Competitive Intelligence

Competitive Intelligence
gloMinerals vs. Other Mineral Make Up Lines

gloMinerals

All gloMinerals products contain and exclusive blend of antioxidants that offers added protection against environmental conditions and stresses.
o Vitamin C – an antioxidant to reverse free-radical damage and strengthen the immune response to antigens
o Vitamin A – an antioxidant that conditions the skin keeping it soft and supple
o Vitamin K – an antioxidant with calming and anti-inflammatory properties
o Vitamine E – an antioxidant that delivers moisture binding benefits and promotes skin healing
o Green Tea Extract – anti-inflammatory and antibacterial

Each product in the gloMinerals product line is talc-free. Each product also offers broadspectrum UV and antioxidant protection.

gloMinerals is a professional make up line sold only through skincare professionals. Dermatologists, plastic surgeons, spas and medi-spas are the primary retail outlets.

gloMinerals utilizes micronized, triple milled particles. This means minerals will:
o Lay smoother on the skin
o Feel silkier when touched
o Provide continuous coverage
o Show less shine and/or sheen on the skin

Triple milled mineral particles will not be absorbed into the skin, but rather lay smoothly on the skin’s surface.

gloMinerals delivers a semi-matte finish that works perfectly for photography and HDTV.

gloMinerals is cruelty free.

Popular Mineral Make Up Product A

Mineral Make Up A does not contain skin care benefits. No vitamins and/or antioxidants are added to their make up formulas. It will not improve the health and condition of the skin.

Mineral Make Up A claims that their product is talc-free, oil free, fragrance free, paraben free and contain SPF 15. However, only 5 products of their collection are actually paraben free. They claim not to need preservatives in their products.


Mineral Make Up A is sold on a televised shopping network and is the #1 selling beauty informercial product. They are retailed through their own standalone stores as well as department stores, making them classified as mass-market, and not a professional line.

The size of Mineral Make Up A particles are 10 microns or higher. This is a larger particle that does not lay as smoothly on the skin or look natural like gloMinerals. Mineral Make Up A says they don’t want their mineral broken down any smaller because it will be absorbed into the skin. Nano-technology is the only size of minerals that can be absorbed into the skin.

The larger particle size of Mineral Make Up A results in a higher sheen and added shine. This means it delivers a less desirable finish for photography and HDTV.

For more information on how you can benefit from gloMinerals and other gloProfessional products, visit http://www.grmedspa.com/ or call 541.963.3772.

Waitressing is the Answer

What is the question? The question is: How am going to make rent this month? Or maybe: How am I going to get those new shoes for my child? Or even: How can I afford groceries? The economy has done what it's done. We have suffered. Or we haven't. For some of us, getting by is just something we must do, be economy bad or good.

Faced with the scary decision of possibly having to sell my beloved horse for the greater good of my family, I decided to look at whatever other choices I had with my time as an alternative. I got a job at Mamacita's International Grill late last August. I had never waitressed before. I thought it might be something I could do and this particular restaurant had a great atmosphere. I love it.

I love it for a number of reasons. The first is, lets face it, I got lucky. I work for the nicest family who treat their staff as family. Our own family come first. So much so, that my son was just hired as a lunch time busser! I have been invited to family celebrations and I fear I have been ruined for other waitressing jobs forever.

I always have cash on hand. Sometimes its a lot. Sometimes its a little. It's hay money. Its shoe money. Its what my son needs money. It's tuck it away for a road trip money. I look at the tip money that I make as my income. My bimonthly paychecks are the bonus.

Its generally short shifts. My longest shift is 5 hours. And that is rare. I get in a good cardio, get a little money in my pocket and I go home.

Its readily available. For such a lack of jobs in this economy, most restaurants are always hiring. Especially during the summer. And your chances are better if you are over 21 with a liquor license. If you want a job as a server and your not unkind and have something between your ears, its not hard to do.

Now with that in mind, this is not a job for you if you lack compassion for your fellow man as you will be challenged. The rule I stick by is this...treat people as you would want to be treated. Isn't that what we should do anyway? If I have a difficult table (and by difficult I mean non talkative, won't look at your or smile) my job is to win them. And it can be done. Never lose your temper and when things get busy, as Dori would say, just keep swimming.

Some of you may think waitressing is beneath you. I can see where you would get that. In fact, in my search for a photo for this blog, I went to Google and typed in "waitress". Okay. Not what I was looking for. So I typed in "high class waitress". Nope. Not any better. And for a good laugh, go type in "classy waitress". "Server" gets you computer pictures. It's not wonder it has such a stereo type since most of us old enough to remember picture Flo from Alice and her "kiss my grits" when we think of waitresses. Interestingly enough, when you type in "waiter", the results are vastly different.

Once in awhile I have someone ask me why I'm doing it. Assuming it's any of their business in the first place, I smile and say, "where else can you get paid to do your cardio workout?" That gets them on board!

It's just a suggestion. But for 3-4 nights a week, I have grocery money, horse money and just a little pocket change. It feels good. And when I have what the other girls call a grouchy client hug me after her meal and tell me I'm her favorite, well, it's all worth it.

The Best in History

As I'm just now starting to catch my breath...I am in complete awe and adoration of my Pittsburgh Steelers. They have done it again.

And it was definately different than I expected. I hoped for a good game but I felt it would be fairly comfortable game to watch. I hoped it would not be a runaway for the Steelers because that would make it kind of sad. But I sure didn't anticipate what I got.

In talking to my daughter before the game, she said it was like the varsity team playing the freshmen and that the Steelers should just let the Cardinals win. Not a chance was my response. But it was not as she feared it might be either.

I can't watch a Super Bowl that my Steelers are in with other people because I make a complete and total ass out of myself every time. I'm an outloud thinker and it only gets worse when I get excited.

A rollercoaster ride it was. Winning all but the last quarter and ultimate winning the game, my team of 33 years aged me tremendously in the last 5 minutes of the game and again I questioned why I do this to myself year and after year. I can't quit. I'm a Steeler junkie.

And why the Steelers you might ask. I'm not from Pittsburgh. The answer I'll give you is integrity. Owned by the same family for the entire length (or close to) of their franchise, the Rooney family has done well by it's citizens of Pittsburgh and seemed to keep their heads about them once free agency became such a huge part of the game. Not giving it out to one player but always doing what is best for the entire team, the Rooney's have not jepordized the well fare of an entire team for the sake of one player.

Also, look at the Rooney's year in and year out. They give as much back to their blue collar community as heart and soul it's fans pour back. And this does not look to change. As Art Rooney passed it down to his son, Dan, Dan looks to pass it down to his son, Art. And the dynasty will live on.

Could anything make me not love my Steelers? Yes. Sell the team to Jerry Jones and watch how fast I become a Bears fan. I don't see it happening. I think my love affair is safe. Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Steelers and their loyal fans everywhere.

Seriously, Kathie Lee?

I used to be a fan. I used to watch Regis and Kathie Lee before I worked like a maniac. I cried when she left the show. And now I couldn't want her to shut up more.

Really Kathie Lee? Really? I have been a faithful watcher of the Today Show for years. Since Bryant Gumbel (gasp). Yes, that long. Sickly, these people who come in to the show actually enter my life and I enjoy them. I adore Ann Curry and Hoda Kotb. But what the hell is Kathie Lee doing there?

I anguished with her when she had to publicly deal with Frank's infidelity and it has obviously taken a toll on the marriage. Where she once boasted on "Frank the Human Love Machine" she now states regarding their age difference, "it seemed like a good idea at the time".

Its not even this that bothers me. It's her rude behavior towards Hoda and the guests on the last hour of the Today Show that have me cringing and almost ( I said "almost") unable to watch. I don't bash people who don't deserve their behavior to be pointed out but her behavior crosses over from rude to almost sad. It is simply bad and impolite on an extremely public forum. You don't let your children do this. Why is she exempt?

She steps on Hoda and their guests on the show hardly ever letting anyone complete a thought without interrupting with some sort of unnecessary interjection . She seemingly cannot stand to have anyone else in the limelight.

I had a great laugh when Saturday Night Live picked up on the vibe I had been feeling and did a spoof on just this very thing ending with the Hoda Kotb character punching the Kathie Lee character! It was dead on and I for would one would love to see Hoda do just that. For the love of God, Kathie Lee, shut up.! Know when to hold em and know when to fold em!

Resolutions and New Beginnings

I'm sure some of you are thinking...yeah...she invites us to read this blog that she does not write on! You are a partially right. But don't think for one second that it's because I don't have anything to say. And those of you who know me know that that is never the case.

The year got off the ground with a bang but all in a positive way. I am working full time at the Med Spa now and loving it. But with that position came a lot of first of the year bookkeeping that kept my mind spinning. And as always, with the creative team there...the ideas never stop. Also, one of my dearest friends got engaged over Christmas and asked me to be a her bridesmaid. This is a huge honor and I am so excited to be a part of it and the planning has begun and well, the wine drinking too!

The biggest thing thus far in January for all of us is the oath of our new President, Barack Obama. This was a magnificent day for all of us and, like my president stated, it will take all of us.

It is time that each and every one of us ask ourselves what can we do to help get this country on track. There seems to be an awareness that I haven't seen in this country in the past 8 years. People seem anxious and excited to do what they can to help.

It's not foreign to our parents and grandparents. During WWII, it took everyone and their time and talents. If you weren't serving in the war itself, you were heading up rubber drives and bottle drives. Or you were sewing for the Red Cross and any other number of things you could pitch in and do to help each other through these tough economical times.

With the 80's came the ME generation and it was all about getting all you could. No more. It's time to get back to the 40's and roll up our sleeves and give of our time and talents just as our President is asking us to do.

Now I can hear your question. What am I doing. Well here you go. First of all, early this fall I teamed with my business, Grande Ronde Med Spa to be the drop site for Union County Youth in Transition. Working closely with Pam Dodds at La Grande High School, there are currently over 140 homeless or couch hopping youth in my county. The Med Spa continues to receive blankets and coats for these kids during this tough winter and we have made it know that our business will continue to be a drop site for your donations.

Grande Ronde Med Spa is also joining forces with Habitat for Humanity New Orleans and Voice of the Wetlands to aid the rebuilding process in Southern Louisiana post Hurricane Katrina. On February 24th, which is Mardi Gras, for any paid procedure you receive on that day, 10% will be donated to the charity mentioned above that you choose. This is a great opportunity to assist in a worthy cause that costs you no more out of pocket money. Look for these opportunities and support businesses that team up with other charities.

Also, my son and I are doing the Walk for Warmth on Valentine's Day. Walk for the Warmth is part of my area's Community Connection to assist with heating bills for people and families who are struggling to stay warm during this very hard winter. As I write this, it is currently 17 degrees outside and windy. I am lucky enough to be warm but there are so many others who are not. If you are interested in sponsoring me or my son, please email me at Christy.Barber@hotmail.com.

We can all do this. We can answer the call of our President and the people around us that we see everyday. Like it or now, we are all in this together and we will get out of it together. But it will take all of us. It's time to put away childish things as President Obama said and part of that is ending the blame game. Let's get together, do what we can and help our brothers and sisters out.

It Ain't Over Til It's Over

Merry Christmas to all my loyal readers and the new one's too! As you have gathered, Christmas is a wonderful and important time to me and my family. This year, we had a little curve in the road. My daughter was stuck in Olympia, Washington with no way home. I made a vow to my children a long time ago that if it were at all possible for us to be together at Christmas, we would be. After exhausting every possible avenue, it became clear what needed to happen. It was my son's idea actually Christmas Eve morning, we loaded up presents, essentials and all the food I could grab and headed for Olympia.

A harrowing trip and one large freak out later, we arrived Christmas Eve at my daughter's apartment. I was immediately glad that we did. Not only was my daughter on her own, but one of her friends, who waited the better part of a day in the Sea Tac Airport only to find out he would not be able to get home to Colorado for Christmas, was stranded as well. It became immediately evident that I was where I needed to be.

A make shift Christmas Eve, and a wonderful Christmas morning, a restful day and a Christmas dinner shared with my daughter's grateful friend, the day was wonderful and it passed all too quickly.

One thing that I always do, no matter how perfect the Christmas is sweat the really small stuff. I worry that my house was dark and no lights when I was gone. I remembered that we didn't get out the Night Before Christmas. The little insignificant things that really don't matter always seem to nag me a little. I worried that though he was completely on board for the adventure that Christmas was less for my son. I worry that Christmas will be all over the day after. I always hate that as I like to drag it out as long as possible.

So we made it home no worse for the wear the day after Christmas. Just as long, but not as stressful as a trip. When we got home, I was so excited to see some packages outside my door that had arrived late due to the storm. The snow was as we had left it.

My son had to work but we had a little leftover ham dinner before he went. While he was gone, I got a little homestyle Christmas organized, a fire lit and some candles. When he came home, we had a little Christmas with just us. We drank some egg nog and much to my suprise and happiness, we found a Christmas movie on TV and found Christmas music was still playing on a station. Not sure I had ever seen this happen before, it was wonderful. It also began to snow just as my son arrived home.

We opened our new presents, sent photos to Amanda who was not able to come home with us and enjoyed my happy Christmas house. The snow continued to fall and when looking outside, I had three little doe's standing underneath the white lights of my lilac bushes. One was very close to the window looking inside. It was perfect. The deer in my window hilighted the amazing wildlife we had seen on the trip.

The conditions were dicey and it was slow going, we saw large evergreens heavy with wet new snowfall. We saw Multnomah Falls with beautiful blue ice all around it. We say big horned sheep right by the highway, abundant deer, a few elk and three bald eagles on the trip. Driving that slow allows you to take in things you normally wouldn't see.

In my 46 Christmas', this was the first ever that have not spent in my own home. Same for my children with the exception of once. I was thrilled not only to be able to get to my daughter, but to return home safely and see that for once, Christmas was still happening. It always makes me so sad to see discarded living room centerpiece trees the morning after the celebration. It seemed like a mini miracle to me to still find Christmas music on satallite and Christmas movies still playing. I am lucky to have had the best of both worlds in adverse conditions. A wonderful family Christmas with a new family member and a safe return home to continue with traditional ways. So blessed this season. So truly blessed. Proving once again that that best gifts don't always come in a box with shiny wrapping paper.

The Joy's of QVC

I just got one of the funnest birthday presents I have received in a long time. I got QVC gift cards. I'm serious! Now there is a story that goes along with that. You see, I'm a total QVC tramp. I watch QVC all the time when there is nothing else on when I want to watch or just something to watch when I can not sleep. I play a little game with myself called "buy it or not buy it". In this game, I announce that if I could I would either chose to purchase or not to purchase that item. But I never really do it.

Also, I am not one to spend money on myself. I just don't. When you have kids and there is nothing you truly need, you just don't. At least not often. So in more financially challenging times when my satallite dish was a luxury, I only received a hand full of channels and one of them was QVC. So you know what was always on. My friend noticed this and found humor in it so for my birthday I got QVC cards.

I cannot begin to tell you how much fun this has been. First of all, the sheer humor of the gift itself. Then, the ability to keep them in my nightstand for when I see that, "I'd buy that" item. But today I also rediscovered QVC online. And guess what? If you order today, they still guarentee shipping by Christmas!

I got some badly needed new sheets. The combed jersey kind that will keep me and Isobel the Wonder Corgi warm in this cold weather. I also got a little gingerbread house (I collect Christmas Gingerbread things) that melts little good-smelly thingy's in sugar cookie and gingerbread smells (you have no idea how exciting that is for me)! And I got Philosophy Body Washes in Apple Cider, Hot Cocoa and Vanilla Wafer! NERVANA!!!! Oh yes, oh yes, I am set for the long winter!

When I thanked my dear friend for the gift...I mentioned what a monster she has likely created. Not only the joy of frivilously spending money on oneself, but to order something so fun and have it delived to my doorstep in time to enjoy for Christmas....well...I think I may have to breathe into a paper bag just to calm myself down again! No. I mean it. What could be a better gift than that! It's the lottery, BABY!!!