Momma Has A New Friend!!!

I feel like I hit the motherload!  Honey, step aside because momma's got a new love in her life!  Okay, I'm probably not quite ready to retire the hubby yet but this is a product I've wanted for quite some time!

What is it that gets my engine revving?  Kabuki Brushes!!!  *sigh*  I love, love, love having a brand new make-up brush set and I can honestly say I've never had a set this large or nearly as nice!  Stay tuned because my make-up is going to be looking especially nice!

I received this item for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review!

 #beautywidgets

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0184JW0AQ

With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility!

So the free (or almost free) products are coming at me now like a version of The Fast & The Furious! That's awesome, right? I just checked my Amazon orders and I'm supposed to get 13 (you read that right, THIRTEEN) products delivered tomorrow! Poor USPS hasn't had a day's reprieve from my house in a solid week! Oh wait, I guess they go to most houses at least 6 days... LOL

What I wanted to point out is that with every single product I receive that I got either for free or heavily discounted, I made a social contract that, at the very minimum, I would provide an Amazon product review. The reason I mention "at a minimum" is because through Tomoson, I often agree to do various other things (i.e. blog, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and/or YouTube video)! Remember, I apply for every single product that I receive, so I know ahead of time what I'm agreeing to do.

To date, I have ordered and received most of products totally $746.63 (retail, not including any shipping), and my personal expense has been $24.84 ($9.95 of that was for a super awesome tennis ball launcher for my precious pooch Witzy).  That's a LOT of stuff and TONS of savings!!!

Now that I'm just over a week in, here is where I've had good luck receiving products from:

1. Amazing Deals Group - I've gotten 2 items through here.  Tiniest selection ever and probably not worth signing up for
2. AMZ Review Trader - Fairly simple and I've received 14 products through them thus far.  I will say that the majority of the $24.84 that I've spent has been through this site too... 
3. Elite Deal Club - So far I've gotten 10 items through this site.  You get your coupon code immediately where some of the other sites go through a request/approval process.  However, this one is a feeding frenzy...  Their hosting site often breaks down - kinda funny - but they get it fixed in a few minutes to an hour.  You can request a single deal starting at 10 a.m.  Things sell out exceptionally fast so may the odds be ever in your favor.  You can always go back after 2 p.m. to get another item.  The freebies are long gone by then though!
4. Etekcitizen - This one is fairly straightforward and more geared toward techie stuff.  If you read their FAQ, you will see that you can get about 9 free things a year.  This isn't going to be your biggest review site but still... I'm eagerly awaiting my Electric Pencil Sharpener ($29.99) because that will help my kids out tremendously at home!
5. Product Elf - I've received several products from this site.  It's one of those that you submit that you want to review something (supposedly you should get the coupon code immediately but I have yet for that to happen) and then eventually you might/might not receive an email approving you and giving you the code.  I don't know the rhyme or reason for this but I am appreciative for their products nonetheless!
6. Review Kick - I've received a few products from this site.  So far it's been a decent experience!  You can request up to 10 items.  This one seems to take quite a while to get approved to review things but if you are patient, it can happen!
7. Reviewsio -  You can request tons of things but so far I've only received one.  You get 'points' for logging on every day that you can eventually redeem for Amazon gift cards.  Unfortunately, it's like 100k+ points to redeem for anything so it'll be quite some time.
8. Snag Shout - This one you get the coupon code for right away.  You only get 1 initially, then you start to show that you are a responsible reviewer and can earn more 'snags'.  I think you eventually can get up to 5 snags at once.
9. Tomoson - To me this is the Taj Mahal of sites.  However, this one requires the most work!  They want to really get the 'influencers' who have a long reach.  You have to have a blog to get started with them.  You do best when you link your Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc.  Rather than just performing product reviews on Amazon, based on the requirements of the vendor who is providing the item, you may have to do stuff with all the other social media outlets.  You can apply to review a product and then click that you are NOT willing to do one of the outlets, but I venture to guess you have a higher probability of getting the item if you're willing to fulfill ALL of the vendor's requirements.  I have received several items from this site and have been approved for several more.  This site has some of the BEST stuff!!!

Here are the sites that I signed up for and never received anything from them after the confirmation email.  These are sites that supposedly send you an email with deals on a regular basis.  I have checked my spam folder, I've tried re-apply for them and still... nothing.

1. Amazon Review Club - This one doesn't send emails but I've yet to find anything on there that I wanted.
2. BU View
3. Deals Dock
4. Deals for Reviews
5. Honest Few
6. iReview Home
7. Shop with Reviews

There's the low-down dirty on what I've learned so far doing product reviews.  I'll post more as I learn!

This One's Definitely Going To Save Me Money!!!

I was very fortunate that one of the products I was approved to review was the wonderful CutieLunch Reusable Food Pouches!  It's a 4-pk of BPA-free, dishwasher safe and environmentally friendly pouches that allow you to have the fun-factor (and convenience) of the food pouches without the crazy expense of them.  There's even a spot on one side for you to write a fun little note if you want.

When my 7 year old daughter accompanies me to the grocery store, she invariably asks me to buy her those yogurt pouches or the applesauce pouches (you know, $2.75+ for a 4-pk).  Instead, I gently push her encouragingly (ok, firmly) toward the applesauce cups because I can get a 6-pk for around $1.60.  That's a fairly significant savings and adds up to a bigger savings over time...

Now, I can purchase the large jar of applesauce (or yogurt, smoothie, etc.), fill the pouches, wash, re-use and SAVE MONEY!  I think by now people are starting to get the hint that I am on a tight budget and am single-minded in my pursuit of saving the golden dollar!

In case you are wondering about if they are difficult to fill, I filled all 4 in a couple minutes and I was in no hurry at all.  The seal is at the bottom of the container and is very Ziploc baggie-like (only the seal feels MUCH stronger).  Once you've filled the container (I suggest about 2/3rds of the way), zip it up, rinse anything that might've overflowed, then toss them in the fridge!  BON APETITE!

I received this product for free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

#Cutielunchhomemadebabyfoodstorage

OMG, My First Video Product Review!

First off, be gentle with me!  This was my very first videoed product review...

Things went pretty well but I can definitely see some room for improvement. I think that over time I will get better (and more creative).

Well, there you go.  What did you think?  Do you think I mentioned the most important aspects of this set?  If not, what else might you have mentioned?  I sincerely am interested in the feedback (gently, of course).

Hopefully the customer (vendor) will be satisfied with my reviews.  I did one on Amazon that I'm still waiting to be approved and then this video one!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Budget - 4 Weeks In!

So my husband and I started our budget 'competition' on Monday, January 4th!  Basically the concept was that we cut out all excess spending and whoever did the best would get an extra $50 (2-week cycles)!  So far, I've won BOTH times!  Most people who know me would be shocked that I have cracked down so hard, to the point that my husband described me as 'militant' about the budget!  lol

For the first week, I cut down my spending on things like eating out for breakfast and lunch.  I utilize coupons to do this though, so I don't want to imply I never have a meal out.  I just am extremely careful!  That week I spent a whopping $1.94 on those meals.

For the following 3 weeks, I have managed to not spend a single penny on eating out for breakfast or lunch (during the work week M-F).  As an Executive Assistant, I have am often tasked with ordering catering for meetings.  As a perk, I always get to order myself something.  I want to make sure to stipulate that my boss is 100% aware that I include myself in the order!!!

Another thing that has been very helpful to me was differentiating a like/want versus a need and love!  When I started to put in perspective that by constantly indulging in to my likes and wants, I was actually keeping myself from achieving my loves.  That's a pretty bitter pill to swallow!  I was my own worst enemy!

My husband and I have many goals... we have debt to pay off, we have 3 children to put through college, retirement to plan for, vacations and travel, etc.  Our journey together will be so much richer by slowing down the indulgences so we can focus on our loves and passions!

Let it Rain!

How exciting!!!  I am less than 1 week into becoming a product reviewer and I'm up to 13 items for FREE (or almost... 1 item I paid a whole $.89 which retails for $21.99).  This brings my freebie total to over $300 worth of product!

One thing I want to make clear - I personally requested every item.  These are not random items being delivered to my home.  On each site that I belong to, I can click on items that interest me.  I don't want people thinking random packages arrive on my doorstep.

On a side note, there were a few items to choose from that have really raised my eyebrows!  Let's just say that I don't plan on doing any type of reviews for marital aids...   Not knocking them, just don't necessarily need the whole world in on that part of my life!



Another reason I'm loving the product reviews is that with my recent budget lock-down, I am getting a bit of a shopping fix without blowing the budget!  The family is benefiting too because they get to enjoy some of the items as well.  We call that a WIN/WIN/WIN!

Freebies I've Gotten So Far!

I've mentioned a few sites you can sign up with to obtain free (or seriously discounted) products.  Would you like to see what I'm getting so far?

Petiner No Bark Dog Training Shock Control Collar Energy Saving

Sold by: Petiner Retail

$15.99

Running for Women: Ditch the Excuses and Start Loving Your Run

Newon, Danica

Sold by: Amazon.com LLC

$11.67

PROCIRCLE Jump Rope ,Green- Crossfit Jump Rope With Dual Bearings- High Speed & Ultra Light- Must Have for Crossfit/WODs/Boxing/MMA/Body Training - 10

Sold by: 5Billion-Fitness

$16.95

ArtNaturals Eyelash Growth Serum (3.5ml) - Thicker, Longer Eyelashes & Eyebrows Enhancer with LUSH, No Irritation, Dermatologist Tested Product, Revol

Sold by: Art Naturals

$31.50

Number One Nutrition Probiotic Supplement, 11.5 Billion CFUs, 60 Vegetable Capsules

Sold by: N1 Brands

$19.99

Art Naturals® Anti Acne Serum Treatment 1 oz- Dermatologist Tested Product, Made with Revolutionary Evermat® & Organic Ingredients to Help Control & G

Sold by: Art Naturals

$21.50

Vitamin C Serum for Face with Hyaluronic Acid, 20% C + E Professional Topical Facial Skin Care Helps Repair Sun Damage, Fade Age Spots, Dark Circles,

Sold by: Pure Body Naturals®

$15.95

Argan Oil Hair Mask, 8 oz. Hair Treatment Therapy, Deep Conditioner for Damaged & Dry Hair, Heals & Restructures Hair Shaft & Growth, Detoxifies Scalp

Sold by: Pure Body Naturals®

$12.95

Art Naturals Stretch Mark & Scar Removal Cream 4.0 Oz - Best Body Moisturizer to Remove, Decrease & Prevent New / Old Stretch Marks & Scars - Made in

Sold by: Art Naturals

$15.95

KUKPO 8-Peice Measuring Cup And Measuring Spoon Set - High Quality Stainless Steel - To Measure Dry Rations And Liquids - Cups With Spouts For Easy Po

Sold by: KUKPO PRODUCTS

$21.99

Thus far I have paid $.89 for the Measuring Cup and Measuring Spoon Set (which I ordered today).  That brings my total to paying $.89 and saving $183.55!  I think that's a fantastic deal and can't wait to continue reviewing more amazing products!