Barbara Diecks

01/11/2026

New year, new week, new day, new hour

It doesn’t matter what you did last year, last week, yesterday or earlier today, but matters is how you move forward

Start by fueling yourself

09/26/2025

Sharing an article I read this morning on All Healthy, a site I subscribe to - enjoy and take advantage of great fall weather - get out and walk

A Real Pain: Chronic lower back pain is the most frequently reported cause of disability, with about 13% of U.S. patients saying they experience it. Often chalked up to getting older, back pain doesn’t have to be your reality.

The Study: A new study out of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that walking more reduces low back pain. The study monitored more than 11,000 participants, and the results were clear. Walking more than 100 minutes per day was associated with a 23% lower risk of chronic back pain than walking for less than 78 minutes per day.

The Takeaway: This study reinforces the importance of regular physical activity in the prevention of chronic pain. It also emphasizes the fact that exercise needn’t be ultra-high-intensity or overcomplicated. Keep it simple and go for a walk!

Keep In Mind: Notably, walking faster wasn’t a key determinant of this outcome. While the researchers did find that higher-intensity walking bolstered the protective effect, it was not as significant as the overall volume of walking. This means that even a leisurely stroll can protect you from developing back pain.

08/16/2025

NEW Cover Photo - Highlighting the End of Summer Women Powering Women Vendor Show - great deals and steals!

If you make an AVON purchase from me between 8/18 and 8/23, 1/2 of all proceeds will benefit PANCAN for pancreatic cancer in memory of my sister KAREN. Feel free to message me or use the link below - thank you!

https://www.avon.com/repstore/bdiecks?rep=bdiecks

Thank you for supporting small businesses and women in business - it means the world to us!

10/05/2024

Release Date:
October 4, 2024
WASHINGTON -- After a disaster, rumors and misunderstandings can spread rapidly through traditional and social media and via word of mouth by friends, neighbors and colleagues. False or misleading information can harm survivors by causing confusion and preventing people from getting the help they need.

FEMA has always used a rumor response page during disasters to get critical information to survivors. To help correct rumors and provide accurate information for Hurricane Helene, FEMA launched a rumor response page and Hurricane Helene web page to provide accurate information, keep people aware of rumors and scams and explain the federal disaster assistance programs and processes.

There are ways that you can keep yourself, your family and your community safe after Hurricane Helene:

Find trusted sources of information.
Share information from trusted sources.
Discourage others from sharing information from unverified sources.
Here are some common rumors and facts:

Rumor: FEMA does not have enough money to provide disaster assistance for Helene.

Fact: This is false. FEMA has enough money for immediate response and recovery needs. If you were affected by Helene, do not hesitate to apply for disaster assistance as there is a variety of help available for different needs. FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund has enough funding to support Hurricane Helene efforts and FEMA has what it needs for immediate response and recovery efforts. As FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell has said, she has the full authority to spend against the President’s budget, but we’re not out of hurricane season yet so we need to keep a close eye on it.

Rumor: FEMA will ONLY provide $750 to disaster survivors to support their recovery.

Fact: This is false. This is a type of assistance that you may be approved for soon after you apply, called Serious Needs Assistance. It is an upfront, flexible payment to help cover essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, medication and other emergency supplies. There are other forms of assistance that you may qualify for to receive and Serious Needs Assistance is an initial payment you may receive while FEMA assesses your eligibility for additional funds. As your application continues to be reviewed, you may still receive additional forms of assistance for other needs such as support for temporary housing, personal property and home repair costs. If you have questions about your disaster assistance application and what you qualify for, contact us at 1-800-621-3362 to speak with a FEMA representative in your language.

Rumor: FEMA is asking for cash donations and turning away volunteers.

Fact: This is false. FEMA does not ask for or accept any cash donations or volunteers. We encourage people who want to help to volunteer with or donate cash to reputable voluntary or charitable organizations. After a disaster, sending cash to reputable voluntary organizations is often the best way to help as it provides the greatest flexibility for these organizations working on the ground to purchase exactly what is needed. To get in touch with a volunteer organization involved in Hurricane Helene response, visit www.nvoad.org.

If you encounter someone claiming to represent FEMA and asking for donations, be careful as that is likely a scam. Government employees are not authorized to solicit money or donations.

Rumor: Funding for FEMA disaster response was diverted to support international efforts or border-related issues.

Fact: This is false. No money is being diverted from disaster response needs. FEMA’s disaster response efforts and individual assistance is funded through the Disaster Relief Fund, which is a dedicated fund for disaster efforts. Disaster Relief Fund money has not been diverted to other non-disaster related efforts. The funding for communities to support migrants is appropriated by Congress to Customs and Border Patrol – it has nothing to do with FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund. FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund has enough funding to support Hurricane Helene efforts and FEMA has what it needs for immediate response and recovery efforts. As FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell has said, she has the full authority to spend against the President’s budget, but we’re not out of hurricane season yet so we need to keep a close eye on it.

Rumor: FEMA is confiscating donations meant for survivors.

Fact: This is false. FEMA does not take donations and/or food from survivors or voluntary organizations. Donations of food, water, or other goods are handled by voluntary agencies who specialize in storing, sorting, cleaning and distributing donated items.

FEMA does not conduct vehicle stops or handle road closures with armed guards -- those are done by local law enforcement.

Hurricane Helene Response Learn More Join the ! Learn More Welcome to the Learn More Communication, Cooperation, Coordination, and Collaboration Our Members What is the ? About Us Previous Next Join the Movement! National VOAD members are responding to disaste...

09/11/2024

07/15/2024

07/15/2024

AVON FREEBIES AND SALES! C-14
AND FREE SHIPPING on orders over $25!!!

You can order by messaging me or by clicking on the link to my store below. I am HAPPY :) to help with any questions you might have.

Thanks in advance for supporting women in small business - we appreciate you!

FREE Anew Vitamin C Body Scrub w/$40 skin care purchase pages 3 - 30
FREE Rice Water Bright Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser w/$25 make up purchase - pages 34-59
FREE Imari Amor Eau de Parfum w/$35 fragrance purchase pages 62-83
FREE SSS Soft & Sensual Body Lotion w/$30 body or hair care purchase pg. 89-127
3 Piece Summer Set - $29 (value $105) with any $10 brochure purchase
My Gift to you - Spend $50 or more and receive 15% off your total order AND be entered to win the July Gift basket worth over $100

Want more? Shop my online store for what’s new in products and offers!

07/15/2024

So excited for our Women Powering Women Vendor Show - starts this Thursday and runs through Sunday -

* Creative Vendors
* Great Gift Ideas
* Sales
* Chance to win a FREE Gift Certificate to use with one of our vendors from this show
* Start your Christmas shopping early and find the perfect gift!
* Treat yourself to something special

07/13/2024

Hi friends and family - Renee and I so excited for our upcoming Christmas in July Women Powering Women Show starting
Thursday, July 18 and run thru Sunday evening, July 21st.

Vendors include:

Simon Sews Etc.
Avon by Barb
Pam Derry
Diane Simons
Kinzie Barbarrison
Vanessa Sanchez
and a few new vendors ..... We invite you to stop by, meet the vendors and do some early Christmas Shopping

You'll be supporting women in small business
You'll have an opportunity to win gift certificates to spend at one or your favorite vendors at the July show.
You'll have an opportunity to be eligible to win an Avon gift basket