New Product Review Sites

This weekend, I came across two relatively new product review sites: Honest Few and BuView

I wish I had enough to say about either, but at this point I don't. With BuView, I was able to get a book to checkout and will be working on that over the next few days in addition to the other things I do. Honest Few, I just requested my first product.

As I continue to review products, I'm learning that the exclusive and invitation only sites appear to be the more exclusive and premium products and the sites that I find myself enjoying more of the products from.

Review: SunLabz Power Bank

In honor of the   that it was destined to review, I had the opportunity to check out this SunLabz Power Bank! See what I had to say about it below: 

If I had 6 bananas, I would give them all to this product. 

Interested in it yourself? You can get yours on Amazon. 

Review: Wonder Veg Spiralizer Slicer

I was given the opportunity to try the Wonder Veg Spiralizer Slicer in exchange for my honest and unbiased feedback. I have had the opportunity to try just short of a half dozen or so spiralizers, but this is the first one that I have tried that is not a handheld kitchen gadget. This one goes on the counter and has a crank like handle to turn. 

What did I LOVE?

This thing is generally easy to use and by easy, I mean, I used it mostly with one hand. But I would like to point out that it is also safe. No worries about the possibility of accidentally putting your hand in where the blade goes. It just isn't designed where that is even a possibility. It also has 3 blades, so you can choose what you want to do. Small, large, mini cuts. 

The things I didn't like?

• The blade storage. It's on the back. It's just not convenient. Hidden? Yes. Convenient? Nope! 
• It was also a little difficult to get started. I had to crank the handle a few times before I was sure 1) that I was doing it 100% correct and 2) it showed any signs of production.

But despite the couple of challenges, this product left a very positive impression on me. Because it was safe, because it was stable when suctioned to the counter, because it was just so easy to use, and because it doesn't just spiral with the default setting - but is versatile. Because of the combination of these things, I give it ! It truly does deserve it's 5 bananas! 

Review: Crafts 4 Kids - Chalk Markers

Whether 9 or 95, Chalk Markers are great for any ages! As a child, I loved writing on chalkboards and dry erase boards, and as an adult, I STILL DO! But as you know, writing with traditional chalk can be really messy. So when given the opportunity to check out the 8 pack of the color Craft 4 Kidz - Chalk Markers, I could not pass that up! And they are a hoot! Brightly colored with colors appropriate for summer, spring, fall, and any occasion. They are easy to use, with a reversible tip and just a lot of fun. I use them with many chalk boards in the garden, in the kitchen and even as decor. Check this out as my latest project with Chalk Markers: 4th of July decorations! 

Check them out at the link above or http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WRDE39C. 

Even though I have had these for awhile, I give them !

Product Review: Alaffia Shea Butter Soap

Alaffia Shea Butter Soap - 6 pack

Last week, I received my Alaffia Shea Butter Soap from Amazon for free for my honest feedback. I compare these to the Soaps of Aromatherapy as their scents remind me much of the aromatherapy lotions I buy from Bath and Body Works. In excitement, I immediately struggled with which soap to use first. I couldn't help but peak and sniff all the soaps. And while I think the Lemongrass Coconut will be the next to be opened, I decided to use the fresh Lavender first simply since well, there were 2 of them! I have enjoyed using this soap. It's creamy and smells great! It lathers well and let's just leave it at that because I just don't know what more to say about soap!

So where does it measure up? ! (5 bananas - As you can see, I love this soap!) 

You can order yours at the link above!

Movie Screenings -- A Journey Backwards

It's been a couple of years since I did a movie screening. And tonight I did my first one again, after a long break off. Let me tell you that I loved doing them because I was always one of the first to see a movie. Let me first say that the whole experience of movie screenings is not just about seeing the movie. It's a full experience: from preparing to wait in line (with chairs, snacks, and things to do), to talking and mingling with others, making new friends, seeing old friends, answering the questions of others as they eagerly stop and ask what you are doing, learning about other free things, and wondering how full the theater will be and what time they will let you in.

It was at a movie screening that I first learned about the Chick Fil A First 100 and many other grand opening events. It was at a movie screening that I got passes to see movies I really wanted to see but would not have had passes to otherwise. It was at movie screenings I had some of my best laughs but also some of my biggest frustrations. And it was at movie screenings where I learned to people watch and become the observant mystery shopper I am today.

Allow me a few minutes while I make a few judgments on the sorts of people that come to movie screenings:

The retiree: These are the older folks that are typically the first in line. They will almost always get their choice of seat and may indeed arrive 4-5 hours before the movie starts to wait in line.

The 90s watcher: They've been doing this stuff for nearly two decades. WHAT?!?! They have the most ridiculous stories about picking up tickets at the VHS and CD exchange stores.

The student: There's always gonna be a student right? These are the people that are over prepared, perhaps working on homework or a school project while waiting, yet have plenty of time to see free movies!

The spot holder: This is the person that comes and gets in line early, they appear to be holding a spot for someone, but then that someone turns out to be someten. This person should not be confused with someone really holding a spot for their significant other, family member, or friend.

The bff: The friends that you always see together at every screening you go to. They've seen hundreds of movies together, know which security guards they do and don't like, and know every movie screening coming up that week and the next.

The movie couple: The couple that you see together at every screening you go to. They know the organizers' by name and have the system of getting cheaper snacks mastered.  They also have extra tickets because they both have their own account to get them.

The third wheel: The odd person who goes to a screening alone. Perhaps, this is one of the best strategies. He or she will almost always get a seat because most people come in groups and no one wants to sit separate from their group. Observe closely, there is one or more in every crowd.

The latecomer: The one who may never learn that you don't walk up to a screening at the last minute.

I've been the student, the bff, and the movie couple at other times. But today and until further notice, I am the third wheel.

For more information about movie screenings, start by visiting: Advance Screenings and GoFoBo. (Bet you can't guess what GoFoBo means?)

Receipt Hog

This is one of my favorite phone apps to date! It's an app that you upload receipt and get points and spins towards points to cash in for cash or Amazon $$$. And I believe it is available on both Android and IPhone. I love Receipt Hog because everywhere I go, I receive receipts! Who doesn't want to make a bit of extra money?

The largest complaint that I have heard is that Receipt Hog takes too long. While it can take awhile for $$$ to build up, it's all about the effort put into it. I combine this with my coupon shopping and mystery shopping and I find that the effort is worth my while. My receipt do not make $$$ for me just sitting in my purse. Therefore, I feel it is worth the minimal effort.

On December 6, 2014, I won just in time for Christmas! Will you be next?

You can sign up for RECEIPT HOG HERE! 

***Currently, Receipt Hog only accepts grocery (including convenient stores and liquor stores) and retail receipts and is limited to 20 receipts of each per week. Please see Receipt Hog policies for more information. 

First Giveaway

Welcome to the "It's My Birthday and I'll give YOU a gift GIVEAWAY". I love scavenger hunts, prizes, all things free and more. So August is my birthday month and I feel like doing a raffle giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway The winner will get a small beauty gift bag mailed to them, created by yours truly.

How to ENTER

EACH person can get up to 5 entries by:

• You get **ONE** entry just for being here and following my blog.  
• You can earn **ONE** additional entry for leaving a comment on what you want to see on the blog and what would keep you and others coming back!
• You can earn **ONE** additional entry by referring someone else to my blog (make sure they list you list who you are referring and so when they enter the giveaway, I will know you referred them).
• You can earn up to **TWO** additional entries by using one of my links to sign up for something I post on the blog starting June 21^st or later. (If you sign up for 1, you get 1 additional entry; if you sign up for 2, you get 2 additional entries). This is the time to sign up for mystery shopping, product reviewing, and/or a cashback site. I'll be posting some of my favorites for you! 

Please return to this blog to find out who winner the week of August 2nd! If you are the winner, you will have 48 hours to claim your prize and send me your address. If you do not claim your prize, you forfeit it to the next person.

Check back the week of my birthday (August 10th) for the start of the next Giveaway – The Summer's Over GIVEAWAY!

Thanks and GOOD LUCK!

Multiple entries will only be honored if the tasks are completed and can be verified to earn additional entries. 

Product Review: Uqique Digital Voice Recorder

(Listen HERE)

When they said mini...

... They really meant it! 

I had the opportunity review this Digital Voice Recorder by Uqique. It works decently well. You can listen for yourself above as I narrate this review. As you can see, it is only the size of a sharpie top. It's flat and thin and super lightweight. It has 3 buttons (an on/off switch, a + and a -). Trust me, the instructions are a must to understanding what to do with this little gidget! Nonetheless, I give it 4 bananas! I like it. 

*** ***

Quality: a bit of static, but volume is pretty good

Design: A+, small, light, easy to hide

Capacity: 8GB, that sounds like a good amount - most of us don't need to record for hours upon hours

Usability: probably not possible without the instructions, but it does connect to the computer and downloading is super easy. 

The true test: can you hold up to mystery shopping? We shall see!

Amendment: also has a delayed start on recording

Review for Kreiger Light Up Mini-USB cord

Okay guys, this is by far one of the most helpful items I've reviewed to date! I am notorious for going to charge my phone when it has a low battery and hours later discovering a completely dead phone that... never had been charging. This is the solution to all my worries (or at least that one). Okay, so this charger lights up. What that means is I can see it when I'm plugging it up in the dark and I can see if the phone is plugged in correctly, as the light will be red instead of the stagnant state of blue if the battery is full or there is nothing plugged in/nothing charging. 

Rating: 

Check it out on Amazon: KRIËGER® Premium Micro USB LED Color Changing Light Up Black Cable

For your muse, I did a video review. ENJOY! 

(This is what happens when you decide to do your first video review on the an item you cannot pronounce the name of. Watch me, as I might've butchered the name of the company, but said it with 100% confidence!)

Food Storage Containers Review

I had the opportunity to receive these Food Storage Containers at a discounted price in exchange for my honest and unbiased feedback. Overall, I have a positive impression of them. Despite being made more on a flimsy, Chinese food container style, they are appear to be durable. They work well in the microwave. While they do say dishwasher safe, I would not recommend in the dishwasher.

These food storage containers come in a set of 10 (20 pieces in total). I love the size and they hold a good size serving. They have 3 compartments, making it easy to have a well balanced meal. If you are anything like me and don't like you food touching, these containers are perfect for dividing your meat and sides without having to take difference containers.

My rating: 

Check them out for yourself here: Food Storage Containers, 

Without top: 

With top:      

A Reviewer's Nightmare

Occasionally when you are doing these things, things do not go as intended. For example, I've been awaiting some of my items to arrive since Sunday and they haven't. And so began a Product Reviewer's worst nightmare... tracking down her 11 Amazon items. This will also put me behind on many reviews. Duh, duh, duuuuu... To Be Continued....

Mystery Shopping - The Beginning

In April 2013 (more than 2 years ago), I completed my VERY FIRST mystery shop and I never turned back! I'm by no means the expert that some of my 10+ veteran experts are. I still turn to my resources and connections on occasion for help or questions. And still there are shops that I have high hopes of getting one day that I am not yet qualified to do.

When reflecting just a few months ago as my 2 year anniversary hit, I realized I had done well over 500 shops. That's right, well OVER 500 shops. Where? Well I can't tell you where and shop companies it's a violation of my contracts, but I can say that I've done numerous restaurant (fast food to fine dining), hotels, car maintenance, entertainment (like bowling, movies, multi venue),
apartments, homes buying, banks, grocery stores, retail stores (like clothing, electronics, toys), home improvement stores, pet stores, phone shops, and more. You name it, I've probably been there and done that, with a few exceptions along the way.

Two of the companies I shop for I have done over 150 shops with each company alone. The day I signed up for my first shop, it changed my way of thinking. Never would I pay or want to pay for an oil change again. Never would I have an excuse not to try new restaurants. Never would I

The biggest thing for me as I look forward to approaching my 3rd year mark is driving around town knowing the ins and outs of most of the places. You see, I know how I should and should not be treated as a customer. With some mystery shop companies, I have become a regular. I get called upon to shop the same location(s) over and over. I get advanced notification that XYZ shop is coming up next month. And I know what time and when to apply and accept a shop. I also know how to plan for my gas to be paid for when travelling out of town and maybe where I'll stay and how I'll get there, all from what started as a hobby?

So if this is of interest to you, feel free to get some more information here (written by yours truly and now publicly available):
The Real Deal
Starting Mystery Shopping
Company List (as provided by the MSPA)

As I leave this blog now to submit, yep, that's right, a shop report. Stay tuned for Mystery Shopping Part II - Reasons for not doing it.

Product Review Sites

I'm a spreadsheet and list junkie so *Clears voice* HERE IT IS...
J's list of PRODUCT REVIEW SITES/GROUPS (and in exchange for you coming to this page, my honest, unbiased feedback of each):

The biggest differences I note in Product Review sites is the ability to instantly be granted a code or apply then wait to hear from someone, response rate (for request and wait site - the estimate % of time you hear back on a product), the limit of how many products you can request at a time, the usability of the site, the functionality of the site, the cost of items (free, low cost, higher cost, mixed) and the ability to actually get the deal. 

• Uberzon - Uberzon is and forever will be the reason I started dibbling in product reviews. Uberzon is great, but holding down a full-time job, I find it near impossible to catch some deals because I am at work and they are gone almost as fast as they appear. My rule is pretty much, if I'm not trying to get it within the first 15-20 minutes, I'm not going to get it. 
• PROS: Right into your inbox (it's convenient), a wide variety of items to review
• CONS: Right into your inbox (it's alot of emails!), things go really fast
• Amazing Deals Group - Let me first start by saying that I have taken newbies in the Product Review world with this one. This is one of my ***favorites*** It's easy, it's fun. It's a well designed website. 
• PROS: Items return over multiple days, active facebook page, low cost items
• CONS: Only one or two "coins" which means you can only get one or two items until you review something and get your "coin" back. 
• Reviewer Deals - This is another site, I would start a newbie on. It's super easy. I typically see 50-100 of each item available. 
• PROS: It's simple to use, you can order how ever many things at once as you want, super low cost items (many starting at $.01), cute and quality items up for review
• CONS: Limited items offered, more unique and decorative items that would not be things you would buy anyways
• Shop With Reviews - This is also one of the first product review sites I started using. I figured I had nothing to lose if I never heard back on some items.Then one day, I sat and counted how many I applied to and how many I heard from, and shockingly, it was not a lot. Its worth the risk though... I use a junk email and have gotten some free items. That's why this one is a ***favorite***
• PROS: Always has items listed. Lots of free items listed.  Easy to see what you have applied for. No cap on applying for items.
• CONS: Apply and wait on an email type system. Less than 50% response rate. The expiration dates are meaningless. 
• AMZ Review Trader - This site has a range of items in different price ranges (free to a few hundred dollars). It has an easy apply process and the listing tells you how many more days the listing will last. I'll give this site 5 bananas! Woohoo! Another ***favorite***
• PROS: Hands down, has the best filtering system for looking for items (by price, by expiration, by product type). Diversity in listing. Always has items listed. Lots of low cost items. Lots of phone and tablet accessories listed.  Easy to see what you have applied for and can see promo code on website after it is sent to you via email. No cap on applying for items.
• CONS: Apply and wait on an email type system. About 75% response rate. So far, customer service is 2 bananas - still waiting to hear back on some issues with codes
• Tomoson - I'm brand new this one. I don't have much to say right now other than apparently you need to be a blogger and be registered on multiple social media sites to use. 
• PROS: High quality, higher end reviews
• CONS: As an establishing blogger, I am seeing more "don'ts" than "do's" as I apply for things
• Snagshout - Snagshout is a website with a lot of deal offers, ranging from FREE to a few hundred dollars. This site is one a top ***favorite***.The page is sortable by price, deal ending date, and a few other options. Overall, it is a good site to use. Guaranteed to get the deal if it's still posted. 
• PROS: Order as many things at once as you want
• CONS: Their system is glitchy, but once you figure your way around it, you're golden.
• Home Product Testing - This is another apply and wait site. In my humble opinion, the site is poorly designed and the items are not as attractive as other sites I belong. 
• PROS: Several new items posted daily
• CONS: On the pricier side for product reviews
• Elite Deal Club - This is by far one of the ones that stands out to me. Beyond the title saying Elite and making it seem like you are in a special, exclusive club, this site asks for your credit card info. Not for spending, but in the event you decide to elect an Elite deal. The Elite Deal is typically one that may be in high demand and you pay up to $2 (that's the highest I've seen) to get this offer in addition to whatever the Amazon fee is. From my understanding, this was supposed to be on free items, so that it would help people who really wanted to item get the item. My thoughts on that? This one is a split banana. It definitely has its perks and downfalls. 
• PROS: Has Contests, Referral Programs, and almost always has some items, easy to see which items are SOLD OUT, item posts are typically 10am, 2pm and 8pm EST (every day of the week), you get emails about when items are being posted, and has an order and review tracking system
• CONS: Some items have an "Elite Charge" tacked on to them, lots of similar items to other items on the same site
• KabelDirekt - First things first, let me start by saying while the web address looks weird, this is a legit site... It's just German. With that out the way, I have only ever gotten/been offered one item here. It's a great item, but one item speaks wonders.
• PROS: Easy site to use; appears to be the company providing their own promotions. 
• CONS: Not a lot of things offered. I'm pretty sure everything offered here will be cables or something you have to use a cable for - It's in the name! 
• Ahdeo - So I've heard mixed reviews about this one and finally got in. Unfortunately, I have not ordered anything yet because there hasn't been anything of interest, not to say they haven't had stuff before I got in. This is currently by invitation only. Lucky for you, guess who has the ability to invite you! Contact me for your invitation. *My pros and cons are based on my limited knowledge on this one
• PROS: Plenty of time to order something once posted, easy to navigate site, FAQ area on site 
• CONS: Invite only
• Sambrella Flash Deals - This one I best think is useful by getting emails and clicking on the flash deals from there. However, I will say that they have had some pretty interesting listing including the opportunity to entire a contest just for reviewing a product. Definitely a good one for beginners and those who are away from the internet for long periods of time. 
• PROS: Free deals (at least that is all I've seen); Despite the title, the deals do not go in a flash nor are they super limited
• CONS: dysfunctional website (yup, I said it out loud) - it's difficult to umm understand? 
• Skiva - I haven't actually ordered anything here. I'm signed up and have all my devices selected, so I'm awaiting a deal any day now. This one appears to be very exclusive and only offers deals and accessories for electronic devices. Not for the anti-smartphone users I guess? 
• PROS: Smaller, less know, higher likelihood of getting the item you want
• CONS: very limited, not frequent updates
• Deals for Reviews - This is site that I cannot say I have spent too much on due to the limited amount of items and the infrequency of updates. The items are good if it's in stock. Check it out for yourself. Good luck!
• PROS: Easy to use site, definitely for beginners, most things listed $1 or less
• CONS: Really old listings with no items left
• Giveaway Service - Another new one for me. Not much to say yet...
• PROS: Lots of products to review
• CONS: Must blog, must apply and wait
• Review Loop - This is a unique product review system. It offers levels and you can't get the better reviews until you work your way up. Forgive my facebook random likes, I'm working my way up on this one! It is possible and I'll be happy to assist. Sorry folks - I'm out of invites as of now, but feel free to contact me because we I might get some. 
• PROS: Some nice items, free products
• CONS: You start out with the ability to review ONE item, only
• Product Elf - This is yet another request and wait product review page. I've had about a 60% response rate. The most notable feedback from here is that I had to best service since starting product reviewing from one of the sellers on this site. I won't say which one, but I couldn't have asked for better transactions with that seller. 
• PROS: many free and low cost items, no limit on requests
• CONS: No way to check what you applied for
• I Love To Review - I Love to Review is probably a newer one in the industry. The website is pretty useless except for the fact that there is a video about product reviewing on website (informative for newbies). 
• PROS: Easy signup process, no verification link or formal process for verifying review submission
• CONS: Product posted every couple-few days; new product sent by email; no request tracking system
• Etekcity - This is the only company on the page thus far that I know nothing about; therefore, there are no PROS and CONS for this one. I still wanted to share the experience though my recommendation is not to apply here until you have more experience. They do advertise some interesting stuff on their page. But their customer service gets 2 1/2 bananas - they were kind enough to respond with the email below when I applied, but when I asked how many reviews they were looking for, I got nothing. So what did I do, reviewed some more and applied again last week... still waiting to hear back. 
  
• Facebook Groups - I cannot specifically mention them all on here, but I can make some suggests if contacted! 
• TO BE CONTINUED....

Disclaimer: Please note each and everyone of these companies mentioned I have experienced in some capacity. At anytime, I reserve the right to no longer review for any or all of these companies. This in no way is informing you that you should or should not participate with any and/or all of these companies. I am neither liable nor responsible for any occurrences or situations that occur with any and all companies listed above. 

This Rating System is Bananas - B-A-N-A-N-A-S!

As I put some thought into running this thing, I really have to make this mine. Rotten Tomato had their way with rating movies based on tomatoes. And one thing to know about me is I LOVE BANANAS! Anyone who knows me knows that apparently, my first cousins should be monkeys because I could and would eat a banana with every meal if I could. So let me introduce the: BANANAS rating system.

(1 Banana) - Rotten Banana

(2 Bananas) - Mushy Bananas

 (3 Bananas) - Barely enough bananas for banana bread

 (4 Bananas) - Fresh Bananas

 (5 Bananas) - Banana Split and I'm going bananas over it! 

Got it? SMASHING! (Now hopefully I can remember this ;-))