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Avon Voices

THIRTY SECONDS TO SHARE YOUR STORY, SONG AND YOUR SPIRIT

AVON VOICES OFFERS ASPIRING SONGSTRESSES THE CHANCE TO BE HEARD

BY MUSIC INDUSTRY HEAVY HITTERS FERGIE, NATASHA BEDINGFIELD, DIANE WARREN, AMONG OTHERS

Thirty seconds is all it takes to potentially make it big and gain exposure to audiences from more than 60 countries and be professionally judged by music-industry greats like Fergie, six-time Grammy award winner; legendary songwriter, Diane Warren; Natasha Bedingfield, Grammy nominated singer/songwriter; Lea Salonga, Filipina singer and actress and Russian sensation, Valeriya, among others.

Be empowered! Avon Voices is inviting people everywhere to join a worldwide movement that unites and inspires through the universal language of music. Women around the world are making their voices count by telling their stories, sharing their dreams, and showcasing their talents at www.avonvoices.com.

It’s easier than you think. Through February 13, 2011, women can sing out on a 30-second video clip from the approved song list at www.avonvoices.com and be a part of a global movement. Talented finalists of the year-long program will travel to exciting destinations such as Hong Kong, Hollywood, Rio de Janeiro, New York, Paris and Nashville. With that comes professional coaching, Avon makeovers and studio time for performance videos.

Avon Voices is the company’s first-ever global online singing talent search for women and songwriting competition for men and women in celebration of its 125th Anniversary. At the conclusion of the program, Diane Warren will be providing an anthem to be recorded by up to 10 global finalists alongside many of Avon Voices celebrity judges. The anthem will debut live at the Avon Foundation for Women Annual Awards Gala, scheduled for Fall 2011 in New York City.

This moving anthem, as well as other Avon Voices recordings, will be available for purchase in certain countries, and a percentage of your purchase will help advance the Avon Foundation for Women’s global campaign to end violence against women and girls. Find out more about music purchases at www.avonvoices.com. To date, Avon global philanthropy has raised and awarded more than $30 million directed to domestic and gender violence awareness, education, direct services and prevention programs.

About Avon Products, Inc.

Avon, the company for women, is a leading global beauty company, with over $10 billion in annual revenue. As the world's largest direct seller, Avon markets to women in more than 100 countries through approximately 6.2 million active independent Avon Sales Representatives. Avon's product line includes beauty products, as well as fashion and home products, and features such well-recognized brand names as Avon Color, Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Advance Techniques, Avon Naturals, and Mark. Learn more about Avon and its products at www.avoncompany.com.

About Avon Foundation for Women

The Avon Foundation for Women was founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women. Through 2010, Avon global philanthropy has donated more than $800 million in more than 50 countries for causes most important to women. Today, Avon philanthropy focuses its funding on breast cancer research and access to care and efforts to end domestic and gender violence. Avon has also responded generously in times of major global disasters and emergencies.

To learn more about Avon Voices, go to http://www.avonvoices.com/ or follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/avonvoices) and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/avonvoices).

Meet the Family

I never had to here "Meet your future in-laws". I met my future father-in-law the same week I met my husband and we were married when I met my mother-in-law. However, I always wondered how future spouses must feel upon meeting the future in-laws. I imagine several factors such as your age, your parent's age, where or how you met or even how you met come into play? Funny, huh?

My mom is getting married next year and I had heard several things (all positive) about her fiance' but there was some nervousness when we met. Here he was meeting her adult child, her adult child's hubby and her grandchildren. I wonder if he sweated a bit on the drive over to our house. I wonder if I was as he heard my mother described. I only ask because my friend is driving to meet her future son-in-law this weekend.

Her daughter will graduate this Spring and has found the love of her life. The young man plans to propose to her later this year but mom and dad insisted they meet him first. Not to pass judgment but only because they have never known their daughter to be smitten with a young man before. She has fallen deeply in love and her mom just wants what's to be sure this is ok. As we spoke I couldn't help but think of my mom and her fiance and his mom's impending visit. This would be the first time they'd meet. Even at near 60 I'm sure his mom wanted to meet my mom to be sure this is ok before the wedding next year.

Will he pass the test? Will my mom? Yeah meeting the family IS a funny thing.