Thoughts From The Morning After...a Successful Community AVON Event

Yesterday I had what I would define as a successful and satisfying day as an Avon representative.  I was referred to this event by my friend, Nykee, who is always on the lookout for ways to support my business.  This was a free event for local vendors at Freedom Toyota of Harrisburg.  Carson and Evelyn from Freedom Toyota did a great job of making the vendors feel welcome and comfortable. Selling Avon among the cars was interesting -  and effective.  I met some new people, saw a few people I already know, and had visits from family.

I think this was the 6th vendor show I have attended, and I'm proud to say that I've become more comfortable engaging visitors, and have tweaked my display to make it more interactive and fun.

Since the first show, I added a guess how many lipstick samples game, with prize awarded at the end of the show for the closest guess.  I also added a prize wheel.  It's a small wheel that I got on eBay for a low price, but it does the job, and attracts a lot of kids, young and old.  There are plenty of FREE samples and "Try-It" Kits.  Yesterday, for the first time, I set up my laptop to play YouTube videos about Avon products and the Avon Foundation. In the photo below, you can see the $15 Avon Representative Appointment Kit on display with a prize drawing for anyone who signs on during the event.

As I reflect on the day's earnings and experiences, I notice that my Avon Gel Finish manicure shows surprisingly few signs of wear, considering all the packing, loading, unloading I did yesterday and this morning.  

I could clean it all off and start over for the new 
week, but instead I think I will touch up the tips and add Avon Dazzlers glitter top coat!  Here are the before and after pics:



I used Gel Finish Nail Enamel in Glimmer, with Purplicious accent nail, and Dazzlers top coat in Disco Ball with Glitzy Gold on the accent nail. Looks like a party!

To buy Avon products, please contact your Avon representative or  visit my Online Store.

To buy Avon products, please contact your Avon representative or  visit my Online Store.

Always FREE Shipping on orders over $60 or flat rate $8 shipping on smaller orders.

Use Coupon Code WELCOME10 for 10% off your first order of any size.

If you are not yet an Avon Representative,  I'd love to welcome you to my team,

and provide experienced individualized support to help you grow your own Avon business. 

Whether you’re looking for a discount on your products for your personal use, 

a side hustle to make extra money or a full-time career, Avon has a place for you!.

To join my team and learn how to caffeinate your own AVON business,

go to my website, and click on the “Become A Rep” link.  

If you are prompted for a reference code,

please enter DOROTHYBOYCE for caffeinated team support!

Ripping off my YouTube Band-Aid

It's about time.  I recorded my first Avon YouTube video in April of this year.  From then until today, I only shared it with two people who are close to me.  In the interim, Avon reformulated the Beyond Color Products featured in my video and discontinued one of the lipstick shades I used.  The video content is still relevant, and the discontinued shade, Terracotta, will probably be featured in the Avon Outlet brochure in the near future.

A few minutes ago, I changed the setting from "unlisted" to "public".  
This was extremely difficult, and in my mind, it felt like someone was ripping duck tape off my mouth instead of a band-aid from a healed wound.  I have been camera-shy for as long as I can remember, and a perfectionist with the expectations I hold for myself for even longer.

As I watched the video, I was stunned by how many times I uttered the syllable, "uh" and "umm".  I could hear my third grade teacher telling me that "uh" is not a word.  

Here are a few things I've learned from this first excursion into the world of YouTube:
1. I need to prepare a script or notes so I can avoid the hesitations and "uh"s.  
2. I made the most difficult type of video first - applying lipstick on camera while talking about it.  I think I could do a much better speaking job if I was not trying to multi-task.
3. I need to practice looking at the camera.

With all these caveats, I share this video with you, and ask for your honest and gentle feedback.

To buy Avon products, please contact your Avon representative or  visit my Online Store.

To buy Avon products, please contact your Avon representative or  visit my Online Store.

Always FREE Shipping on orders over $60 or flat rate $8 shipping on smaller orders.

Use Coupon Code WELCOME10 for 10% off your first order of any size.

If you are not yet an Avon Representative,  I'd love to welcome you to my team,

and provide experienced individualized support to help you grow your own Avon business. 

Whether you’re looking for a discount on your products for your personal use, 

a side hustle to make extra money or a full-time career, Avon has a place for you!.

To join my team and learn how to caffeinate your own AVON business,

go to my website, and click on the “Become A Rep” link.  

If you are prompted for a reference code,

please enter DOROTHYBOYCE for caffeinated team support!

Party Etiquette 101: Bridal Showers and Other Events for Honorees

You've received an invitation to a party either online or in the mail.  The event is "in honor of "  one entity, i.e., the bride, and hosted by another entity, i.e., maid of honor.
The host provides contact information.  What this means:

• If you have any questions or comments about this event, contact the host.  
• If you think you may be communicating with the honoree between the time of the invitation and the time of the event, you should contact the host to find out what details should not be shared with the honoree. 
•  If you can't keep a secret, limit the time you spend with the honoree until after the event.
• R.S.V.P. as soon as possible, and only to the host.  
• Do not contact the honoree with ANY questions about the event.

Unfortunately, there are adults in this world, and in my extended sphere of influence, who do not have knowledge of etiquette. Maybe they know the rules, and with selfish disregard for others, choose to conduct themselves according to their own impulses.

Prior to a recent event I attended, I heard several reports of "guests behaving badly".  I try to reserve judgment, and like to give everyone the benefit of the doubt.  But, Who Does This???????

• ask the honoree what she's wearing to the event 
• in the process, disclose the venue that was supposed to be a surprise
• ask the honoree not to tell the host, and "act surprised"
• ask the honoree for directions to the venue
• ask the honoree for permission to bring a guest

I repeat, contact the host and only the host with any and all questions about the event!  

This has been a public service announcement from the Goddess of Caffeine.

Spring 2015 Lipstick - AVON is on trend with the new Ultra Color Indulgence Lip Color

Trends in lipstick for this Spring include smooth, moisturizing formulas, and orchid, wine, pink and nude colors.  AVON’s “Crazy for Lipstick” sale features the introduction of its newest formula, Ultra Color Indulgence Lip Color.  It goes on with a creamy texture, and provides medium coverage. The 12 vibrant colors include the trendy Orchid Petal, Day Lily, Chocolate Rose and In Bloom, as well as the neutral Rose Bouquet, which has quickly become my personal favorite.

In Campaign 8, you can try a handful for only $20.  The Mix or Match 5 for $20 Sale includes the NEW Ultra Color Indulgence, Original Ultra Color, Ultra Color Absolute, Beyond Color Lip Color and Conditioner, Ultra Color Lip Crayon, Extra Lasting Lip Stain+ Balm,  and Extra Lasting Lipstick.

The “Crazy for Lipstick Sale” runs online from March 24th through April 6th, 2015.

To buy Avon products, please contact your Avon representative or  visit my Online Store.

Always FREE Shipping on orders over $60 or flat rate $8 shipping on smaller orders.

Use Coupon Code WELCOME10 for 10% off your first order of any size.

If you are not yet an Avon Representative,  I'd love to welcome you to my team,

and provide experienced individualized support to help you grow your own Avon business. 

Whether you’re looking for a discount on your products for your personal use, 

a side hustle to make extra money or a full-time career, Avon has a place for you!.

To join my team and learn how to caffeinate your own AVON business,

go to my website, and click on the “Become A Rep” link.  

If you are prompted for a reference code,

please enter DOROTHYBOYCE for caffeinated team support!

Look what I found on my doorstep! Some things to share with YOU!

One of the things I like best about being a representative is the recognition/rewards program.  There are so many ways to earn or win prizes.  You can earn points for sales and recruiting, and pick your own award.

You can earn the opportunity to go on all expense paid trips.  And, you can even win prizes just for attending meetings, both locally and online.  

I redeemed some of my reward points for a WENGER laptop bag.  It’s lightweight, and has plenty of room for my business essentials. Best of all, it was FREE, and shipped to my front door!

A few weeks ago, I attended a 1 hour webinar in my pajamas, while enjoying a cup of coffee.  I learned a lot about running my business, became inspired from the stories of some other representatives, and at the end, I WON the prize drawing!    It was a bundle of mark. products valued at about $100 retail.  Here are some photos I took while opening the box.

And here are some images from the website for the "Four Seasons Scarf" and
"Black and White Tote Bag" ( they are still sealed in their original wrappers):

These are current products, and I can wear them, show them as demonstration products, gift them, or sell them.  What I have decided to do is use them for my own prize drawings.  So, at the end of Campaign 6, I will be awarding the “Four Seasons Scarf” to a lucky customer!   

Here’s how to win: For every $20 ordered in Campaign 6, including online direct delivery orders ,  you will receive an entry into the prize drawing.   You can also earn an entry by providing me with a new customer referral, and you can earn 2 entries if you find me a new representative to join my team.  

Best of luck to YOU!

To buy Avon products, please contact your Avon representative or  visit my Online Store.

Always FREE Shipping on orders over $60 or flat rate $8 shipping on smaller orders.

Use Coupon Code WELCOME10 for 10% off your first order of any size.

If you are not yet an Avon Representative,  I'd love to welcome you to my team,

and provide experienced individualized support to help you grow your own Avon business. 

Whether you’re looking for a discount on your products for your personal use, 

a side hustle to make extra money or a full-time career, Avon has a place for you!.

To join my team and learn how to caffeinate your own AVON business,

go to my website, and click on the “Become A Rep” link.  

If you are prompted for a reference code,

please enter DOROTHYBOYCE for caffeinated team support!

French Press vs Percolator

Since I was given the title "Goddess of Caffeine" years ago, I have made efforts to educate myself and enhance my caffeine-serving skills.  In the past 5 years, I have concentrated on exploring vintage percolators. For convenience, I've used the drip method coffee maker, and keurig, but in my opinion, both of those methods produce a cup that is lacking in character.

Today, I brewed my first pot of coffee using a French press.  Hubby and I were impressed with the smooth, full-bodied brew, without bitterness.  Tall order, because my husband resists any change to his morning cup, including the temperature.  As for me, I felt something missing.  I'm not sure what's in my percolator.  Nostalgia? Magic?  

I will try the French press again.  But I suspect that before too long, I will give it up for the 1960's Corning Ware Percolator.

Happy New Year and Thank You (All of You)!

As I awoke this morning, I thought about all the people I have to thank, and a year of events to be thankful for.  I'm sure that as I write this, I will forget many of them.  I'll do my best to remember.

Thank you, all of you, who have supported my AVON business this past year.  I saw growth in sales, and achieved President's Club with your assistance.

Thank you, all of you, who tolerated my daily automated emails, and my facebook flash sale posts.  Thank you, also, to those who unsubscribed, for it lets me know what you prefer.  Thank you, even to those of you who hid me from your newsfeed because you couldn't stand to see another post about my business.  It forces me to march onward to find a new audience.

Thank you to the patients I served as a therapist.  None of you will see this, but all of you inspired me with your courage to face the challenges of addiction and mental illness.  This past year, I was motivated to acquire my certification as an alcohol and drug counselor (CADC).

Thank you to neighbors for all you do to make us feel we belong in this community.

Thank you friends, old and new, for your acceptance of my shortcomings, especially in the area of keeping in touch.

Thank you to my family, for bringing me joy and connection.  When I spend time with my mother, sisters or cousins, I feel connected to my roots.    When I look into the eyes of my 8 grandchildren, I see the future.  I also remember what it means to look at the world through a child's eyes.

Thank you to my adult children - for the worries, the friendships, and the grandchildren.

Thank you, Hubby, for your unwavering love, support and honesty.  Thank you also for trying to hide your disappointment when plans have had to be cancelled due to illness or crisis.  Thank you for always being my champion, for your anger whenever you perceive that I have been wronged.  For your encouragement of all my endeavors.

As I move forward into 2015, attempting to set realistic goals instead of making resolutions, I am feeling very grateful for all the gifts of 2014.

To buy Avon products, please contact your Avon representative or  visit my Online Store.

Always FREE Shipping on orders over $60 or flat rate $8 shipping on smaller orders.

Use Coupon Code WELCOME10 for 10% off your first order of any size.

If you are not yet an Avon Representative,  I'd love to welcome you to my team,

and provide experienced individualized support to help you grow your own Avon business. 

Whether you’re looking for a discount on your products for your personal use, 

a side hustle to make extra money or a full-time career, Avon has a place for you!.

To join my team and learn how to caffeinate your own AVON business,

go to my website, and click on the “Become A Rep” link.  

If you are prompted for a reference code,

please enter DOROTHYBOYCE for caffeinated team support!