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.

Review: All Times Finest Spiralizer/Spiral Slicer

Of course, I have the pleasure of sometimes choosing to share items just because they are great products. Some thing sets them above and beyond from the others... this is one of them.

Being that it is the second All Times Finest product I have had the opportunity to check out, I will say that they take great pride in the quality and presentation of their products. Here's what I had to say about the All Times Finest Spiralizer:

Undoubtedly, this would get !

The Spiralizer performs no less than expected. At this point, I have had the opportunity to check out a few styles and many of the same style and can say that there is virtually no difference in the way this one and others cut. Some have a different blade on each side like this one, some have the same. But overall, they cut the same way.

Check it out at the link above or by searching Amazon for: All Times Finest Spiral Slicer.

The Reality, The Risk

Everything I do is independent work and it's almost like having a second, third, fourth, etc... job that is solely commission based. I would never try to support myself on a commission only job because that is too much risk for me. But like working in commission only job, there is RISK in all the things I do and discuss on this blog and with others in person!

 

As a product reviewer, mystery shopper, movie screener, and couponer, there are a multitude of risk associated with each. 

Top 3 risks for Mystery Shopping

• Not getting paid - because of course, that's one of the reasons I do it!
• I have only had 3 shops ever that I didn't get paid for. I am lucky in some capacity that none of those were reimbursement shops. And while I can sit and be defensive about the issues of why I did not get paid, I learned lessons from each on of them. The more ya know, the more ya grow! 
• Not doing the shop right - because then I won't get paid and I jeopardize the shop company deactivating my account or in the least, my shopper ranking/rating.
• Any shopper that says they have never messed up one bit on a shop is a liar! I have messed up on more shops that I'd like to admit. While it may be small mess up, technicalities, it's still a mess up.  And I've watched a dear friend of mine mess up on a shop before only to assist her so that she did have all the details for the shop. The lesson I learned from my very first mess up is to read both the instructions and look at the questionnaire BEFORE going out to the shop. If anything, the questionnaire is going to tell you EVERYTHING you need to submit for the shop, right?
• Something going wrong - because it makes the shop more difficult and could cause you to not do it right
• This has happened to me many times, from the cost being different that what the instructions said to not being able to evaluate a restroom because I deemed it an unsafe environment to a specific location not existing in a multi-venue shop. Contacting the scheduler and keeping the shop company in the loop is of utmost importance when these situations arise. Expect the unexpected and keep your cool! 

Top 3 risks for a Product Review

• Not getting your package(s)- because the postal service is human, but you cannot complete the review(s)
• I didn't even acknowledge this risk until a month ago when I had packages containing multiple items not arrive. I had to contact review companies, sellers, Amazon, and the post office in an attempt to figure out what happened and to try to resolve. In the end, I missed out on those products (though some of the sellers were willing to resend, while others just had to be cancelled with Amazon and refunded).
• Getting a crap product - because you are reviewing it to give honest feedback
• Sometimes, you get a product that just sucks. The product isn't broken or defective, it just is not a good product. There is nothing the company can immediately do to cause you to have a better opinion about the product and yet, you have to provide honest feedback about it. 
• You miss out on a product you really wanted - because products reviews can be limited
• I have missed out on my share of things because I work a full-time job by day and also do so many other things that prevent me from continuously looking at review sites, my email and facebook. You win some, you lose some! (And if anything, some deals repeat on with other review sites or even the same site or it'll be available from a different brand/seller)

Top 3 risks for a Movie Screener

• Not getting in! - Because otherwise, I wasted hours of my time to just go home. 
• In my many many screenings, I have ever not gotten into ONE movie! Recently, I almost didn't get into a movie and was given the opportunity to go to the screening of another movie and took it! 
• Getting a crappy seat - not the end of the world, but in all seriousness, you don't want to sit for 2 hours watching something that you have to bend your neck awkwardly
• I'm not too picky about seats, but travelling alone or in a smaller group makes it easier to get that random seat you want. Also, arriving early you can usually get a seat of your choice rather than the leftover. Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle!
• Missing passes - 
• I'd like to think that there is nothing worse than missing the passes for a movie you have been stalking for weeks. But the reality is, there is! I've missed passes many times and I can't even remember specifically what movies. Having friends who do screenings is helpful because sometimes you can be their plus one or they have extra passes or can't make it and give you theirs. There are also usually at least one contest for a movie, so you can enter the contest for a shot to win. But I either catch another screening, 

Top 3 risks for a Couponer

• Forgetting your coupons - because well, you remembered your grocery list, reusable bags, wallet, cellphone, keys, and those coupons... well, they didn't make the cut!
• Get in the habit of having them with the other things you take or get a book that you can throw in your bag, purse, whatever. Digital coupons are also great CVS, Walgreens, Target (Cartwheel) and other places that will take them. But there really is not real solution to this one! 
• It doesn't scan - because technology is not perfect! 
• Usually, this happens on internet printables more frequently than ones out of newspaper inserts. See if the cashier will enter manually. Any experienced cashier will know how. 
• Cashier says NOPE - because they say they don't excepted internet print (IP) coupons, they can only take one, it's not the right product, and they just don't know how (this one always humors me!)
• 1. Check to make sure you do have the item (I've had coupons stick together and look at it like where did you come from. Then I apologize to the cashier and take it away; 2. Check to see that you are following the requirements for the coupon. I once stood behind a lady with a cart full of facial wipes that she had a "FREE" coupon for, but in smaller print above, it said "With the purchase of facial wash". Well, poor employees because she sent it all back :-( 3. Don't be afraid to speak up. I have had employees say "Well, it says "it says 'Limit one coupon per item' so I can only use one coupon" and I so kindly point out, "Limit 4 like coupons per transaction" and explain why there is a difference in those two descriptions. 
• All I can really say is if you know you are right and can use the coupon, it's up to you to prove it. Know your rights, know your coupon policies! But be nice about it ;-) 

I've put this all out there, but in the end, what it comes down to is being able to think outside the box and being able to think on your feet! While I have experiences all these risk in some capacity, they have never been a deterrent for me to do what I do!  

Happy Weekend! 

Review: Savvy Straws

7 Eleven got it right with their slupee straws, recognizing that straws are not always a one size fits all ordeal. Some things you want bendy straws, while others you want straight. Sometimes you want longer and for your smoothies and shakes, you want thicker! I have never used a metal straw and never even knew they existed. But I was given the opportunity to try Savvy Straws and can say that I do love them. The fact that I don't have to worry about my straw bending and no longer being usable or a straw being "too short" or even that it is not wide enough for my thick smoothies or shakes to get through is great. I received the Savvy Straws as a 5 pack (an odd # I know) and a brush for easy cleaning. They are stainless steel and sturdy beyond this world. They fit well into a small or medium sized restaurant cup, but not sure about a large. It picks up small strawberry and fruit chucks with ease.

I'm giving this 5 bananas  because I frankly don't see anything wrong with these. I just finished cleaning my first straw, it's a breeze and they work great! 

For more information or to check them out, click the link or search Amazon using: Savvy Stainless Steel Smoothie Straws.

Review: PETSPATS

Meet Harley! He's doing one of his many product reviews! 

This is the PETSPATS Reflective Collar. It is generally well made and neon colored for some great night reflection action! One flaw I noted was there was on thing to do with the extra slack from adjusting it. Harley is also on the border of being a medium and a large collar. This large easily comes off of him, so it runs a bit large.

I give it  because of its flaw in design, but it does serve its purpose!

Find Yours PETSPATS Reflective Collar for Dogs or on Amazon by searching "PETSPATS Reflective Dog Collar". 

Mystery Shopping: Bestmark

One of my favorite companies to shop for when I first started mystery shopping was Bestmark. After a 4 or so month hiatus, I have finally returned! It wasn't intentional that I took a hiatus, but more supply and demand... other companies, other shops had my time. But one of the reasons I have always loved shopping with BestMark is that I can do simple phone or internet shops that pay very little, but take little to no time to do and add up in my Shopping Bank. I've seen a fluctuation in the in-person shops and some are very specific qualifications that I do not meet, but others do.

When I calculate my hourly rate based on the simple shops, it makes it worthwhile for me. Best of all, they are nationwide, so there are lots of opportunities available and I can say that I recommend anyone getting started in the industry to have this be one of your first companies to test the water in.
The 3 greatest benefits that I can say BestMark offers are:
- Less pay up front and get reimbursed later opportunities, which is great for those that have no money to spend to start mystery shopping
- Is one of the quickest paying companies in the industry (generally within a week or two)
- Offers shops from the comfort of your home that can easily be done on lunch breaks for the worker or student OR during nap time for the stay-at-home parent

Interested in BestMark? Click any link on this page or go to: apply.bestmark.com/?r=TX40999.