like it basic.  I like simple solutions.  I like not having to go out and buy the most up-to-date whatever to make it just so.  I like to find & buy products that actually do what they say they're gonna do, that way I don't need layers of products for one issue.  girls, you know what I mean?  I like easy, manageable, everything ... beauty-wise especially.

since I'm an Avon Rep, I thought I'd do some homework to see if Avon carries a solution for each issues that winter brings ... and wouldn'tcha know it, they do!

* the underlined section of the product is the link to the details &/or to shop at my Avon store
** if you are interested in a product, don't forget to read the customer reviews, found on that same page

Hair - all of the following hair treatments are for dry & damaged hair, which is exactly what the winter months bring.  dry hair will get static-y and you'll be walking around zapping everyone!  which can be fun, but doesn't it get old after awhile?!  ouch!
Advanced Techniques -
Damage Repair Shampoo & Conditioner (on sale now! $4.99 each)
they also have a 5-day Rescue Treatment ($8)
Moisture Sleek Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner (on sale now! $2.99 each)
Naturals -
Almond Oil & Avocado Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner (on sale now! 5 bottles for $10)
- for you Avon fans in Hawaii, you have by now realized that winter brings humidity.  humidity and frizz go hand in hand.  check these products out -
Advanced Techniques -
Frizz Control Lotus Shield Shampoo & Conditioner ($6 each)
Frizz Control Lotus Shield Anti-Frizz Treatment ($12)
- here is a great set with everything you need -
Advanced Techniques: Bohemian Waves 4-piece Collection ($20)

Lips - no more chapped lips!!  so affordable you can have one in every room, coat pocket, and purse!
Moisture Therapy -
Intensive Treatment  Moisturizing Lip Treatment SPF 15 (on sale now! $.69)
Intensive Treatment Lip Ointment SPF 15 ($2)
for moisture & gloss, try this - Dew Kiss (on sale now! $.69)
- and of course Avon has Moisturizing Lipsticks -
Ultra Color Rich: Moisture Seduction SPF 15 (on sale now! $4.99)
Healthy Makeup: Lipstick SPF 15 (on sale now! $4.99)

Skin - my skin is what always takes the biggest toll, and in the winter, I am especially dry and itchy.  I'm finding even in a winter with humidity, I get dry.  what's up with that?!

Face - the article says specifically stay away from anti-aging products because they tend to be drying, however, Avon's Anew Skincare line (which is anti-aging) there is a step for moisturizing.  in fact, there is a different moisturizer for your morning and night cleansing, so to me, they [at Avon] must know the drying tendencies anti-aging products have.  you will find vitamin e throughout the Anew products, a.k.a tocopherol.
in your 30's, try Anew: Rejuvenate (full set on sale now! $60)
in your 40's, try Anew: Reversalist (full set on sale now! $70)
in your 50's, try Anew: Ultimate (full set on sale now! $75)
if you're not interested in anti-aging, here are some other facial moisturizers -
Avon Solutions-
Nutra Replenishing Cream (on sale now!  2 for $6.99 each)
Maximum Moisture Night Cream ($13)

Body - I think Avon is best known for their Skin So Soft line.  the oils take away your dry, itchy skin and replace it with smooth, soft, great smelling skin.  its the best!!
SSS - now in different scents
Original Bath Oil (on sale now! $8.99 for 24oz)
Body Wash (on sale now! $2.99)
Replenishing Body Lotion  (on sale now! $4.99)
Moisture Therapy - available in Oatmeal, Skin Renewal, and Vitamin Treatment
Intensive Treatment Body Lotion (on sale now!  2 for $8.99)
Intensive Treatment Extra Strength Cream (on sale now!  2 for $8.99)

Nails - the article does have the cheapest and easiest solution on this one: olive oil from the grocery store!!  but just for kicks, here's what Avon has to keep your cuticles soft and pliable -
Nail Experts -
Hydrating Cuticle Cream (on sale now! $2.99)
Fresh Aloe Cuticle Gel ($6.50)

From the Inside Out - drink more water!  doesn't get any easier than that!  well actually, you could drink your water AND donate to Breast Cancer Awareness by purchasing one of these:
Breast Cancer Crusade Pink Water Bottle ($5)
Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Clear Water Bottle ($10)


as a woman, I know how difficult it can be to find the right products.  if Avon works for you, then its great to use it as a one-stop shop for all your beauty needs.  if you're new to Avon, I encourage you to try ... and seriously, not because I sell it ... but because it has such a great reputation (for 125 years now!) at a very reasonable price.  I don't care how rich you are, you have to cringe a little if you spend $100 on facial cream!!

I hope this was helpful to you.  stay warm AND MOISTURIZED this winter!!

Shop online 24/7 @ www.youravon.com/katiegrimm - or click the Avon logo on the right side of my blog
extra discounts for you-
order on President's Day (this coming Monday 02/21) and get FREE shipping with $10+ order!  coupon code: PREZDAY10
order any other day with $30+ and receive FREE shipping using code: FSC05

more Xmas gifts to buy?

I know most of you don't think of Avon when its time for gift giving, but seriously, there are some GREAT deals going on.  shop online and you will get in time for Christmas ... I'm 99.9999% sure you will.  good odds, right?


first, go HERE.
second, shop to your hearts content.
here's a picture to tease you ... perfect for stocking stuffers!

Avon is soooooooo much more than makeup - jewelry (ps. I recently read Avon bought Silpada, so expect some pretty awesome pieces coming in 2011!) fragrance for him & her, clothing, shoes, gifts for children, bath & body, skin care, hair care, and on and on and on.


it can really be a 1 stop shop.  really.


don't forget to check the clearance section ... there you'll find even better deals!
then at checkout, use one of these codes for FREE shipping on your order of $30 and up -
CELEBRATE2010
RFSC26


happy shopping and merry christmas!

vista print

do you need business cards? return address stickers?

personalized stamps? mouse pads?

vista print is a great resource ... and cheap, let's not forget cheap!

I just had business cards made and received a coupon for my next order. just go to www.vistaprint.com/rals and you will automatically get 25% off your order at checkout. yay!

ps. if you opt for the slow shipment (I think it says up to 21 days) it will get to you in less than 2 weeks. mine did anyway.

just wanted to pass on some savings!!

AVON anyone?

I haven't blogged for awhile, my apologies.  I'll catch up soon.  I have lots of photos to share.

this is just a quick blog to tell everyone that I've started selling Avon ... and I must pitch it to my readers!  never thought I'd do something like this; especially because my mom did it, and I always said I'd never be like my mom! 

honestly, times are tight financially and it's important, no vital, for me to stay home with my kids.  Avon is the perfect compromise.  I hope it can bring in a bit of income to alleviate some of the burden.

Avon is international, so wherever you may be reading this, you can still order from me!  check out my web page -  www.youravon.com/katiegrimm

shipping costs $3 per order and currently, any orders $30 and over is FREE!

Avon has been around for 120+ years and continues to uphold it's quality merchandise, great value, and customer service.

and if you're interested, it just takes $10 to begin your new career as an Independent Avon Representative.  ask me how!

anyone like me?

for anyone who loves to save a buck

and

for anyone who hates clipping coupons because you always forget to use them

and

for anyone who eats ... yes you!

along the lines of TJ Maxx and Ross, there are grocery stores that do that too.  they buy in bulk items discontinued, or items about to expire, or can with dents ... they buy imperfections with perfectly good food inside!

check out his link and find a store near you!

I went to one near me and saw cake mixes for 50 cents, salad dressing (full, normal sized bottles) for 60 cents, bottled water was 6 for 1 dollar, lots of spices, candy and snacky things, but I also found toys, diapers, and paper goods.

now these are stores you do not go to with a list.  you have to go and shop for the good deals.  their stock changes constantly, so you have to take it while you can get it.  it's a great way to save on your grocery bills!

I scream, You scream

for ice cream of course!

you've probably heard this already ... but just in case you've been under a rock or something, let me give you some yummy news!

Baskin Robbins is having their 31 cent scoop night this Wednesday, 04/29.  click here to find a location near you.

whoo hoo, I'm there!

sweet tooth

specials for 4/21

who loves iced coffee?  

check out Dunkin' Donuts, iced coffee for 50 cents!

10% of every sale goes to supporting our troops.

who loves ice cream?

go to Ben & Jerry's  for a FREE scoop!

enjoy!

easy giving

I have the tendency to hang onto old magazines; there is so much information in them, it's hard to just throw them away.

I recently came across one from Christmas time and found some great resources for anytime of the year.  whatever the economy, we shop simply because there are things we need, and it's the things we want that need to be under control!

so since your going to shop anyway, check these out -

here you will be able to shop many major retailers, while a portion is donated to a non-profit organization of your choice!  over 20,000 to choose from!

here you can shop and 35% will go to the charity of your choice.

and here you can purchase pre-paid visa or mastercard gift cards, and 10% goes to a charity of choice.

happy shopping!

save your money

we all need to save money, especially now during these crazy economic times. I use a few websites for freebies all the time, and have gotten some good stuff.
the problem is if you're looking for something specific, you most likely will not find it. you have to take stuff when it becomes available, not necessarily when you want to have it. bascially it's like shopping at a thrift store, but online.

craigslist.com
there is one for every major city. once you find the listings for your area, check the FREE catergory daily. many people will try yard sales or even the classifieds to sell their stuff, but often times everything doesn't sell before having to move, so into the FREE catergory it goes! if you're on the other end and need to get rid of stuff, use this site. seems like everyone is a fan of craigslist!

freecycle.com
again, there is one for every major city. start at yahoo.com, click groups, then search for your city + freecycle. this site you need to check often because things go very quickly here. again if you need to get rid of stuff, list it here.

cheapcheapcheap.com
this site lets you in on good sales, gives you coupons, and has a FREEBIES catergory listed on the right side.

check your local thrift stores
I live in an area that has many thrift stores, along with military families that come and go frequently. sometimes there just isn't time for a yard sale, so it gets donated. for me that means good stuff is available almost every visit

again I say, you never know what you'll find!
and if you know of any freebies, please pass them my way!

dance dance dance

here is another major score I found at the goodwill the other day. Veggie Tales Dance Dance Dance. it's just like Dance Revolution, only it's Veggie Tales.

I think every arcade-type place has that game. I've seen some people that are REALLY good at it. it's fun to watch them go!

this has got easy, medium, hard, and expert. Sam's getting it; definitely needs practice. it's fun. he even made me try. I can do medium and I'm so-so on hard. I'm your typical white girl ... basically, I can't dance for anything!

it had the original price tag on it of $49.99. like I would ever pay that! I got it for $3.99, and it's in brand new condition. I wonder why whoever had it didn't try to put it on ebay or craigslist; it's so easy to do. their trash, my treasure!

I'm telling ya, go check out your local thrift stores. you never know what you will find!