Friday Confessional

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*Yawwwwwn and streeetch.  Friday…oh yes, FRIDAY – confessional day.  Guess I best get myself together and get things out in the open*

I confess… 

This has been a long week, and I wasn’t even certain when I woke up that it was, in fact, Friday.  Work has been super busy, though I am not complaining.  I like feeling like I am earning my paycheck.  It also makes time go by faster when I am here so I can go home to relax feeling accomplished.

I confess… 

I could probably stand to go to bed a bit earlier at night, but darn it there were so many good, new episodes, of my favorite shows this week that I am just exhausted from lack of adequate rest.  I hope to fix that over the weekend at some point.

I confess…

I am frustrated!!!  I need to sign up 14 new reps over the next 5 weeks in order to continue to get lead shares from Avon.  I keep talking to people but just not having much luck.  If you know of someone looking to make extra money, send them to me!  Seriously, only $10 and that is their kit, website, all the training…well everything they need.  They can even sign up online and doesn’t matter where they live they would still be under me and count.  20-50% commissions and NO parties to do.  In fact just send them to START AVON and tell them to use the code:  martigardner  to get signed up online.  You cannot beat a $10 investment.

I confess… 

I am writing this blog post while stuffing lunch in my face at the office.  I meant to write it last night and schedule it to publish, but then ‘Scandal’ came on and well that had my attention.   I’m munching a Summer Salad from Frisch’s, it is awesome!!!

I confess… 

I am relishing the quiet this afternoon in the office.  Everyone is out and about and it is me, here alone, in peaceful silence.  No doubt that spell will be broken soon, but for now it is amazing.

I confess… 

As if on cue, the boss sent a text…well several.  Lunch is over, time to get back to work, so much to do!

Friday Confessional

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It is said that confession is good for the soul, and Aubrey over at High Heeled Love helps us every Friday to get it all off our chest and feel better.  Click the cute little girl above and come link up and just let it all out!

I confess… 

I am so far behind on reading my favorite blog posts this week that I doubt I can get caught up…but I’m going to try!  And as far as posting goes, well yes I am way behind on that too.  Work has been busy and I am still trying to get myself balanced between work, Avon, blogging, reading, crocheting…well everything.

I confess… 

The post I put up yesterday is gone.  I took it down due to a very heart felt apology that I received and a request to remove it and the negative comments the individual had left behind.  Her email was a very sweet reminder to me to keep on keeping on with my journey of faith.

I confess… 

You remember a few weeks back I  was lamenting not being able to find anyone that could do nails as good as a former tech that had done them?  I am no longer grieving, I found a very skilled nail tech.   He is also much closer as far as distance goes.  My nails look incredible and I couldn’t be happier!

I confess… 

The past 24 hours have been rough.  My mood was all over the charts and settled snug like into a major U.M.S. (ugly mood syndrome).  I’m out of that now but wow…maybe I need an increase in my meds?

crmI confess… 

I found an amazing adult beverage to sooth my sexy, savage self.  Crown Royal Maple Whiskey.  OMG…enough said.

I confess… 

AND, like I wasn’t already addicted to enough cyber stuff, I am now playing Ruzzle.  I blame Martinis Needed, my sister-in-law. I saw it in her feed on Facebook one night when I couldn’t sleep so I checked it out.  So, as if my life wasn’t attached to my laptop, smart phone or Kindle Fire enough, I have one more thing on there to do.  I think intervention may be in order.

So, what do YOU need to confess?

Join the party over at the confessional!

Shameless Self Promotion!

I try not to push sales on my blog page, as this is kind of my therapist couch here.  It is where I come to write, vent, etc, and it helps keep me sane.

But today, I’m coming to my readers to shamelessly promote my Avon business.  I have until March 13th to hit my sales goals and make President’s Club again.  To do that, I need to have $1,900 in sales by that date.  It makes the difference in 20% vs 40% commission on my sales.  I’ve been distracted from my sales because of my new job and now I need to really push hard to get them so that I finish out the sales year on the high note.

So, what I’m asking  you, my readers, is that if you are a fan of Avon, or ever thought about checking it out, that you consider an online order from me!  You can shop the current brochure from the comfort of your computer, pay online (orders over $30 ship FREE), and your order will be delivered direct to your door usually in 3-5 days!!!!

Just go to my store (www.youravon.com/martigardner), then click “shop my eBrochure” and you can see the latest brochures to order from!  Cosmetics, bath & body, fashion, jewelry, fragrance, home items…Avon has a wide variety including a leading skin care line, ANew!

AvonSkin

December Goals

It’s time for the Monthly Goals Linky Party!
How it works:
On the first Wednesday of every month, we write a post recapping our goals from the month before and setting goals for the future month.  Then, we link up the post with the linky party and give each other encouragement and support by visiting and commenting!
At the end of the year, a super awesome prize will be drawn and awarded to one random blog that linked up goals throughout the year!
To link up with the hostess and join in click the icon above and jump on board!

November Goals Recap:

  • Walk 5 times a week, rain or shine if outside, or inside on the treadmill, but walk and be up to 3 miles a day by the 30th of the month! FAIL! but not giving up!
  • Drink 64 ounces of water every day (I’ve been easily dehydrated for months).  SUCCESS!
  • Healthy snacks, if I must snack, during the day. SUCCESS
  • Less coffee and more herbal tea. Still working on this one
  • Eat breakfast every day. (candy is NOT breakfast) SUCCESS!!!
  • Start measuring portions on all food! Stop over eating. SUCCESS!!!
  • 8 new team members to my Avon business by the 30th. FAIL! But my car was in the shop so hard to get out there and work it.

Okay so 4 out of 7 isn’t too bad, better than 50%!  :)  But I am going to keep those that I did not make on the list for December.

DECEMBER Goals:

  • Walk 5 times a week, rain or shine, inside or outside, but at least 10 minutes a day and work up to 3 miles a day by the end of the month.
  • Less coffee and more herbal tea!
  • 8 new team members to my Avon business.
  • Continue to track myself daily on SparkPeople.com and not slack off like I have in the past.
  • Take off at least another 6 pounds by the end of the month.
  • Get my walk-in closet organized and in order and keep it that way!
  • Daily devotions and bible study – every single day!
  • Make it to church every Sunday this month.

TTUT ~ OMG? Seriously?

OH and spilling it I plan to do.

I’m frustrated right now.  Don’t get me wrong, still the perky, positive, marvelous woman.  But lately so much has frustrated me!

My car.  I swear the piece of &*$^% has spent more time being fixed than it has being driven in the past 6 months…okay year! Past YEAR!  And each time it is something new going wrong.  I cannot afford a new car right now, so I have to just keep praying we finally fix the last thing and I can drive it for a while.  The shocks and struts need replacing, have for literally years now.  The ex promised to “get to them soon” for over a year, then when we were divorcing he again said he’d get to them.  I moved out, those will likely never see HIS promise kept.  I keep hoping space garbage will fall from the sky and take out the car.

My Avon business.  It is a little hard to keep a business going when the car doesn’t work.  Especially one in direct sales.  I need to be able to get out, meet people, distribute my brochures and get those sales and recruits.   But I need my car to do that.  Grrrrrr……  The website side is down too.  If you need any Avon, like great stocking stuffers etc, please, go to MY AVON STORE and buy buy buy!  Til midnight tonight, $10 orders ship free (when checking out use code: SHIPTEN).  After midnight, all orders $30 or more ship free.  Tell a buddy, I could seriously use every single sale no matter how small!

My SwissJust business.  Never got off the ground because again, the stupid car.

I want to start a 2 week school program next week to get my certification as a nurse aide, but without a reliable vehicle that simply isn’t likely to happen.  I have a job if I can just get the darn certification!!!! GRRRRR!  And I don’t even want the job, I love my Avon business, but  until I can recover from the down time financially, I have to do something.  Besides, having the certification and job to fall back on is not a bad thing.

Sunday, after one day of having my car back and loving my FREEDOM again, I got in it to drive to church and it is acting up again.  I wanted to cry! I was determined that if I had to walk there in the rain, I was going.  I’ve missed 3 weeks prior due to a cold/flu/something virus that I finally shook off after spending a day with the puke virus and fever.  But finally I got the car to cooperate and drove.  Walking really is a doable thing, the church is only a little over half a mile from my house, and I won’t melt if I get wet.  I was SO glad I went, so well fed and I miss my church family when not there.

SIGH….okay nothing changed by venting, but I feel better.   :)

Friday Confessional – No Skeletons In My Closet, Just A Hooker

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Time to hit the confessional, currently being hosted over at High-Heeled Love while Mamarazzi takes a break. SO the icon above will take you to Mamarazzi’s place, you need to click on High-Heeled Love to get to the link-up if you decided to participate or want to read other blogger confessions.  Face it, you KNOW you want too, because we all like juicy stuff on others.

My ex-husband used to say we didn’t have skeletons in our closet, our’s sat out on the couch where you could see them all, as we had nothing to hide.  I try hard to carry that on, as I see no point in hiding things.

I confess…. I have a slight competitive streak in me.  Okay more than slight.  A little competition for the sake of fun can get me up off my tush and onto the playing field rather quickly.  Like yesterday there was a recruit-a-thon in our Avon district, so I was more driven to go find new leads and ended up with 6!  Or when it comes to truly important things, like my farm in FarmVille2.  Staying ahead of my baby sister will drive me to pull out of bed early to harvest my wheat.  Provided it is an even playing field, with NO real money being spent on the virtual farms.  Not that I haven’t been tempted!

I confess…. I have been enjoying the attention coming my way from out west via Long Beach, my nickname for some guy that lives there that has been off and on trying to get my attention for a few years now.  Claims he loves me (I confess I’m not that dumb as to believe in love at first sight, especially through photos) and wants to marry me.  Daddy didn’t raise me to be an episode of Criminal Minds so my being skeptical is understated.  But I will admit the texts are kind of fun.  But no wedding bells or relationships in my future, as he has never actually come here  to meet me despite the 2 year attraction now.  And nothing sexual, the texts are pretty vanilla, just amusing.

I confess…. Sometimes I like the idea of a Zombie Apocalypse.  I love the show, The Walking Dead, and we even have a ‘Zombie Attack Survival Guide’ poster hanging in the upstairs hallway.  Why you ask? Okay it is all fantasy dialog, but there are more than a few folks I’d love to have a  valid, lawful reason to stab in the head with a screwdriver.  Don’t freak out, I’m not a nut case, like I said, fantasy dialog.  Admit it, you know of at least one person that in your mind’s eye you’ve splattered their gray matter on the walls via a crossbow!  Huh? You haven’t? hmm….don’t tell my therapist.

I confess…. I do my best work in the 11.5th hour.  Hence I will be crocheting my sweet little fingers off today to finish up blankets  for the baby shower for my grandson tomorrow.  Don’t judge!  One is actually for my granddaugther, as she became my son’s the day he married her mother.  We adore this little red head and I promised myself once that all of my grandchildren would have a blanket from their grandma.  So I am making one for her just not a baby one, this is a beautiful big-girl blanket.  I will post a photo later this weekend, as my daughter-in-law reads my blogs sometimes and she doesn’t get a sneak peak!

I confess…. I am not going to make it to ladies bible study this morning because of that blanket.  But it has to be ready.  It is hard being the big sister with a new baby getting the attention, especially when you blend families, so I want her to feel extra special in her new role.  So I need to get back to my hooking here in a brief few minutes!

I confess…. I am NOT going to have an iPhone.  Just not caught up in the hoopla or sold on it.  After a side-by-side comparison online of iPhone 5, Droid Razr Maxx and the new Samsung Galaxy SIII….I am probably going with the Galaxy.  I am very familiar with Droid software, and in comparing them, I actually see little difference that matters except the price!  And I’m seeing more and more apps that were iPhone now coming out in Droid as it is being realized that not everyone thinks the iPhone is the end all.  It helped that my daughter, an iPhone owner, opted to go with the Galaxy SIII when her upgrade time came this past week.  And she loved her iPhone, but says she feels the Galaxy wins hands down. And this phone talks to you in that creepy lady voice too, and does face talk, and the battery life is nearly twice that of the iPhone 5. Right there is enough for me.

Okay, that is all I have for now.  Off to find my hook and yarn and finish these blankets!

Signing off,

The Happy, Somewhat Of A Nut Case, Hooker

A 100% Refundable Candidate!!

There is no way you could miss that it is an election year and that we are coming up on election day!   Both parties are pushing hard to get your vote with lots of promises, and if you are like me you are skeptical about them keeping most of those promises.

Your money and your family are important to you.  Jobs are important to us all.  And  there is something you can do to help the economy, the job market and your wallet:  VOTE TWICE!

Yes VOTE TWICE!  Cast your vote for president, and get out there and campaign  for your candidate.  But cast a second vote, for YOU!

I have a candidate that creates jobs daily for anyone that needs employment.

My candidate knows and IS quality at a very reasonable price.

This candidate is 100% refundable, send it back if you are not satisfied and get your money back!

My candidate is just a phone call away whenever you need something or have a question.  And THIS candidate will have answers.

My candidate? AVON!  Every day new representatives launch their own business, providing secondary income to their families. Some work it full time!

AVON has quality products that I would stand up against any department store brand not only in price but in satisfaction.

Shop from your seat, not your feet!  AVON comes to YOU so you can go green and save gas, not add to the pollution, and do all of your holiday shopping right from home!

Birthday, anniversary, holiday, or “oops I’m sorry” gifts, AVON has it ALL!

Check out the AVON platform at My Avon Store by clicking “shop eBrochure” on the side and look at what AVON has to offer!

Need employment?  Go to START AVON and use the code: martigardner  so YOU can start your very own work at home business!  It is only $10 to start and that is your full kit, free website and FREE training! You start making money right away!

Your vote DOES count!

Avon MagiX Product Review and Give Away!

I am a stickler about my makeup.  I know, probably vain of me, but if I am going to put on a face in the morning, I want it to look the best possible.

One of my pet peeves when it comes to my makeup is shine.  I do NOT like to have shiny spots at all, I just want a  nice, flawless finish.  But my skin has areas that while they don’t feel oily, when I put on makeup they sure look it!  Too much powder trying  to tone that down and I look like I have a ton of foundation on when in fact I do not!

As a representative I have seen Avon’s MagiX Face Perfector in the catalogs but just never thought to give it a try.  Honestly, it wasn’t a product that I gave any attention to so I wasn’t even certain what it would do.  Then one day when searching for a past article in our representative catalogs for upcoming products I stumbled on the MagiX.  I decided to give it a try.

It goes on as a gel and dries almost instantly to feel powder smooth.  I put it on after cleansing, serum and moisturizer.  Those alone tend to make my skin feel kind of oily.  Immediately I noticed NO shine where I had the MagiX applied.  (by the way, it sports an SPF 20!)

I followed up with my Avon ideal Flawless foundation, then my blush and finally loose powder.  I am VERY impressed!  That was 5 hours ago and still, no oily shine.  Just a nice, smooth look to my face and makeup.  I am SO glad I decided to give this a try.

Another positive, you can wear this product with or without makeup! Just put it on after your moisturizer to give you a nice, matte finish!

Do you suffer from shine or oily skin that makes your makeup look less than perfect?  I highly recommend this product.  A little bit goes a long way, and it is well worth the price.  Regular price it is $10 for a 1 fl oz. supply, it is currently on sale in the Campaign 22 brochure for $7.99.  It is for all skin tones.  The product number is 646-451 and you can purchase it now on my Avon website.

 
Because I am SO impressed I am going to give away a MagiX! 
You must be a US resident.

To enter simply comment on this post!  For additional entries “like” my Facebook page and share the giveaway! That will give you a total of 3 entries! (if you are already a fan of the page that will count as one entry)

Contest runs through midnight, 10/16/12.  Winner will be chosen at random and contacted so that the item can be shipped to you the following week.

Leave The Drama To Your Lashes

I have to do one more product review, for the single best mascara I have ever used.

I play up my eyes the most when I put on my face, they are my best feature.  I used to wear false eyelashes because they really do make your eyes look amazing.  I have even gone the route of lash extensions, but the cost is prohibitive and it is very time consuming to have them applied.

NO MORE!

This past Spring at the Avon President’s Club Gala, in our swag bag of goodies we were given for achieving President’s Club, we were given this new mascara.  OMG it is AMAZING.  I LOVE this stuff!!!! I was so bummed when I finally used up that tube, because I had to wait until this current campaign to get my hands on it again.  IT’S HERE!!!!

Volume and length to die for, I’ve been asked if they are really my lashes!  YES!  And they can be your lashes too!  Avon Drama Mascara doesn’t clump, and comes off easily with eye makeup remover.  And you will have the best looking lashes you have ever had from a mascara!

Best part? Right now, you can order online and all orders of $10 or more ship FREE when you use the code: ESSENTIAL

DON”T Wait! Order your amazing, Drama mascara and leave the drama to your gorgeous eyes! Click —> HERE  <— to go to my website to order! Then click  ”shop my eBrochure” to begin paging through the current brochure and placing your order!

Turning Back The Hands Of Time – Pro Line Eraser Product Review

Okay ladies, and gents – because men want to retain youthfulness too, I feel like I’ve discovered the fountain of youth.  Best part? I work for myself selling the product, it has just been released here in the USA and it is the beauty breakthrough of the century, maybe even better.

What if I told you that this product is SO good that women that were going to undergo cosmetic surgery to minimize their wrinkles actually canceled surgery after using it?

If you knew this product was a fantastic alternative to Botox and other treatments that are similar, PER a dermatologist, would you be impressed?

And suppose I told you that fully 100% of the women who have used this product in clinical studies saw noticeable improvements to their skin?

I could also tell you that this is a bigger break through in skin care treatment than alpha hydroxyl acids and Retinol were.

If I also told you that you could see results, noticeable ones, in as few as 2 weeks of using the product in the morning and evening after using facial cleanser, would you want it?

Okay now what if I mentioned, that this product will sell for $39.99 for the full size, 1 ounce product, but currently it is on sale for $34.99 as an introductory price?

Are you hooked yet?  You should be!

YES it is an Avon product.

Anew Clinical Pro Line Eraser Treatment.

And you can purchase it right  now, online, through my Avon site and shipping is free.

Men and women will love this item.  I’ve started using it myself along with my regular regimen, I LOVE it.

I will give you numerous links to check out reviews:
Will Avon’s $40 wrinkle cream wipe out need for cosmetic surgery?

2012 Beauty Breakthroughs

PSP Plastic Surgery Practice

I’m Channeling My Inner Creamsicle

Yes…my hair is now a lovely, pastel orange.  I look like a Creamsicle.  That or I’m a bit premature in my excitement for Bengals pre-season football to begin.  Never  one to take myself too seriously, and therefore I don’t expect anyone else to take me seriously all of the time,  I thought I’d share.

Thankfully my stylist is going to fix this later today.

Here is a Vlog so you can experience the full visual effect too.

Rambling & OMG Grandma’s Face Is Melting!!!

Okay so it isn’t melting, but this heat wave is making for a sweaty, not quite as Marvelous one, a total waste of makeup!  I’m thinking I will be skipping the makeup routine more often than not, it’s only going to end up running off of my face anyway.

I haven’t taken time to sit down and write lately, had a lot on my mind but wasn’t ready to really put it all in writing.  And I’ve been rather busy to say the least.  But I need my therapy session of spilling the inside jumble of ever changing thoughts out on to the computer screen.  I’m armed here with a glass of red wine and some microwave popcorn, it’s time to start purging the brain onto my blog page.  Reader beware, this could go all kinds of sideways before I’m finished.

First order of business is that today my son, his wife, and little girl found out the newest addition to their family (due in late December) is a little boy!!!  I am more than excited to be gaining my second grandchild. I’ve found that of all the roles I’ve played on the stage of life so far, being a grandma is one of the very best!  And I’m still very young for the job, at only 49!  I have therapy with my crochet hooks coming up as I make a bunch of fun stuff like blankets, hats and booties for this little boy, not to mention the tons of stuff I am going to be buying.  But not just for him! I know how hard being the older sibling can be when the baby is getting all the goodies, so Little Red, my adorable granddaughter, will be getting some fun stuff from me too.

Lately I’ve been in a mode of letting bygones be just that, bygones.  Water under the bridge.  I’ve forgiven those that needed it, and those that didn’t.  It may be seen to some as ‘poking the bear/bitch’ but I have even hit the old friend request on about a dozen past Facebook friends and life/lifestyle friends as Facebook has thrown them into my “people you may know” feed.  Who knows, maybe they too are ready to let it all go and move the heck on.  If not, their loss.  Life is just too damn short to worry about it all anymore.  I have my life, it is fun, wild and crazy, mellow and easy going, full of laughter and good times.  Happiness is a choice I make, joy is something I’ve found in the simple things.  Some will tell me I’ve lost it, or have a few screws loose.  Hell not a single screw is loose, but many are bent and twisted!  :)   So be it.  The bible say that as much as possible be at peace with all, and that is my goal.

I’ve had my share of throttle therapy lately, and frankly cannot get enough.  More to come, way more to come!

Just the other day I had a total light bulb moment.  Or a “squirrel!” event.  Depends how you look at it I suppose.  I had read another person’s blog about their NOT doing so hot in a direct selling business, and replied telling them maybe it was because they failed to treat it as a job, and instead dabbled at it like a hobby.  ”BING!” on went the light bulb in my brain.  I’m working my business, and not doing too shabby, but wondering why I’m not up there higher just yet, and it dawned on me: I’m NOT working it like I did my jobs in the past.  If I were to have put the effort into past employment that I am now with Avon, I wouldn’t have had a job for long.  SO…obviously I need to get a more focused approach.  I’m also starting a second job with another direct selling company, but more on that later.

Okay who out there has had Bunco parties/clubs?  Just found out tonight that I’m going to be in one.  I have NO clue what it is all about but sounds like a great reason for a girls night out once a month so I said I was in!

I ALMOST went back to blond locks recently, but the hair color I was using wasn’t meant for removing the red.  SO I dyed it deep red again.  Heck I have about 700 of 1000 business cards left with my red hair photo, so I am figuring it would be good to remain a firey little red head for a while longer.  Besides I DO like this color and it always gets a conversation started wherever I go!

The past few weeks I have been on the quiet side when it comes to posting.  I’ve been reflecting on things I was told about not sharing so much about others.  Or myself if it involves others.  I’m evaluating that one, because…well it’s a respect thing and um…never gave it a lot of thought.

I had plenty to say on the whole gay marriage (I support it) and Chick-Fil-A (support them too) events, on Facebook, but I’ve chosen to leave it out of my posts.  Face it, no one is changing anyone’s mind on the subject.  The President only, IMHO, changed HIS mind because it is an election year and he is vying for votes so going with the vocal minority.  Nothing I say is going to change anyone’s thoughts so I’ll leave it at that, I support gay marriage and I went to Chick-Fil-A on the 1st because I am a support of free speech too.  Besides, their food is good.

This whole typing thing with a band-aid on one finger is a pain in the rump.  Cut the finger on the foil on a wine bottle earlier tonight.  Better outlaw those things, they are dangerous!!!!  I might have bled out and died in the kitchen if it were not for the paper towels and the band-aid that only took 10 minutes to locate!  Beware of the foil covering the corks on your wine bottles.

Did you know that if the blades of your fan are dirty, it is not putting out like it should?  I knew this but hadn’t taken a good look at the fans lately. OMG! I am shocked nothing in there grabbed and ate one of the cats, it was disgusting!  I took my box fan apart, cleaned the blades and every other area that could be reached with q-tips and now it is like hurricane force winds when set on high.  Who knew?  I cleaned another one and my little baby fan in my room too.  My sister was all mock-like impressed, teasing me about having a fever because I actually used a tool (a screw driver) today.  Yeah, I’m cool like that.  I couldn’t mess this up, the cats were supervising me!

Okay so this is a totally random, lame post tonight, but at least I put something up for the first time in days.

I leave you with my cat’s very, “get your butt in bed and stop moving you are disturbing me” look.

WHY I Am An Avon Lady

It seems like SO long ago I was going to work every day in an office. For 26 years I worked for a company, spending a good deal of time at a desk, in front of the computer, working in that office away from my family. I missed a lot of important times in my children’s growing up years because I HAD to work, we needed the income.

After the economy went belly up, so did that job I had worked at for so long. I took a job managing an office for a painting company, but when late Autumn hit the job was done. Then I went to work for a heating and air company, but they went the way of the economy.

In an effort to generate some income I made the decision to start in-home childcare. Within a week I was watching 3 kids, all siblings. I picked up a part timer after school and an infant after the holidays that year. Not too bad, but that left me feeling like the walls were closing in on me. I was home, all day, sun up to sun down. I loved watching them, make no mistake about it, but it didn’t get me out of the house. My conversations were about characters in the popular children’s television shows. I needed to do something that would get me out of the house when possible.

I had always loved Avon products so I decided to look into being a representative. Imagine my shock when I found out it was only $10 to start my own beauty business. I met with Renee, my ‘upline’ person, learned a lot in an hour, and I was off! No inventory, no big expense, just $10 out of my pocket and I had my kit, I was an Avon lady. And I was excited!

Immediately my mom and sister decided this was an opportunity for them as well, and they signed up! I was already building a downline and I quickly found a few customers. This was pretty easy, so I stuck to it.

One of the first benefits was the monthly district sales meetings. I was connecting with other women, having intelligent conversations and learning about running my own business in a very fun atmosphere. This group of women made me feel like one of the team, applauding accomplishments, sharing ideas, it did a lot for my need to have something outside of the house, a hobby of sorts.

It was early on that I saw the potential for real income with Avon. While some women do it just for the hobby or outside interest, I saw the opportunity to make this a career. I started looking at the top sellers, and the ‘rich and famous’ of Avon. The Lisa Wilber and Barb Avery types. I read their web pages and blogs, watched them in videos, listened to them in interviews and thought to myself, “if they can do this, so can I!”. These were not people that went to Harvard for business degrees, these were average gals with a dream and some desire to achieve those dreams for themselves. And OH have they achieved the dreams.

I knew what I wanted, I wanted to work for ME. To sleep in some days if I wanted too. To be my own boss and not have to answer to anyone else if I wanted a sick day because I was sick of doing anything at all. And I wanted financial independence, freedom to buy what I want when I want it.

Not being one to reinvent the wheel, I started to study the things the top achievers like Lisa and Barb were doing. I kept going back and listening to their interviews, reading things they suggested, and I began to apply those things. And with that, I began to see some success.

I also started to gain something I’ve struggled with…self confidence. Every sale, every recruit, every mile stone I’ve achieved has fueled my self confidence. I look at myself in the mirror and I KNOW I can do this, and that one day I will be up there in the top ranks, and my name will be a household name among the other Avon representatives. That people will want to know how I achieved my goals. I KNOW without a doubt that I can have my dreams, my ‘whys’ for even starting this. I know this because I’ve seen others that have done it, and I’ve seen the beginnings of the mile stones starting to be achieved for myself.

Once school got out this year, I stopped watching children and launched into Avon full time. The first thing I realized is I don’t have to work 40 hours at this every week. I can do this 25 hours a week IF I really work it for those time periods. And I realized that this can be a part of everything I do each day. If I am out window shopping, I am prospecting other women! If I am at the library, I will talk to anyone about this opportunity. If I pass women at the coffee shop, I give them each a brochure and get their contact information so I can touch base to get their orders. Every where I go there is opportunity! And I can do it all day, every day, any chance I have while going about my LIFE. Yes, I have a LIFE and I’m LIVING that life while achieving my dreams and whys.

The best part is I get to help other women (and a few good men!) do the same thing! Spend more time with family, really LIVE life while making the money, achieving their dreams and goals, or just enjoying a hobby. Whatever it is they want to get out of this opportunity, I am helping them and making life long friends a long the way.

Avon is the #1 direct selling company in the world. I am proud to be a part of that. I’d be honored to have YOU as a part of my team!

Simply go to: Start Avon and use the code: martigardner when you sign up online. You will need a credit card for that $10 investment. Your starter kit will arrive in 3-7 days. And you will become a part of something special…an opportunity to work with some of the best people around, make new friends, achieve your goals and dreams, and work for YOU! I will help you, train you, support you and cheer you on! Why NOT you? And why NOT today?

What If Just $10 Could = All The Money You NEED?

It can you know!

$10 is all it takes to join the world’s #1 direct selling business.  And your earning potential is limitless.

It’s what I do full time.

It’s what YOU can do too.

Just $10 and you get all this plus the brochures to kick off your first 2 campaigns.

You earn 40% commission your first 8 weeks.

Sign up today at START AVON and use code:   martigardner

You will receive this kit and the brochures you need for your first 2 campaigns.

You’ll be on my team so you’ll have lots of help from me to see you through to your success.

What do you have to lose? Just $10….and your dreams are within reach.

AVON – still making the American dream come true!

WOOHOOO!!!! FREE FREE FREE!!!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY TO ALL OF MY READERS!!!

Real quick – if you have anything you wish to order from Avon, today is the day!

TODAY ONLY

FREE SHIPPING ON ANY SIZE ORDER!!!

You MUST opt for direct delivery and pay online!

Those  who sign up on my site for email specials know this, but I’m sharing it with everyone today!!

At checkout just use code:  SALEJULY

Thanks in advance to all who order from MY ONLINE AVON STORE.

DING DONG? Yes Please!!

While yesterday was in fact my first official day as ‘just’ an Avon Lady, today was my first real full time day of working it.  I love my job,  no doubt about that.  I’ve loved this since the day I signed up a year ago.  However I REALLY love this job today.

Right out of the gate I called the customers that I had orders for and set up time to deliver their products and collect the money.  I enjoy this time, I love meeting new people that phoned in orders and I really enjoy the smiles when I show up with their goodies.

Because my sister is full time as an Avon representative, we went out together.  It is a lot more fun with a partner in crime so to speak.  We book bombed (tossed) 1000 Avon brochures  throughout various neighborhoods on our side of town while we delivered the orders.  I even enjoy that part,  it is like spreading seeds in a garden of customers.  It doesn’t hurt that the two of us can find fun in just about anything we do together.

Then we began the process of prospecting.  We took many ideas from our recent leadership training workshop we had attended a few weekends ago, putting into practice approaching strangers,  leaving prospecting flyers under windshield wipers, and sticking notes with our contact stickers on them and hand written,  “Need $$? Call me, I’m hiring!” on ATMs, pop machines and newspaper stands.  The goal is always to talk to as many folks as possible, and get contact information.  Once we have contact info they are considered a lead.  We each got 5 leads today and countless unknown ones from the fliers, stickie  notes and book bombing.  It was a GREAT day.

The best part was we slept in,  getting out of bed when we darn well felt like it!  Then we were able to socialize and window shop all day,  all the while talking to a lot of very wonderful women about Avon.  Every single woman we spoke with said the same thing, they did not have an Avon representative!  I’m told only 13% of the women in my area are serviced by an Avon Lady or Man, which means a huge potential customer base.  I have so much work to do!  :)

I LOVE MY JOB!!!

If you’d like to give Avon a try for some part time/supplemental or full time income, please contact me and let’s get you started.  It is the best $10 investment you will ever make.  Yes, JUST $10 and you are on the way to limitless earning potential while enjoying one of the most FUN jobs you will ever have!

CAN YA HELP A SISTER OUT?

You all know that I sell Avon…or if you are a new reader to my blog, I SELL AVON!  I am now full  time with running my own business and my car has decided that now is the time to quit.  Lovely.  SO, I am having a fund raiser for my car.  I need $700 to fix it.  If I can sell $1550 between now and 6/15, I will earn 50% commission, which enables me to fix my car.

This is where you come in.  Please, consider helping me out here and go to my fund raiser event on my Avon page by clicking the flier  below and purchase some Avon!  It will go a long way to helping me get this 16 year old car running again so that I can work toward a new vehicle!

Thanks in advance and please feel free to share!

Shameless Self Promotion

I LOVE what I do,  watching kids and Avon.  But the daycare  side is drawing to a close.  Summer is here and I need to focus on my Avon business to go full time.  It’s what I’ve wanted since I saw the business and earning opportunity that comes from being my own boss.

$10 investment and  I was off to the races making money, selling one of the most familiar names in products.

Now, I’m a national recruiter, stretching my team across the country.

I’m looking for a few things and you, my amazing audience of readers,  can assist.

First,  it is warm weather  and I need a sales boost.  If you haven’t seen an Avon brochure lately, I would  love  for you to take a look via my Avon Online Store.  Just click “Shop my eBrochure” on the right hand side and you can page through the current brochure/catalog.  Avon sells Deet free bug repellent, you won’t be sorry you tried it!

That is the first thing you can do to assist me…buy!  Get on my Avon site and place an order!  Avon has 100% satisfaction guarantee so you can return things if they do not meet your expectations.  But please, if you have ever considered buying from Avon, I would LOVE to be your Avon lady – shop with me from home, pay online and it will be shipped directly to you!  Want to save money on shipping?  If you use the code, 99JUNE1 your order ships for just .99 cents!  If your order is $30 or more, it ships FREE!!!!!!  So please, consider helping a sister out and place an Avon order, spread the word to friends and family too!

Now, second.  Have YOU considered becoming an Avon rep?  It is only $10 to start, nothing more.  No need to stock inventory.  Just $10.  Your first 4 campaigns you will receive 40% commission, and after that you earn 20-50% based on your sales.  Example: Place a $300 order and your commission is 35% earning you $105.  I know just about everyone could use a little extra income.  Or a lot if you chose to work it that way.  Sign up with me,  online, and you will be in my downline, on my team, and I will help you, train you and teach you to build your business. How you say? Just go to Start Avon and use the code MARTIGARDNER and pay the $10 and you will receive your kit  in a few days and then the fun of working for yourself, as a part of my team begins!!!  You have nothing to lose but $10 if it turns out not to be your thing.  But I know you will succeed and LOVE this business.  If for no other reason than the discount you will be able to buy your own Avon for, and really why pay retail?

So,  that dear readers is how you can assist  me,  and at the same time shop sales, and start your own business!  And yes, a few really good men sell Avon too, and they are very successful!

Thanks SO much!

Your Online Avon Lady :)

Soggy Doggies & Other Oddities

My sister and I were invited to attend a leadership trip to Avon’s Zanesville, Ohio, distribution plant today.  We had to leave home at 4:45am, so right about now (6:16pm) I am ready to pass out from exhaustion.  This was a total and complete honor for us, and OMG was this amazing!

As is usually the case with the two of us, we had entirely too much fun on the ride up there.

We stopped at a McDonald’s to grab more coffee and use the ladies room.  WOW, have things  changed since I had small children.  I closed the stall door to a spacious ‘potty’ spot, sat down and found myself looking at a chair mounted on the inside of the door, complete with straps.  Frankly that  kinda creeped me the heck out.   Oh don’t get me wrong, having had to use the bathroom with a small child in tow in my distant past, I get the need and the idea is really a good one as it keeps the little  crumb crunchers out of trouble in a germ infested area.  But my first, very sideways and wrong thought, was “oh, a midget bondage chair!”  Yes, I know, wrong and sick.  My Biker appreciated the sick humor when I shot him a picture of my view from the top of Mount  porcelain.

We got lost, sort of, thanks to mapquesting the directions.  We left the highway 2 exits too soon and the address turned out to be a high school.  But that is okay, because while driving through that area we found some rather interesting businesses.  One called the Splash And Dash car wash.  Next door to that is the Soggy Doggy pet groomer.  The topper was the strip bar in what appears to have been an old church.  Ice the cake with what appeared to be life size iron sheep, horses,  cowboys and some other barnyard critters on the one sidewalk, and well you have one very interesting little town.  We were in tears from laughing.

The rest of the day was, to us Avon reps, the beauty industry version of crack for druggies!  It is a fabulous distribution center, high tech, and totally amazing!  It makes me appreciate what I do for a living all the more.  It was a huge shot in my mojo.  Doesn’t hurt that all of us that went are a peppy group of ladies bursting with excitement for the brand, Avon.

See what one misses when they don’t run with a totally crazy person like myself?  :)

Product Review: Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus

As an Independent Sales Representative for Avon, I am given an opportunity to preview products  before they hit the brochures.  Recently the preview was for our Skin So Soft line of insect repellents.  As someone that likes being outside, especially on the back of a motorcycle, I decided to put our Bug Guard Plus to the test.

The first time I tried the Bug Guard Plus IR3535,  “Cool ‘N Fabulous” SPF 30 Lotion Disappearing Color. The disappearing color is great if you need to ensure that sun sensitive skin is completely covered as the blue color stays on the skin for a few moments before vanishing. It is, as it says, very water resistant.  This is an ideal product if you have little ones that swim or are outside playing sports.  For my taste, I cannot stand the scent. I am pretty sensitive to smells and didn’t care for it at all.  If I were swimming or had little ones I’d use it but for me personally, no thanks.

This past weekend I used the Bug Guard Plus IR3535 “Gentle Breeze” SPF 30 Lotion.  I’m sold, hooked, LOVE  this stuff.  The scent was pleasant, doesn’t smell like a sun screen to me.  And it works.  I applied it once around 11:30am yesterday, then got on  my honey’s Harley with him and rode all day, in the sun.  When I returned home last night I had tan lines but no sunburn whatsoever.  It should be noted that being a natural blond with very fair skin I tend to burn easily.  I haven’t gone to a tanning bed in over 2 years,  so I had zero base for protection.  Not a single red spot!  Add to that the fact that mosquitoes see a 7 course meal with a super decadent dessert when they spot me, and not a single bite anywhere even though I came home and spent time sitting outside for a while. I am totally sold on this product.

Right now you can purchase  this product on  myAvon Website Store and if you do so before midnight on 5/24 it will ship to you free!  In fact, any size order ships free until that deadline, just use the code: FSMAY2 and you should receive it in a few days time.