Products for Review, Which Have not Arrived Post.

Disclaimer: This post contains Affiliate Links.

This post is for products, which have not arrived yet, but I still need to verify the post. Items not arriving may be for a variety of issues:

1. Marked it shipped, but it never shipped to me. 
2. Offered the product for free, but then asked me to pay a portion of the product. 
3. Offered the product for a discount, but by the time I was approved, I could no longer afford it. 
4. Shipping issues with the company. I have had items arrive after the due date. 
5. Forgot to order and company did not remove me from the promotion in time. 
6. Forgot to order and I didn't notify the company in time because I can be forgetful at times

Pruning Shears (Tomoson)

The PROFESSIONAL PRUNING SHEARS  was offered at a discount, but I could no longer afford them after I got approved. I asked to be removed but never was.

Baby App

I no longer have my iPod or my Mac but I wanted to review this application. The app was marked shipped though back in 2013.

Baking Cups

Tomoson had a glitch this week and marked this cups as shipped, even though I never received these. I also had a verification date of February, 2015. Yay me. My verification rate dropped from 98% to 95% because of the glitch.

Tea with the Queen

Whipped Body Butter 

The product was shipped out in December 2014, but I never received it. The website is also no longer available. 

Simple Baker Macaron Mat

Stainless Steel Measuring Cups

The Fourteenth Protocol

Yoga Design Lab Yoga Mat

Children's Books Review

Mom of 11 Baby Products

Mom of 11 Kids Products haven't arrived yet. 

Acne 1 Sport

Acne 1 Sport acne cream never arrived.

Dance Crazy Massage Roller Ball

The code did not work. Contacted seller with no response. Post due and this is verification.

Exterior Indulgence Products

Product was marked shipped but not arrived yet. 

Debunking blogging myths by Stacie: Everything I get in the mail isn't free.

Disclaimer: This post contains Affiliate Links.

I been blogging since 2012 and I get a lot of packages in the mail. Some days, I get some. Some days, I get a lot. Some days, I get none. One big misconception is some people think everything I get in the mail is free, when reality is some things I actually buy and some, I get for review at a discounted price.

I get samples and sometimes, I win a giveaway too.

For example, I have a Fabletics membership and a Disney Movie Club Membership. I get Graze Boxes every two weeks.

I order Kalen's diapers and other items from Amazon each month because it's cheaper than Wal-Mart.

I realized people think I get everything for free, when my niece thought my workout outfits, I got every few months, was free.

I had another people ask me the same thing. Did you get it for free? Nope, I paid for this. Nope, I was asked to cover a portion of the costs.

Yes, I know you I have an amazing glamorous blogging life. :-). I love getting things in the mail for free, whether it's a product review or a free sample. But that snack box or that outfit or that box of diapers was paid with a cold, hard, debit card from my personal account, including the two-day shipping


Have a blessed day.

Freelance Writing Guide (Tomoson)

I read the Freelance Writing Guide, in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. This post contains Smashwords Affiliate links.

Freelance Writing Guide

The freelance writing guide provides tips for being successful in your first year of freelance writing. I wanted to read this book more than the other three, since I am a writer and blogger. The freelance writing guide in longer than the other three books as well.

The book provides tips for writing a book; writing for an online audience; managing a blog or website; marketing;  and reading and writing book reviews.

Some of the tips given includes:

• You have to write. You can't be a freelance writer unless you write. You can look online and in books for writing prompts, if you are stumped. 
• You also need to determine where you want to write. Do you want to write a blog, a novel, or a book review? Where you write determines your writing style. 
• A writer can also create a blog (I have three) to promote their writings and expand their audience. You can sign up for sites, which will pay you for writing, whether in freebies, paypal, or even a paper check. 
• A writer will not always be accepted for every writing job applied for.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Comedy Tots Competition (Bloggers Required)

I am posting about the Comedy Tots Competition, in response to a campaign on Bloggers Required. The competition is looking for your funniest child moments. The winning child will win a children's bike. The competition ends August 24th, 2013

About the competition:

To enter you need to write a blog post about your child's funniest moments. Some ideas to inspire you include:

• Funny things your children have said
• Funny things your kids do
• Funny little routines
• Funny things your kids have done to their brothers and sisters
• Any other priceless moments by your children
• You can include pictures and videos
• Nominate two other blogging moms and dads, who may be interested in the competition by listing their Blogs (urls) at the bottom of the post. Don't forget to tell them you nominated them. 
• Submit entry with "Cycle Tots" in the title to emma@cycleaddicts.co.uk. Please include the age of your child and name. 
• The contest ends August 24, 2013
• Must be over 18 to enter the competition
• The prize is 1X childrens bike which will be decided by Cycle Addicts Ltd. 

The competition will be judged by Dave, the owner of Cycle Addicts. Dave has two kids, with one on the way.

Terms and Conditions (from the website)

One winner from entries received before midnight on August 24th, 2013 will be selected by our judge. Any entries deemed offensive or inappropriate, breaking copyright laws or are unlawful in general may be requested to be removed from the blog and the entry rejected at any time during the competition. If such as occurrence arises Cycle Addicts Ltd reserve the right to withdraw the prize.We hold no responsibility for lost entries or entries that were not received. If you have not had confirmation of your entry please resend. Acceptance of these terms and conditions is a condition of entry.

The winner will be contacted in 30 days of winning. The winner must reply within 7 days of being contacted or else a new winner will be selected. The process shall continue if the prize is not claimed.

Overwhelmed

Sometimes I feel overwhelmed--between the blog and the kids and life itself. Sometimes I feel like I put too much on my self, thinking I can do it, when sometimes I can not (which is why I write everything down now in a document, either on paper or on google drive).

Today, has been one of those days. I did a book blast, which freed me from posting on the blog, but I still had work to do behind the scenes. The kids acted extra today. Brad tried to break my door again because I took the remote from him because he kept messing with his brother. The hole behind my door has gotten a little bigger. My door is also cracked at the top, thanks to another meltdown.

I also tried to get him to try some tea for review. He did not want to try it. Luckily, he is sleep now. Last nite, even with 6 mls of melatonin in his system, Brad did not want to go to sleep. He fell asleep around 5 or 6 am. I know because I was woke as well. He also takes clonindine. I cant find my pill crusher (need an assistant to help me sort my things). Getting him to swallow a pill is ridiculous. You have to put the pill in his mouth, close it. add water, close the mouth, and make him swallow. otherwise, he will spit the pill out and I have to start over.

I am also getting tired of him peeing in my bed. He broke his bed months ago. I am trying to find a good one for him. Something an Autistic, ADHD, child can not break. He had a futon, but broke the frame. Ordered new screws and he still broke the frame. The frame is fine now, but now in the game room. The mattress on the other hand, Brad peed through it. Opened it up, it was blue jean material. His urine disintegrated it. So, eventually, he works his way back into my bed. I got waterproof mattress pads and covers, plus regular ones, and he still finds a way to pee in my bed. Last night, since he refused to sleep, I made him go potty every 30 or so minutes. My bed was dry in the morning. Yay. I washed my bedding two extra times, two days ago, because Brad kept peeing. Not sure, if he senses he is wet or stinky or wants to lay in his own urine. Sometimes, he will tell me if he is stinky. Sometimes he goes to the potty and pee. Yay me.

Kalen, though he can't walk, can climb into stuff and throw it out, pour it out, eat it up, or put it in his mouth. My poor toothbrush, he found in my purse and decided he wanted to use it. Good job, but use your own toothbrush lol. He knocked over books, paper, and bags. I had to get rid of my mini bookcase, because Kalen keeps knocking everything over. I gave it to my niece. I need something taller and more sturdier. The book case was left with nothing but my Carnival Plastic Ship on a stick and the phone books.

I also need my laptop fixed. Tired of Brad's desktop. Good for doing work, but I miss Microsoft office. I also can't find the book i am working on. I know i saved a back-up copy, but it is not on Google Drive. Could be on a flash drive, but not sure which one. I have gotten quotes, but they all was high--for a simple consultation.

Challenge to write

5/19- What is your favorite activity to do with your family? And why?

I have no idea. I like to go to church with my kids. I also like to cook with Brad. We also enjoyed going to Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio in December. I am definitely making a trip back there, but getting a hotel room. I didn't like getting back that late. Plus it will give Brad time to sleep and calm down. The trip was reasonable. About 60 dollars for MegaBus (extra because I had to change one of the dates and times), $15 dollars for the park (myself only. kids are free). 8 to 10 dollars for public transportation to and from the park. plus about 10 dollars on food in the park. We could bring food in as well but there was not any grocery stores near the park.

5/20- Do you have siblings? If so, what do you think are there best qualities?

I have two sisters. I am the oldest. Rachel is the middle sister. Nikala (Courtney) is the youngest. Rachel is a good hacker into stuff. She can hack into her boyfriend's phone. Just going through the phone is not good enough--she hooks the phone up the pc and gets additional information. She also can drink with the best of them. When she dropped out of school, she immediately went for her GED.  Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh that's all i got for now lol.

Nikala is a good student and good worker. She developed a home school co-op with other parents, where each parent teaches to their strengths. She has her own place and car. She has traveled the world--Africa last year and currently she is in Paris. She wants to go to The Dominican Republic and Haiti in the fall. So, far I have been to Cancun and the Bahamas. I prefer to travel on this hemisphere right now and she is traveling on the other hemisphere. 

5/21- Where would you like to be in 10 years from now?

Older, wiser, with a steady job. my own place. finally divorced from the kids father. maybe in a stable relationship. Brad will be 22 and Kalen will be 12. Hopefully, they will have all the services they need to improve independence. 

5/22- What is your favorite quote and why?

I don't have one

5/23- If you could have any job in the world, which job would you want? Writer (and I already have it)

5/24- What has been the hardest part about blogging daily?

Blogging Daily. I have not blogged daily. remembering to write. wanting to write when i am not motivated to do so. 

Challenge to write 5/7/ 2013

Your favorite activity besides blogging…

I like to read and write. I love books. I love to write poetry. I like all sorts of books (Christian, fiction, non-fiction, science fiction, romance, drama, thriller, business, psychology, special needs, etc). I been a fan of reading since forever. My mother taught me to read at a young age. I was a fan of Danielle Steel, E.Lynn Harris, Alex Haley, John Grisham, and other authors at a young age. I have read 1000s or more page books within 24 hours (i.e. The Left Behind Series, Book 13). I also started writing poetry at a young age. I don't have any of my earlier work. Accidently left it behind in Georgia and it is gone now. I have written published poetry and short stories. If anyone wants to review Chocolate Kisses, Love.Lust.Life, or any of the books on Smashwords, let me know and I will generate a free code for you. 

Chocolate Kisses was dedicated to a former addicktion of mine. I thought I was in love with him, but I was really in strong lust with his penis. Writing the book was hard but it became therapy for me.

Love.Lust.Life was another collection of poetry. I wrote on various topics. Some was dedicated to people. Anyway, LLL required me to dig deep and write real feelings about real topics. 

Conversations with Normality was a short story I wrote for a contest on Lulu. It was semi-fictional based on a conversation I had with my oldest, who is autistic and ADHD. 

Conversations with Sexuality was a short story, I wrote to deal with some feelings I had about my celibacy. 

Miscarried was a short story, I wrote to deal with some feelings, I had during my last miscarriage in 2009. Had my first one in 2005. Still dealing with feelings, which arise every now and then. 

Conversing with Salvation was a short story, I wrote about my oldest. I wondered how he can be saved, if he may not understand God's grace and mercy.

First attempt, was a short story I wrote for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), but I never finished it. 

Conversations First edition combines Normality, Miscarried, and Salvation into one edition. Later, I added First Attempt and Sexuality, but didn't realize I didn't edit the first book, until it was published. So Conversations Second Edition has all the short stories. 

I was working on a blog-type book about raising special needs kids, but my laptop is down, and I can not find the updated file on Google drive. Hopefully, it will be working soon. 

The Writer's Platform

I read the Writers Platform by Austin Briggs. I won the book through a Librarything giveaway. I chose the book because I am a writer (short stories and poetry) and have low sales. I do not have a marketing plan to increase sales. I have no idea how to increase sales. I was glad when I got notified, I won a copy of the book.

The book discussed building a good writer's platform within 30 days, using social media only. I don't have to buy multiple copies of my print books. I don't have to start doing public speaking (not feeling that). I am not buying a review (those should be free). The process is not easy--it will require work. The book does not discuss illegal or shady ways to increase sales--loved reading that page of the book. I have seen so many websites, got plenty of emails, and seen books--where you attempt to earn a quick buck by spending hundreds and hundreds of your own money. I am a broke writer. I write for fun, but there is nothing like a sale. I already feel like the odds are against me because I am not a novelist. Takes more work to sell poetry and short stories, than a novelist. I have a blog, facebook fan page, pinterest, twitter, and google plus. I am in writing groups, writer's books, and promotion-based groups on facebook, library thing, and book blogs.

I been skimming through the book for about two weeks--to see if the information is worth taking an in-depth look at--and it is. The author focuses on techniques to improve your brand, pricing, and blogging. The books need to be the right price. The authors also need to watch what they say online, which can affect sales. If you are negative, then people may not buy your book. Briggs also discusses developing a website and a blog. All of this does not start without defining goals first. What do you expect from writing this book? What kind of income do you want? How many people do you need to buy your book, based on income?

There is also a great chapter on social media. Facebook and twitter are a must for writers. There is also Google Plus, Linkedin, Pinterest. Every follower is a potential buyer or promoter of your brand. We, as writers, need to update posts on a regular basis. We also need to develop goals for social media as well. Another note: Do not just post "buy my book" only because it gets boring and redundant. Post humor, opinions, and other content as well. You also can use facebook ads to attract new followers to your pages. Social media also allows networking with publishers, editors, and other writers.

Finally, the book discusses finding a good editor; formatting the book; choosing the right format for the book; guest posting; blog tours (which I have done for other authors); cross promotions; author associations; book bonuses; and review exchanges (i review your book and you review my book). The book also has a 90 day calendar to increase the book's and the author's brand. Each day is laid out with tips and techniques.

The book was simple to read, not too complicated. Not a lot of big words, you need a dictionary for.  I liked it. definitely will work on developing goals and start using the book to improve my brand.