Mystery Shopping = Paid Vacation

In April 2013, I applied for my first Mystery Shop, not knowing the true potential or if I’d even like it. The concept of having the opportunity to have new experiences, providing feedback, and having someone else pick up the check sounded nice. After being at it for over 2 ½ years, I finally had the opportunity to take my FIRST FREE vacation! Mind you, I had to “work” for it, but I am happy to report a 4 day vacation shop a success. Many do not believe the opportunities that I get. I had to make it into 3 shops to have my trip paid for but my flights, rental, gas, and the two nights in a hotel were paid for (then one night staying with a friend nearby). There was plenty of time for sightseeing, shopping, dining out and more.

Truth be told, I would do it over again. You can’t step into the Mystery shopping realm expecting to have such opportunities, but hard work, dedication, and a bit of creativity can make things happen!

I’ve had other opportunities to travel at a cost and most definitely have connections to things such as World Venture. However, to me, there’s no trip quite like booking a shop or two. Sure it’s a bit of work, but it’s one of the first things I look at when I’m headed out of town. Movies, dinner, sometimes even shopping; all the things I love and can sometimes get to cover my gas cost for driving a few hours away for weekend getaway.

Summer's Over Giveaway WINNER!

Sorry for the delay all... and the winner is... Allison H. 

Prize will be posted and mailed out in the upcoming week! Woohoo Congrats Allison! And thank you to all who entered. Another giveaway is anticipated to begin later this month so stay tuned.

Mystery Shopper Forum

I'm up and about it early this morning. As the end of the month is approaching, I plan to stack up a few better paying shops. And yet, I found myself catching up on some helpful posts on one of my favorite resources.

For the shopper followers.... Let me reintroduce... the Mystery Shopper Forum -
http://www.mysteryshopforum.com/. Happy Sunday!

Product Review: YYGIFT Smart Video WiFi Doorbell

I felt the need to share one my Amazon Reviews because not everything turns out exactly as hoped. My goal is of course to share those 4 and 5 star things that others might be interest in. I thought this one would be one for the books as it was destined to be assume when I ordered it. But despite some people's thoughts about product reviews and reviewers, not EVERY single one is a five star or remotely close. 
I had the opportunity to review a Wireless Door Bell with built in camera. I gave it barely deserved 2   ultimately ended up returning the product. I wasn't ugly about it, and while it did have benefits, it also very much had some issues that made it...

Just a Doorbell
I was excited to get this doorbell as added security protection to my smart home in progress. My full and open self-disclosure is that with a wireless garage door opener and wireless cameras that were self-installed, I am maybe a bit more experienced in installing smart devices than a first time user.
So let me first start by saying this doorbell is bigger than an ordinary doorbell, but nonetheless very modern looking. It is one unit, not too heavy, and definitely sturdy. The instructions are a bit confusing, so take it step by step and you’ll get it. It also had multiple adapters that, well, weren’t all needed. The doorbell though is not that easy to figure out without the directions though.
The doorbell comes with everything needed to setup (EXCEPT an AC adapter and 2 AA batteries for the in house receiver, if you are going either of those routes). It also does not have a tiny screwdriver, so have one handy in addition to a regular Philips head screw driver. By tiny, I mean eyeglass screwdriver size… I wasn’t expecting that one but luckily had one accessible.
The app is pretty easy. If you have used any other smart wireless home product apps (i.e. security camera, garage openers, wireless locks), this application looks similar to all the others!
Getting down to the nitty gritty… Based on my experience, I could not recommend this product for what it should be. As a regular doorbell and maybe an Ethernet connection MAYBE… but for a wireless doorbell with built in camera, I’m sorry, it just didn’t fit the buck. From my experience, I spent maybe 20 minutes checking it out and programming it before installing outside my home and it appeared to work pretty well. Once I got it installed outside, I could not get it to hold a signal to the wifi. Having other things connected to the wifi that are further, I ruled out the fact that welp, it is too far for the signal to reach. I reset it several times, uninstalled and reinstalled and while it works on the regular receiver, it’s very finicky with being connected to the app on my phone. It works for a minute or two and then it’s not connected. This to me is no Bueno because if the camera and app don’t work, it is just yet another doorbell. I'm currently waiting on a response on it and will likely be returning this item.
I was provided this item at a discount in exchange for my honest and unbiased feedback.

Lesson #1 in Reviewing: Amazon Rank

This information is strictly my opinion based on my experience. I recognize that there may not be any science or research evidence to base this information on other than as clearly stated as a fact. 

I felt it was important to share information about reviewing and why it seems I can get many of the things I want for review purposes. You've got to have good grammar. You've got to be informative. You've got to make your review stand out from the other several hundred that will be posted as well. Those who know me, tend to know, I march at the beat of my own drum, so the last one was not all that difficult for me.

I've also learned the importance of Amazon ranking in the review world. Two months ago from tomorrow (Sept 13th), I began documenting my Amazon ranking in my Excel spreadsheet that I keep my review information but on a seperate tab. I've seen myself rating cut itself in half, since reviewing much more serious and beginning this blog as well as doing more video and picture reviews.

Fact: I do not video or picture review everything.
Fact: I do not have special equipment to photograph, video, or edit for Amazon.
Fact: I do not fully understand how reviewer rank works. It does not appear to be a simple math formula, but more complex based on % and amount of reviews and helpful reviews combined.

Regardless, I'm happy to see my rank go higher and would love to eventually be an Amazon Vine Reviewer. Don't know about the Vine Reviewer program? Click my link!

Let's just say even without being a Vine Reviewer, I'm shooting for top 10.000 reviewer and I'm more than half way to this goal! I look twice a week at my ranking and I've seen it go up, but I've seen it go down (by thousands over a few days). Nonetheless, I'm going to keep swimming!

With that being said... I continue to make improvements including changing the font on this page and utilizing other social media more in my reviews. Feel free to follow me on Twitter @DaNetJunkie. I make no promises or guarantees of using this page frequently, but I'm working on it!

Review: Calily Diffuser

As a prior Calily customer, I was excited to receive the opportunity to review this product, a Calily Oil Diffuser. It is lightweight, but about the size of a large can good. Of course, this is my 3rd Oil Diffuser, so by now I 1) know how to work them without instructions and 2) love love love them. When I received this diffuser, I quickly noted the mini-pitcher for pouring the water in the diffuser, as well as the two dots that have to be aligned for the diffuser to work. I hooked it and was ready to go. I had a small issue for a day, but it has since resolved and I'm back in business with this diffuser.

The brand and the product both get 

Due to difficulties displaying the videos on my blog, please check it out HERE

Review: Whistling Tea Kettle

Loaning out my electric tea kettle to work, I was in the market for a new alternative for home when I came across this tea kettle. I decided while not an electronic alternative, to give it a try on my gas stove. I got it and very much looked forward to receiving it for my own individual use. This is the perfect addtition to kitchen full of stainless steel appliances and pots and pans. While my kitchen isn't this, this was my first and most immediate thought upon seeing it and having one of my stainless steel pots near, as it fits in so well. Putting water in it, on the stove, and turning it up high, it was a matter of minutes and it was whistling. YMMV - Of course, the time to heat will vary based on your stove. That being said, it does what it says it will and you can see so in my video. It's not super loud, but easily heard. It's nothing more and less than I expected.

For this product, I'd say !


I'm having difficulty uploading videos to my blog, so to hear what I had to say, check it out HERE.

Review: Wool Dryer Balls

I had the opportunity to give these dryer balls a whirl (pun intended)! They are my new favorite alternative to dryer sheets. The inner tree hugger in me smiles everytime I toss one in the dryer. It is not nearly as wasteful and does the same thing a fabric sheet was EXCEPT you can choose your individual scent, which we all know I collect and love! Eliminates static - check! Safe to use - check! Customized scent - check! Eco-friendly - check! What is not to love?! These balls are great! 

 ALL THE WAY HOME! 

Special shout out to http://www.reviewstuffz.com/ for the opportunity to enter and win this wonderful product! 

As I am having trouble uploading videos to my blog, to hear what I had to say, check it out HERE!

Product Review: Luseta Shampoo and Conditioner

I had the opportunity to try out the Luseta Tea Tree and Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner. First off, cool pump! It makes washing my hair that much easier! The shampoo and conditioner also have a pleasant smell, a must have for me!

So does it work? Well, the shampoo cleanses my hair and the conditioner softens my hair. In the immediate it does. But after a day, I noticed my hair drying out more and really struggling to keep its moisture. In the end, I found myself using more hair products between washes. I like the product, feel it would be better used mixed with other shampoos and conditioners or for someone who washes every day or in the least, every other day.

This Shampoo and Conditioner is advertised as good for all hair types. Overall, I give it a rating of 


Here me talk about my view of the product HERE!

This is me after washing with the products (both shampoo and conditioner) while allowing my hair to naturally dry:

Summer's Over Giveaway - RESET!

For once, I understand why many of the blogs I follow have several admins working on the site. Blogs are another thing to do while living the day to day. I do not currently have mass amount of followers, but for those who do check-in, I apologize for my lack there of blogging recently. And for those just finding this blog, WELCOME! Be sure to check out the links to the left for different topics (mystery shopping, movie screenings, product reviews, etc...) With that being said, the "Summer's Over" Giveaway will be extended to September 23rd (the official end of summer) and the giveaway has been slightly modified from the original Back to School giveaway to a Fall's Here Giveaway and will feature 10 items representing fall in which clues will be dropped over the next few weeks! Enter below and stay tuned...

  a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Cha Cha Cha!

Review: Adovia Pure Argan Oil

Everyone knows that I am the queen of organic and natural stuff! I had the opportunity check out the Adovia. This is a natural product that I use on my natural hair. It's light and while not having a pleasant smell, it's not unbearable. This bottle includes 4 oz which makes it perfect for months of oil! Interested in checking this out for yourself? Click HERE or search Adovia Argan Oil on Amazon!

Summer's Over Giveaway!

Sorry this took so long, buuuuuuut the Summer's Over Giveaway is finally here! The lucky winner will get a bag of ***10*** awesome summer is over back to school items! Best of all, ANYONE visiting this page can enter! I won't spill the beans quite yet on the prize, though there will hints dropped throughout the blog over the next couple of weeks so stay tuned!

<Link Has Been Deactivatived - please see updated post on 8/27/15>

Mystery Shopping: Service Check

It was only about a year into my shopping that I discovered a company called Service Check. While I've barely done a dozen shops with the company in my time as an independent contractor, I will say that I've grown a huge appreciation of the service I provide. Like a customer service in a mom/pop business, the staff there is easily reachable. Returning calls or reaching them by phone is not a large phone tree process nor do you email them and never hear back. Their pay is moderate compared to some other companies I've seen in the field and well, it's an all around good experience for me!

Check it out here or by going to http://servicecheckreport.com/.

Review: ZAQ Travel Mate Oil Diffuser

Sized at only the size of a large ice cream cup from *insert  you favorite ice cream shop here*, I received the ZAQ Mini II Travel Mate Oil Diffuser from Amazon! It is not only an oil diffuser, it's a night light (glowing single or multiple colors) and it is both powered by the AC cord or for AA batteries. It uses very little water, resulting in a less oil needed and a more concentrated diffuse. I'm very proud of this little purchase! 

This is another 5 review! 

Interested in this Essential Oil Diffuser: check it out on Amazon by searching "ZAQ Mini II Diffuser" or clicking Here.

Review: NutriGrill

Why it's "organic BBQ" I'm really not sure? I mean, I could put a bunch of stuff with High Fructose Corn Syrup, lard, fat, and processed foods in here, so it doesn't make my food organic. But whatever. It's moot point.

Let me first start by saying this is a 5  item! Why? Here's why:
This little grill is 5 notches better that its brother indoor grill (which I shall not name). The NutriGrill is not a press and cook grill. Just as you do on an outdoor grill you have to do on this little grill. Flip your meat, take it off, put it on, warm it up. It's a grill after all. But no more worries about dried grilled  food. This grill is design to retain juices, rather than burn them off and dry out your food. Anf furthermore, the serveware sends it over the top for me! I can't say enough good stuff about this grill. It's simple to use so I'd even dare recommend to those who don't know their way around the kitchen because it's pretty difficult to get the food to stick and burn if cooking at the right speed. It has 5 speeds (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 - obviously lower is the slow speed). I used a bit of Olive Oil mostly for the flavor, but I'd be confident cooking without the oil as well.

It's simple. It takes no time to setup or cook. It has a million accessories and I personally am extremely happy with my decision!

Interested in getting yours: search Nutrigrill on Amazon or click here.

First Giveaway WINNER

It's August and that can only mean ONE  TWO things!
1) Time to announce the winner of the It's My Birthday Giveaway!
2) Time to start the second giveaway

Second things first, the next giveaway will kick off in the upcoming days and ends at the end of the month! It's the Summer's Over Giveaway! This giveaway will feature 10 things that say "Summer's Over!" I'll drop clues throughout the blog during the month of August and unleash the prize as the end of the giveaway period approaches (maaaybe).

Now, *drum roll* and the winner of the DaNetJunkie's first Giveaway is... 

Ann W.! 

Go Ann, go Ann, go, go, go, go! Ann is the winner of this beautiful bagsket full of goodies from head to toe including a couple oils, nail polish, hand cream and more.

Review: Peak Win Athletics Stability Ball

Sorry to be away so long, but I'm baaaaaack! And I have a review for you:
This is the Peak Win Athletics Stability Ball 
The ball itself I give 5 . There is just simply nothing wrong with the ball that I note at the current time. It's apparently burst proof as well. I like that the size is not too large coming in at 26 inches, per the listing. The ball is good, but being real, the pump sucks! It broke in the middle of me airing up the ball the first time. Coming in at right around 7 1/2 minutes, it also takes a long time to air up compared to other air pumps on the market. Without another pump, it certainly gets the job done, but I would suggest if getting this ball, use a different pump. Overall, I give it 4! Check it out as I first air up my stability ball for the first time! (Pardon my attire and bad angle recording)

I was given the opportunity to try this ball in exchange for my honest and unbiased feedback. 

Need a new stability ball? Check it out on Amazon by searching Peak Win Stability ball or this link.

Review of Dr. Ben's Foot Sleeves

I was given the opportunity to check out the Dr. Ben's Foot Sleeves. They are comfortable yet snug, thick yet light. Initially I received the incorrect product but the seller promptly resolved this issue and promptly got out the correct item. This product I give 3 s because I don't see much of difference. This product seems the same as a standard sock and also causing perspiration of my feet. 

You can check this item out at Dr. Ben's Foot Sleeves or by searching Amazon for "Dr. Ben's Plantar Fasciitis Foot Sleeves".

Review: The Curly Girl Combo Kit

This review has been several weeks in the making. I absolutely have enjoyed getting to try these products out. I do wish that they came with more detailed instructions or styling suggestions, but it has been an adventure getting to figure things out. I particularly love two things that came in this kit: the 3 large clips and the hair ties. The large clips are similar to bobby pins just larger and plastic and does a better job than the typical bobby pin. The hair ties are great for reducing tangles when putting your hair up and makes it easy. As always, this review was provided as part of a promotion in which I was able to try the item for free or discounted in exchange for my unbiased and honest review of the product. This product truly deserves its ! Watch me as I show it off....

You can order your Curly Girl Combo Kit (linked) or by visiting Amazon.com and searching CurlyGirl Combo Kit.