My Week as an Amazon Affiliate

During the holidays, I spent a significant amount of time looking at deal sites that offered promo codes for misc items.  I saved a TON on my holiday shopping, was exposed to unique gift ideas, and bought way too much.  If you've ever been a deal shopper, the hunt is addictive.  But also time consuming!  However, I figured, there are SO many Amazon Affiliates out there, why not give it a shot, and so I did.

The process for Amazon goes like this....you have to fill out an application, and then they give you temporary approval for seven days, and then they review your site, and in many cases, ding you for small issues and shut you down.  I've read lots of other reviews on it (because we all know I over research when I am interested) and found the main things to watch out for - make sure you identify yourself as an affiliate everywhere, take down posts once the deal is no longer valid, use a URL shortener that still identifies the site is taking you to an Amazon posting, and on and on.   One of the pages I follow, the girl was owed $3000 and wasn't going to get paid for it because a "large" item that yielded a 10% return that thousands purchased, she had not taken down the posting or notified her followers that it was a "dead deal" when Amazon looked at her page.  So she didn't get that huge payout she was expecting. I poured over the TOS and made sure I was in compliance, constantly changing  my posting "template" and ensuring I was in compliance, b/c that was not something I wanted to happen to me.

This morning I woke up to an account cancellation letter.  My downfall?  I did not have 500 followers.  The letter told me I would still get paid for any purchases made under my account, however, they instantly locked me out of the account so I am unable to review what is actually owed to me.  The letter they provided was generic and did not include any reporting to show what I was owed.  Seems shady to me. However, I was invited to reapply once I reach 500 followers.

Don't get me wrong, I love Amazon. I've been a loyal shopper for 10 years, I am an Amazon Flex delivery driver and love getting my orders the next day.  But I have heard the stories of their policies and their tactics and am routinely a little hesitant (I recently learned that their "Amazon Basics" line is comprised of items that they tracked sales for the "big"  manufacturer's on to see if it was worth it, once they see the sales are significant, their teams develop a near identical product and undercut the other manufacturers.  Brilliant, but shady to use that data.  Ahh, data is everywhere).

I will say that the Amazon Affiliate website is garbage.  For a company as large as it is, the lists you have to dig through of promo codes to offer your readers anything that 1) has reviews b) isn't coming from a random store called "7777" or "BuyMe55" c) has sizing that isn't Asian and is going to show up the size of a doll's outfit and d) isn't marked up massively so they can offer am 80% discount is a full time job, due to poor organization.  Sellers can mark the items under any category they want (clothing under electronics?  kitchen items under clothing?), and post the same item 50 times with different promo codes.  There is no preview picture and the same sellers might be notorious for crappy clothes but great electronics.  It's a chaotic free for all.

Regardless, it was a learning experience, I love a good learning experience.  But, my time with Amazon as an affiliate is over.  That doesn't mean I am done with the blog though, there are so many great deals out there that I would love to share with you all, because it's fun.  But I also will be focusing more on individual content....stories, recipes, etc.  So stay tuned :)

Anyone else?

A gentle reminder about the New Year...

Please, keep this in mind...you have survived 100% of your worst days.

New Years Resolutions

Ahh, it's a New Year and people are rushing to make their resolutions...promises we intend to keep but (most of us) fail miserably within about a week.  Oh well, there is always 2021 to try again!

Have you ever made a resolution that you actually kept?  I've done it once.  About 7 years ago I made the vow to swear off french fries and all deep fried potato product.  My intention wasn't to starve myself of french fries - the intention was to make me make more thoughtful food choices when I was in a hurry.  No french fries = no value meals at most fast food places.  It gave me pause...I was more likely to get myself a Jr cheeseburger and a cup of water and be equally satisfied, if I was taking that deep fried side dish out of the equation.  I actually kept this up for 21 months!  I was very proud of myself - however, my downfall was a fateful day at Arby's having lunch with my mom....their curly fries just called my name.  One simple craving ended my 21 months of strength!

My resolution for the past few years has been consistent - Think more about being thoughtful.  It's one of my favorite statements (along with "Today is a good day for a good day") and really puts kindness into a simple thought.  We all need to be thinking on a daily basis, what can I do that is thoughtful and kind to those around me?  I'm not talking grand gestures or even things that cost any money...no need to buy the coffee for the person in line behind you (unless that's your passion, then go for it).  My favorite "simple" act is when I am in a parking lot and I see a single mom, loading her kids into the car, I typically offer to take her cart back to the corral.  Mom's are busy AF, and most don't like walking 25 yards away from their kids to return the cart.  Simple, thoughtful, appreciated. I go beyond this concept, but that's just an example of how easy it can be.  

So, I challenge you to include this into your daily life.  Share with me, what have you done today to be thoughtful to someone around you?

Free Calendar!

Who doesn't love free?  Act quick and get a free calendar for 2020.  While supplies last.

Calendar!

Dressing for your weight!

Is that show "What Not to Wear" still on TV?  I feel like half my wardrobe would of been trashed by Clint and Stacy immediately!

A couple tips for us all:

-Pick pieces that draw the eye to your best features.  Awesome legs?  Try a dress or long slim pants.  Curves that rock?  Try a top that cinches at the waist!  

-Wear fitted clothing!  Baggy clothes don't actually hide the extra weight and make you look bigger AND less self confident.  Find clothes in the correct size that fit well.  Avoid relaxed fit pants, and darting shirts that give you no shape! Bonus tip: mid rise jeans can flatten the stomach and act a bit like a shaper!

-Don't be afraid of color!  Bright colors attract the eye, so use them on the features you love the best and the parts you want people to notice first.  For example, a bright top with dark jeans will draw the eyes up!

-Don't allow for big patterns.  For some reason, clothing manufacturers like to put big people in huge flowers and dots.  Don't do it.  

-Accessories! Large pieces or chunky chains stand out beautifully on bigger bodies!

-Larger handbags will help balance out a bigger body.  A tiny crossbody might look awkward, where a nice hobo bag is trendy and looks more proportionate

10 Tips for Losing Weight!

Below are some tips that came from "Medical News Today" on tips for losing weight.  I've added in my two cents!

1. Eat varied, colorful, nutritionally dense foods

Hell yes, do this!  But, does anyone else get into a major food rut?  I find myself making the same chicken and veggies on a regular basis.  I recently discovered the https://www.diabetesfoodhub.org page that has searchable recipes that are usually minimal in ingredients and tasty!

I am not endorsed by the Diabetes Food Hub.

2. Keep a food and weight diary

Seriously, my least favorite part of trying to lose weight (yeah, I prefer exercise over this) but during my course at OSU, I was taught about a program called Bitesnap (https://getbitesnap.com/)...this is an app that all you do is take a pic of your food, and the app recognizes it, and adds in nutritional info to your daily log.  Also, super easy to export your info if you like to track your logs elsewhere.  

I am NOT endorsed by Bitesnap, it's just the app I use!

3. Engage in regular physical activity and exercise

Mayo Clinic says to aim for 150 minutes a week of physical activity.  My tip, add in small exercise to everything you do.  Park further away.  Use the bathroom at the other side of your building.  Don't leave items on your stairs to take upstairs later, just do it now.  Extra steps all the time = extra calories burned

4. Eliminate liquid calories

SO easily said, much harder to do!  I LOVE fruit punch and find myself intolerant to no-calorie drink additives you put in your water.  My suggestion is don't deprive yourself completely, cause you are going to regret it later and think about that deprived item.  For me, I water my juice down - 50 % juice, 50% water.  No deprivation and still a good swap.  The only thing I can add in is to avoid diet soda.  It is SO bad for you and straight chemicals.  Try and find an alternative!

5. Measure servings and control portions

Man oh man is it hard to control serving size in a world where servings are huge!  I find that ordering kids meals when I am out, or requesting the lunch size portion, allows me to both save calories AND money.  Most restaurants don't mind, as long as you aren't rude while ordering.  Or, ask for a to-go container when you order and plop half that meal in a box before you even dig in.

6. Eat mindfully

This is a tip I can get behind.  I find myself snacking when watching TV and sitting around, just out of boredom.  So many of us eat in front of the TV.  I find that having a concentrated meal at my dining room table changes my intake dramatically.  Also, I tend to be more in tune with my hunger level when not distracted by the TV.  Bonus, I get to talk with my boyfriend, so we actually get a few minutes to connect each day.

7. Stimulus and cue control

This one is similar to food in front of the TV, but also, how many of us walk past a candy bowl at work and mindlessly grab a piece cause we are nearby?  Or, have a soft drink in excess of 16 oz that we dont REALLY care about, just cause it was included in our meal deal?  Make conscious decisions - order and eat only what you truly want and need.

8. Plan ahead

It's a pain for real.  I absolutely HATE coming up with a meal plan.  This is my goal for 2020, to be better about planning and aim for 2-3 planned meals a week that are hearty and healthy, with at least one meal being a new recipe...which means grocery planning too.  Got tips for this?  I'm open!

9. Seek social support

This one is SO important.  Grab a friend and get active with them.  My neighbor, Danielle, has recently killed it on the Keto diet and looks fabulous.  She has started walking neighborhood dogs mid day to make a little cash, but also put in those steps.  She occasionally comes and "walks me" so that I get my butt out of my office and put in some steps.  

10. Stay positive

This is the tough one.  Keep in mind that pounds were not packed on overnight (even tho it feels like it sometimes!)  Experts say 1-2 pounds a week is sustainable and healthy weight loss.  What a disappointing number though for all the work we put in.  Keep at it!  Some days are harder than others and are a journey vs a fad diet of 30 days, etc.

My number one tip...adjust goals and recognize your victories.  Goals don't need to be drastic and extreme, they just need to be measurable and attainable.  Start simple, like committing to parking one row further away from your building at work, and build up to parking in the back of the lot.  Were you previously winded after a flight of stairs, but now you glide up with ease?  SUCCESS!  Previously when you needed a quick breakfast, did you end up with McDonalds McGriddle, large orange juice and a hashbrown, and now you get a large water with just an Egg White Delight McMuffin?  Thats a positive change. Don't be hard on yourself.  We often think the worst...picture the things you say to yourself and ask yourself....would I be friends with someone who speaks to me this way?  Probably not!  Be kind....to those around you and yourself 💜