How You can Help Haiti

We have seen the many tragic photos from the aftermath of the Earthquake in Haiti. Here, a photo from before the earthquake, doesn't look much better. Even before the earthquake Haiti was one of the poorest nations on our planet.

Today, Avon Products announced that they are committing $1 million for earthquake relief efforts in Haiti. The Avon Foundation for Women plans to distribute the donations equally to the American Red Cross International Response Fund and Doctors Without Borders, and the funds will be used for immediate and basic human needs—water, food and medical help.

Avon is making every effort to contact each of the 387 Representatives in Haiti. They also have a number of Associates and Representatives with family members in Haiti and we are working to support those individuals.

Avon Representatives have a long history of dedicated community involvement and have played a key role in disaster recoveries. I am very proud to announce that Avon will donate 50¢ from the purchase of every full-size Skin So Soft product (excluding deodorant) ordered during Campaigns 4 through 6.

Avon Representatives and their customers (YOU) have helped build the largest corporate-affiliated philanthropy for women. Now, I am asking you to again show the world the Avon spirit of compassion and caring as we join together to support the relief efforts and help victims of this major tragedy.

Choose the Shape of your own Life

I saw this quote recently and had to meditate on it. As I go on my 8th month of unemployment out the past 14 months, I am focusing on the positive and taking action. That is why I started selling Avon 2 months ago. I have not built up my income to replace my previous "day job" income yet, but I have made some extra cash for the holidays plus been able to buy the basic stuff my family uses at a significant discount (shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, deoderent, moisturizers and of course, make-up!). Are you in a similar situation where you do not have the same income that you had a year ago? Have you considered Avon? If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please contact me at (503)430-0049 or avon.lady.jennifer@gmail.com

Make great things happen in 2010!

A New Decade, A New Skin Care Regime

Have you been going through the motions, doing the same skin care steps everyday for years now? Your skin is a living part of your body that changes all of the time. Your skin care needs now may be different than they were last week, last year and definitely are different than the last decade!

97% of dermatologists agree, "The best way to treat and protect your skin, throughout your lifetime, is to start a daily anti-aging skin care regime as early as possible."

What is a skin care regime? Quite simply, it's your daily routine. Each morning and evening begin with a cleanser to clean out your pores, remove impurities and prepare skin for moisturizers and treatments. For daytime protection, apply a day cream with SPF sunscreen. In the evening, use a night cream. Choose from the same category as your cleanser- both will hydrate your skin and reduce signs of aging. Treat your eye area with an eye treatment. Each is designed to complement your day and night creams and treat the vulnerable eye area with extra care.

Which anti-aging regime is right for you? Take this short quiz. For each question, check one statement.

Does your facial skin have:
a. No or few lines
b.Wrinkles & some expression lines
c. Wrinkles & deep expression lines

Is your skin's elasticity:
a. Very firm & resilient
b. Beginning to lose firmness
c. Sagging, with loss of cushion & volume

Is your skin texture:
a. Mostly smooth and even
b. Occasionally dry & flaky
c. Uneven, rough & very dry

Is your skin tone:
a. Slightly uneven, but uniform
b. Discolored and blotchy
c. Uneven, with dark age spots

Is your eye area:
a. Tired looking, with fine lines & slight puffiness
b. Filled with dark circles, fine lines & wrinkles
c. Deep wrinkles & under eye bags

If you mostly answered with mostly (a) answers, check out Avon's ANEW Rejuvenate line.
If you answered with mostly (b) answers, try Avon's ANEW Reversalist line.
If you answered with mostly (c) answers, get Avon's ANEW Ultimate line.

Shop online at www.youravon.com/jbarker0004 or call me to get free samples of the product that's right for you. Lowest priced skin care line with a 100% satisfaction guarantee- honest!

Treating Hair Damage

No matter how careful we are, hair damage happens. Changes in the weather, blow drying, the use of hair straighteners and curling irons, can have adverse affects , creating small and sometimes major problems. Subtle damage signs are when hair feels dryer and tangles more easily. It can also be less manageable- not keeping its curl or shape. More significant damage is when your hair actually breaks off, leaving frazzled ends.

pictuerd at left: Avon's Advanced Techniques Intense Repair Moisture Mask- $4.99

Bring Out the Big Guns

Whether your hair is in dire straits or just needs some TLC, a deep treatment conditioner can be the solution to getting it back in top shape. Daily conditioners are lighter and just stay on the surface of the hair. Deep conditioners are designed to penetrate the cuticle and go to the core of the hair shaft and target the strength and elasticity.

Take Your Time

If you're giving yourself a deep treatment, remember it takes time to work properly. After shampooing, towel dry hair so the conditioner can work to its full potential. Apply enough so that a heavy coating covers the entire head. If you have coarse hair, run a wide tooth comb through your hair to distribute it more evenly. Then- sit back relax and let the product work for at least 5 minutes. Last- rinse thoroughly.

Know Your Needs

Start out with a once a week treatment for mildy damaged hair. If you think you need more- try applying it every other wash for one week. Over doing it can cause limp hair.

What do you do to keep your healthy and looking great?

A New Year-A new beginning

Has your life seemed out of balance these past few weeks? It's easy to do with the many demands the holidays put on you. But think back to before the holiday rush- were you always running late to appointments? Were you beating yourself up because you forgot to bring the snack you were supposed to bring to your child's soccer game? Or is your out of control To Do List keeping you away from the gym- and up all night worrying? It's astounding how quickly our lives tumble off-kilter. "When you start feeling tired, irritable, tense or resentful more often than you feel relaxed, happy or content, it's time to reassess your life and priorities,"says psychologist and life coach, Jessica Hinz, PhD. and co-author of Learn To Balance Your Life: A Practical Guide To Having It All. Tipping life's scale in your favor takes effort, but the pay off- a happier, healthier you- is worth it! Take these steps to regain your footing:

Plan Your Days
Optimize your time by breaking your day into manageable chunks-say , "before work", "at work", "family time" and "me time" - with a short must do list for each section. To make sure the list isn't overwhelming, Dr. Hinz suggests asking yourself, "Do I really need to do this?" If the answer is yes, then ask "Is there someone who can help me?" Not sure you want to commit? Sleep on it.

Make Time To Play
If you can't find time to do the things you love, like gardening, painting or reading- then join a club. It might seem crazy to commit more time to others- but doing so forces you to spend more time pursuing your passions. Ask yourself- "What would I do if I could spend my time doing only those things that bring my life meaning, passion and purpose?".

Unplug
Tweets, calls, emails, texts- call you away from what's really important.You become an "absent presence" in the lives of those who matter most- your family and friends. The solution is simple and yet difficult for many- silence your phones at important family gatherings, stop checking email after a certain hour, and don't feel pressed to get back to everyone right away.

Kiss Guilt Good Bye
Just because your friend called you at the last minute to go see a movie doesn't mean you should give up your plans to curl up and read a good book. Don't allow feelings of guilt or obligation to steal away your coveted down time. Being selfish isn't always a bad thing. You need to take care of yourself before you can tend to others.

Glowing Skin, All Winter All Winter Long

Banish dry skin this winter with these tips:

1. Choose a heavier moisturizer. If you are using a lighter moisturizer in the summer months, choose a heavier one now to prevent the cold winter air from drying out your skin. Make sure to apply it before bedtime too- especially in dry, flaky areas. Also use an eye cream and lip balm before you go to sleep to keep those sensitive areas supple.



2. Exfoliate. Gently remove old skin cells by exfoliating with a moisturizing scrub. Wipe away scrub with a washcloth for an easy way to remove it and is not harsh on your skin.

3. Embrace creamy makeup. Cream foundations are best in the winter because they are more emollient. Make sure to use a make-up primer first and finish off application with a powder to keep make up set in place.

4. Remember sunscreen in the winter too. Apply right after your moisturizer.

5. Raise your moisture content inside and out. Use a humidifier in your home and remember to drink plenty of water.

6. Fake a warm winter glow. But don't subject your skin to the danger and damage of tanning salon equipment. Use an applied self-tanner. Make sure to exfoliate first to get a even application. And don't forget to wash you hands afterward- orange palms are a dead give away!

Merry Christmas!

While I am enjoying the holiday time with my family, I want to pause and thank you for your business this past year and wish for you a holiday filled with joy and love.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!