Fragrance of the Month

Check out the six fragrances for the month of October!
Photo: Up in Smoke by illpadrino

Top 10 Workout Songs

Put together a playlist to help you get your beach body back from author Nathanel Jefferson.

Image courtesy of Stockimages / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

ASPiring Artist

Online gallery of drawings and artwork by ASP.

ECV's Beauty Tips

Check back often for new tips!

New Year's resolutions and goal-setting

Get the help you need to follow through on your resolutions and goals in 2012!

Feb 29, 2012

Losing Wait

Absolutely loving the blog post Losing Wait from Mary Kay's CMO Sheryl Adkins-Green! Obviously she's not talking about the weight that most people resolve to lose every new year, but the "wait" she mentions is just as if not more important.

I've decided to replace my "wait" with "S.T.A.R.T" also...

• S= Start smaller to achieve bigger. In other words, I break my goal down into manageable and achievable segments, instead of a big chunk that will overwhelm me.
• T= Target a specific time each day to work on my goal, even if it’s only 30 minutes. I literally schedule it. I make an appointment with me and I keep it!
• A= Ask for help and accept help. So often, we’re so busy doing for others that we feel that we can’t or shouldn’t ask for help. Yet we all have at least one friend or family member who is willing and able to support our goal. We just need to ask!
• R= Reward my progress. It’s important to celebrate each success along the way, no matter how small. Plus, who doesn’t love a reason to get a new pair of shoes?
• T= Treat time as my most precious resource and make every minute count.

What are you going to "start" when you lose your "wait"?

Feb 28, 2012

Deal of the Day

Summer Beach Hat 
A big-brimmed hat takes you to the beach in style! Brim, 17" diam. One size fits most. Paper/lurex. 


Regular price $20.00
Current Price $7.98



Order Now


While Supplies Last.

Feb 15, 2012

Deal of the Day

mark Very Violet Top
Pick this top for the frill of it, or because of its undeniably pretty pinky-purple color. 100% cotton.

Available in Small, Medium, Large and XL.

Regular Price $26.00
Current Price $13.32

Order Now

While Supplies Last.

Feb 13, 2012

The Hidden Hair Threat - Part 2

Well we've identified that hard water might be the culprit behind your hair and also your skin issues. For right now however, we going to focus on the hair in this series.

So what exactly makes water hard?  Depending upon the source of your water, it may naturally contain dissolved minerals ranging from calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, and silica.  Each of these dissolved minerals can build up on your hair shaft just like over time they build up on the interior of your plumbing or around your faucets and shower heads.  Go ahead run to your bathroom and see if you have a little buildup around your faucet or on your shower ahead.

Did you check?

Well the minerals that don't collect there can make it to your hair and scalp.  Since hair is fine (only about 180 micrometers in diameter even in the coarsest of hair) it doesn't take an extreme coating of minerals to notice effects. What are some of those effects?

Calcium and silica build up cause similar effects such as dry and weighted down hair, dandruff, hair breakage, blockage of new hair growth, and hair loss. It can even cause perms to be relaxed. Magnesium can also cause hair to feel dry and weighed down.  Copper and iron can discolor your hair.  All of these minerals can interfere with any chemical services you get.

So how do you find out for sure if you have hard water? Visit your local hardware store and pick up a hard water test kit. It's not very expensive and very easy to use. In part 3 I'll share the results of my most recent water test and whether or not my in-shower water filter is actually working. But check out the video below to see the follow-up to using the first version of my hard water hair rinse.






If you watched part 1, you'll see that the flaking cleared up. I've reset my test trials by not using the rinse and going back to regular preconditioning, then shampoo and leave-in conditioner routine.

The products that I've been using for preconditioning and shampooing are from Avon.  However I won't say the specific names here, as I wouldn't personally recommend the shampoo because it contains sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate.  Continuing to use these products and making the only change in my routine the use of the hair rinse I'm formulating will give a more realistic view of it's effects.  You'll be able to come back soon and watch a new blog series on that...

Deal of the Day

NATURALS Yellow Canvas Bag 
The perfect place to store your favorite NATURALS collection. PVC. 9 1/2" H x 11 1/2" W. 

Regular Price $10.00
Current Price $5.32


Order Now


While Supplies Last.

Feb 10, 2012

Recently Featured...

It's been a while since this post has made an appearance on the blog, but it's back today due to another mention on Doctor Oz.

On yesterday's (Feb. 9th) episode, the Avon Anew Clinical Advanced Retexturizing Peel was recommended by a dermatologist for treating wrinkles.  She suggested using the product once a week and progressing up to twice a week if you did not experience any skin irritation. Watch the video.




Now while she mentioned in the segment that it costs $25, currently it's on sale for only $15. Get yours now!
Also with every order I'll include an info card to help you determine what other Anew products might address your needs and a sample of this month's featured fragrance.  Remember as always, I'm here to help you find that perfect product so if you have questions don't hesitate to comment on this post or email me.

Deal of the Day

NAILWEAR PRO Nail Enamel in Vivid Violet 
High-gloss shine. Salon-quality precision brush. No formaldehyde, toluene or phthalates. .4 fl. oz

Regular Price: $5.00 
Current Price: $2.99 

Order Now

While Supplies Last. 

Feb 9, 2012

Deal of the Day

Woven Tunic Top in Misses in Size S(6-8) 
Polyester georgette tunic with 3/4-length bell sleeves. Includes 100% cotton cami. Machine wash and dry. 


Regular price $24.99
Current Price $15.32



Order Now


While Supplies Last.

Feb 7, 2012

Ten Songs to Add to Your Workout Playlist

Ten Songs to Add to Your Workout Playlist



Ten Songs to Add to Your Workout Playlist

By Nathanel Jefferson


Working out can be a chore for many people, but with the right music it can be an enjoyable and fast experience. There are millions of songs that would make an amazing workout playlist, but these have been chosen for their overall appeal. Everyone's taste in music may be different, but you should be able to find one song you like. Below are 10 songs that you should have in your playlist. In no particular order of course!
10. Puff Daddy & Notorious B.I.G (feat Busta Rhymes) - Victory
"I perform like Mike anyone - Tyson, Jordan, Jackson", a simple line that sums up Victory. A great start out song with its slow intro and powerful lyrics from Puff and B.I.G. Busta Rhymes' part in the song is quite explicit, with its heavy use of Mafioso Rap(Crime Rap) style, which was popular during the time. You may or may not also recognize the music as Victory also sampled Bill Conti "Going the Distance" heavily.
9. Bill Conti - Gonna Fly Now
Yep! The theme from the movie Rocky, this song can't help but make you feel like a champ. Released in 1977, Gonna Fly Now is as much a part of American culture as apple pie, even if you may not know the name, I bet once you hear it you will know the song. This song is widely played at sporting events in Philadelphia where Rocky made his famous run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Even with its 30 word lyrics is a must have for any playlist.
8. Daft Punk - Harder Better Faster Stronger
Release by the French duo in 2001, Harder Better Faster Stronger features a robotic vocal with driving bass and steady beat. The lyrics are quite limited like "Gonna Fly Now", but an amazing song for running. This song is heavily sampled in Kanye's song "stronger", which provides a more lyrical and slower version.
7. Fort Minor - Remember the Name
Even if you never heard of this band, I am sure you heard this song, "This is ten percent luck, twenty percent skill, fifteen percent concentrated power of will five percent pleasure, fifty percent pain And a hundred percent reason to remember the name". This song is extensively used in stadiums across the United States, going as far as being the theme for the NBA Playoffs in 2006 and 2007. With its aggressive lyrics and fast tempo, one can easily see why it is popular among sports fans.
6. Eminem feat Nate Dogg- Till I collapse
Using the beats made famous by Queen- "We will Rock You", this is an amazing song for any playlist with its strong lyrics. This is a favorite of many runners and weightlifters as it provides them with that extra motivation to just keep moving.
5. Dr. Horrible - Brand New Day
You may never hear of this song, but it's from the popular Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog! What makes this a great for song for a workout playlist is simple - the lyrics. With a strong tempo, the song is about the point in your life when you realize what you want and it's about to be a brand new day. The old you is gone and a new and better you is coming!
4. David Garrett - Asturias
David Garret rock symphony version of Asturias is an amazing and powerful song. If you like songs from the movie 300, then this one should be up your ally. With powerful and fast tempo violin, this song will get you pumping! If you like this song, you should check out Garret's other works as they are just beautiful.
3. Wolfmother - Joker and the Thief
A classic of many playlists, the intro alone is enough to get you off your butt and start moving. It is widely used in movies such as Shoot 'Em Up and video game Need for Speed: Carbon. It is also the song used to get the Oregon Ducks football team pumped up. Random Fact: The joker and thief are reference to "All Along the Watchtower."
2. Queen - Another One Bites The Dust
A classic of Queen, with its "Good Times" inspired bass and aggressive lyrics. Queen has many songs worth mentioning for any workout playlist, this one was chosen because Stallone was unable to get permission to use this song for Rocky III, so he requested someone to write him a song...
1. Survivor - Eye of the Tiger
A song made just for Rocky III! This is pretty much the all time staple of any playlist. Somewhat corny at times, you cannot deny the sure motivation this song gives you during a workout. "It's the eye of the tiger, it's the thrill of the fight, risin' up to the challenge of our rival." How can you not want to active with such lyrics?! Everyone should have this song in their workout playlist!
If you are interested in more workout playlist, please check out workout playlist center at www.workoutplaylistcenter.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathanel_Jefferson


http://EzineArticles.com/?Ten-Songs-to-Add-to-Your-Workout-Playlist&id=6853163

Feb 2, 2012

The Hidden Hair Threat - Part 1


You may have it and not even be aware of it.  Your hair seems dull and dry no matter what you put on it and you've tried a number of different products. Your chemical processes (perms, relaxers, coloring, highlighting) seem to take longer or don't come out just right.  Then there's the most dreaded hair problems of unsightly flaking and thinning hair.  You search for the right product, the right stylist, the right diagnosis but can never seem to find the solution.  There may be one hidden threat that you're overlooking in your own home that you come into contact with regularly:  Hard Water.

According to some sources 85% of homes have hard water. The minerals that make water hard can wreak havoc on your hair: discoloration, dryness and the flaking and breakage you'll notice in the video below.


In part 2, we'll dive deeper into what makes water hard and things that might help.  We'll also have another video with after shots from using version one of the in-production hard water hair rinse.





Fragrance of the Month - Feb 2012

This month's fragrance is Far Away from Avon. It is in the Oriental fragrance family.  Avon describes it as a mix of "dreamy florals, spiced amber and spirit-moving woods". 

This fragrance really lives up to its name as it goes on with a light but rich scent that makes you think of being on an exotic vacation somewhere far away (no pun intended) with that special someone.

If you'd like to experience it, I'll be giving away free samples all month long.

Deal of the Day

ANEW Youth-Awakening Lipstick
Luxuriously smooth color. Clinically proven performance. Lips look up to 5 years younger.* .106 oz. net wt. *After 4 weeks of use, based on average wrinkle severity. Available in Sandy Beige only.

Regular price $10.00
Current Price $4.98


ORDER NOW


While supplies last.

Feb 1, 2012

Deal of the Day

Beauty Blotters Oil-Absorbing Tissues 
75 tissues that instantly absorb excess oil without disturbing your makeup.  Tissue size 100 mm x 76 mm.   

Regular price $5.00
Current Price $1.50 


Order Now


While Supplies Last.

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