Sharing Smiley360 Mission: I just became a Smiley360 member! Sign-up for free at http://bit.ly/lTDqVw Be heard. Be happy. *Please remember the FTC requires you to mention that you received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing.
Just joined this site today and it looks awesome. I can't wait to start meeting people and get my first mission. Check it out. =]
Monday, January 30, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Review: Mini 3.5mm Flexible Microphone from Amazon
Item: Mini 3.5mm Flexible Microphone for PC/Laptop
Brand: Unknown
Seller: importer520 on Amazon
Size: 6.7"
Price: $2.38 + $0 Shipping
Date Ordered: 01/01/2012
Date Received: 01/08/2012
I received this item as a gift, and it's pretty neat. Whenever I'm in a video/voice chat with someone, I am usually doing other stuff. So, I'm not in front of my laptop all the time. Most of the time the person I am chatting with can't hear me. This microphone is really cool. You just plug it into your laptop or PC, and it works. You don't have to install, mess with settings, or charge anything. The microphone is really flexible and can easily bend any way you want it. My friends have said how much clearer I sound, and can hear me when I am away from the laptop. The microphone is also good for recording voice clips. It's a lot clearer, picks up background music/noise, and is true to the sound. I recommend this for anyone that needs a boost in their video/voice chatting.
The only thing I didn't care for was how it was shipped. It came in this flimsy gray plastic bag. I had no idea what it was when I found it in my mail box. Luckily, it wasn't ruined in the shipping process.
Overall I rate this 5 out of 5.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
BzzAgent Review: Meijer Gallery Wrapped Canvas Print
I am a BzzAgent, and have received free samples and coupons from them to review these products. For more information on who BzzAgents are, or if you want to become one, please visit BzzAgent.
Today's review: Meijer Gallery Wrapped Canvas Print
Price: $39.99
Size: 11" x 14"
I have always wanted to get some kind of photo creation. Like posters, mugs, canvases, mouse pads, etc. When I joined the campaign, I was really excited to see how they turn out. Unfortunately, it did not turn out how I thought. Here is my experience with Meijer's photo center, and one of Meijer's Gallery Wrapped Canvas Prints.
Before Christmas, my brother and I went to Meijer's to do some shopping, and to order my canvas print. I had no clue what to do, or where to start, so I waited in the line so I could speak with a staff member. After about 20 minutes of waiting in line, I finally made it to the counter. I showed the man my coupon and asked him how I use it. He told me to go to the kiosk and return when I placed my order.
The kiosk is pretty nifty. There are many slots to insert a USB device, memory cards, SD cards, and even a slot for CD's or DVD's. There is even a scanner hooked up, so you can scan whatever you want to print. Once I inserted my USB device, it automatically displayed all of the photos on the drive. I thought that was cool, because I had them stored in many different folders, and I didn't have to search to find them. The kiosk takes you step by step through the ordering process in an easy to understand way. People who have no clue how to work electronics would be able to understand. The ordering process goes by fast. At the end you review your order and it prints out a coupon. The kiosk I was at, was out of paper, so I had to ask one of the staff what to do. All he said was just come by tomorrow, tell them my name, and I could pick it up then.
The next day I called Meijer's and asked about my canvas. The lady that answered was really rude. She snapped at me, told me to check my email, and then hung up. I was puzzled, because the kiosk never asked for my email. All you enter is your name and phone number. I called back twice, but no one answered.
Several hours later I went back to Meijer's to do some last minute Christmas shopping. I decided to check the photo center to see if my canvas was ready. After waiting in line fore 10 minutes, I found out that my photo was never sent to the printer. The man told me to come back in 20-30 minutes and I could pick it up then.
After finishing my shopping, checking out, and putting my goods away in the car, I finally made it back to the photo center. It was super packed. The line was really long, and there were people trying to get the 2 staff members to assist them. I wandered around a bit, checking out the electronics, and the stuff by the kiosks. I noticed that my canvas was still printing. It was coming out of this huge printer behind the counter. I thought it was neat and decided to watch it print.
One of the staff saw me sitting there, and said it wouldn't be long before it's ready. I said that's fine, and decided to go check out the video games. A while later, I noticed that the crowd around the counter was gone. The 2 staff members were chatting with and just goofing off. I looked at the printer and noticed my print was still hanging off the printer. The one staff looked at me and said, "I still didn't get to it yet." He told me that it would take him just a few minutes to get it framed. I said okay, and sat down at one of the kiosks.
I ended up waiting and hour and a half. He called me up to the counter, I gave him my coupon, and was waiting for him to put it in a bag. He looked at me and said "You can take it now", then turned to help someone else. I was dumbfounded. He didn't even put it in a bag. I just took the print and returned to my car.
I was finally able to inspect the canvas when I got home. The moment I looked at it, I was disappointed. The picture is really blurry, pixelated, and the ink looks blotchy. There are white spots where the ink didn't get between the fabric, there are cracks all along the sides in the ink, and there are scratches on the front from when it was mounted.
I keep wondering if my canvas would have turned out better if it wasn't holiday time, and the staff weren't rushed to finish it. If you are thinking about getting a canvas print, make sure that the photo is clear and well lit. Otherwise it might come out like mine did. Also note that one inch around the entire photo will get cut off so it can wrap around the sides.
The price for a 11 x 14 inch canvas at Meijer's is $39.99. In my opinion that is way too much to spend on something of this quality. Canvas prints are definitely a great idea, but the next time I get one done, I will go someplace else. Someplace that actually cares about how your order turns out, and where the staff are trained, and don't have to deal with people needing assistance with other items.
This is the photo I used for my canvas print
This is what the print looks like.
I tilted it so you can see how blurry it is, and the way the ink is all blotchy.
Here you can see some of the scratches.
This is what the canvas looks like up close. You can see the shading.
This is what the corners look like. There are a lot of cracks in the ink.
I give the idea of this a 5 out of 5.
I give the actual result a 3 out of 5.
Today's review: Meijer Gallery Wrapped Canvas Print
Price: $39.99
Size: 11" x 14"
I have always wanted to get some kind of photo creation. Like posters, mugs, canvases, mouse pads, etc. When I joined the campaign, I was really excited to see how they turn out. Unfortunately, it did not turn out how I thought. Here is my experience with Meijer's photo center, and one of Meijer's Gallery Wrapped Canvas Prints.
Before Christmas, my brother and I went to Meijer's to do some shopping, and to order my canvas print. I had no clue what to do, or where to start, so I waited in the line so I could speak with a staff member. After about 20 minutes of waiting in line, I finally made it to the counter. I showed the man my coupon and asked him how I use it. He told me to go to the kiosk and return when I placed my order.
The kiosk is pretty nifty. There are many slots to insert a USB device, memory cards, SD cards, and even a slot for CD's or DVD's. There is even a scanner hooked up, so you can scan whatever you want to print. Once I inserted my USB device, it automatically displayed all of the photos on the drive. I thought that was cool, because I had them stored in many different folders, and I didn't have to search to find them. The kiosk takes you step by step through the ordering process in an easy to understand way. People who have no clue how to work electronics would be able to understand. The ordering process goes by fast. At the end you review your order and it prints out a coupon. The kiosk I was at, was out of paper, so I had to ask one of the staff what to do. All he said was just come by tomorrow, tell them my name, and I could pick it up then.
The next day I called Meijer's and asked about my canvas. The lady that answered was really rude. She snapped at me, told me to check my email, and then hung up. I was puzzled, because the kiosk never asked for my email. All you enter is your name and phone number. I called back twice, but no one answered.
Several hours later I went back to Meijer's to do some last minute Christmas shopping. I decided to check the photo center to see if my canvas was ready. After waiting in line fore 10 minutes, I found out that my photo was never sent to the printer. The man told me to come back in 20-30 minutes and I could pick it up then.
After finishing my shopping, checking out, and putting my goods away in the car, I finally made it back to the photo center. It was super packed. The line was really long, and there were people trying to get the 2 staff members to assist them. I wandered around a bit, checking out the electronics, and the stuff by the kiosks. I noticed that my canvas was still printing. It was coming out of this huge printer behind the counter. I thought it was neat and decided to watch it print.
One of the staff saw me sitting there, and said it wouldn't be long before it's ready. I said that's fine, and decided to go check out the video games. A while later, I noticed that the crowd around the counter was gone. The 2 staff members were chatting with and just goofing off. I looked at the printer and noticed my print was still hanging off the printer. The one staff looked at me and said, "I still didn't get to it yet." He told me that it would take him just a few minutes to get it framed. I said okay, and sat down at one of the kiosks.
I ended up waiting and hour and a half. He called me up to the counter, I gave him my coupon, and was waiting for him to put it in a bag. He looked at me and said "You can take it now", then turned to help someone else. I was dumbfounded. He didn't even put it in a bag. I just took the print and returned to my car.
I was finally able to inspect the canvas when I got home. The moment I looked at it, I was disappointed. The picture is really blurry, pixelated, and the ink looks blotchy. There are white spots where the ink didn't get between the fabric, there are cracks all along the sides in the ink, and there are scratches on the front from when it was mounted.
I keep wondering if my canvas would have turned out better if it wasn't holiday time, and the staff weren't rushed to finish it. If you are thinking about getting a canvas print, make sure that the photo is clear and well lit. Otherwise it might come out like mine did. Also note that one inch around the entire photo will get cut off so it can wrap around the sides.
The price for a 11 x 14 inch canvas at Meijer's is $39.99. In my opinion that is way too much to spend on something of this quality. Canvas prints are definitely a great idea, but the next time I get one done, I will go someplace else. Someplace that actually cares about how your order turns out, and where the staff are trained, and don't have to deal with people needing assistance with other items.
This is the photo I used for my canvas print
This is what the print looks like.
I tilted it so you can see how blurry it is, and the way the ink is all blotchy.
Here you can see some of the scratches.
This is what the canvas looks like up close. You can see the shading.
This is what the corners look like. There are a lot of cracks in the ink.
I give the idea of this a 5 out of 5.
I give the actual result a 3 out of 5.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Jewelry Review: Open Heart Shooting Star Heart Pendant from Amazon
Item: Open Heart Shooting Star Heart Pendant
Brand: Alilang
Seller: Alilang Fashion Jewelry & Accessories on Amazon
Size: 2.5" x 2"
Chain: 28"
Price: $10.99 + $0 Shipping
Date Ordered: 12/28/2011
Date Received: 01/06/2012
I have been wanting a heart pendant for some time now. I have been browsing Amazon
for almost a moth to find the perfect one. Just about all of the pendants I found were under 1", and I wanted a larger one. The moment I spotted this necklace, I had to have it. Not only is it a heart shape, but there is a star on it. <3 You can't go wrong with that. The necklace came in a clear plastic pouch inside a tiny shipping box. It's only costume jewelry, but it's worth the $10.99. The chain is huge, but you can adjust the length by clasping it on any of the links. That's what I did, so the pendant rests where I normally like it. The actual pendant is also very large and heavy. It's really sparkly, and you can notice it from away. I am very happy with this purchase, and can't wait to wear it out. =^_^=
Overall I rate this 5 out of 5.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Review: Friends in Winter Puzzle by Fred Swan
My mom got this puzzle as a Christmas gift. We just finished it the other day, so I thought I would tell you about it. ^^
Brand: White Mountain Puzzles
Artist: Fred Swan
Title: Friends in Winter
Pieces: 1,000
Size: 20" x 30"
Price: $14.95
The art work is really beautiful. The puzzle is a tad larger than ones we have done in the past, and I like that. The pieces are larger, thicker, and easy to put together. I would definitely buy more of their puzzles. Overall rating 5 out of 5.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Surveys, Contests, and Wins! Oh my!
So, I've got the contest, survey, reward, instant win bug again. XD
I started doing reward programs, contests, and surveys back in 2003. I found PCH Points and MyPoints while I was working at the hotel. I was hooked the moment I got my first gift card. <3 Even though PCH Points isn't around any more, there are plenty of other legit companies out there.
Over the years my mom and I have won, gift cards, tons of free food coupons, blankets, hats, gloves, iPods, dvds, music, books, a grill/smoker, and some small household items. Our biggest win was a $1,000 shopping spree.
This past month I have won:
3 books
2 music downloads
2 Burt's Bee's Lip Glosses
1 Burt's Bee's Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream
2 Burt's Bee's body lotions
3 Dove candybars
60 free photo prints
a mechanical pencil
several hats
a pair of gloves
a t-shirt and a mini football
a t-shirt from Vista Print
1 free concert ticket to a live nation concert
2 $25 American Express gift cards
about $50 in Amazon gift cards
and a mystery prize
I always thought that I would never win anything, so I never bothered entering anything. But, that's not true. You can win, and lots of people do. ^^ You might have dry spells for a while, but then the wins start to trickle in. So, my advice to the people out there, give it a shot. You never know unless you try.
Tips on entering contest, giveaways, sweepstakes, and instant wins:
1. Read the rules! - Some contests you can enter more than once, daily, weekly, or monthly. Some are 1 per person or 1 per household.
2. Use a dedicated email address. - I recommend using an email just for contests and rewards programs. It's easier to find any important emails.
3. ENTER! - You can't win unless you do. =]
If you would like links to some good sites, just comment and I will post them.
That's it for now. Happy winning. <3
I started doing reward programs, contests, and surveys back in 2003. I found PCH Points and MyPoints while I was working at the hotel. I was hooked the moment I got my first gift card. <3 Even though PCH Points isn't around any more, there are plenty of other legit companies out there.
Over the years my mom and I have won, gift cards, tons of free food coupons, blankets, hats, gloves, iPods, dvds, music, books, a grill/smoker, and some small household items. Our biggest win was a $1,000 shopping spree.
This past month I have won:
3 books
2 music downloads
2 Burt's Bee's Lip Glosses
1 Burt's Bee's Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream
2 Burt's Bee's body lotions
3 Dove candybars
60 free photo prints
a mechanical pencil
several hats
a pair of gloves
a t-shirt and a mini football
a t-shirt from Vista Print
1 free concert ticket to a live nation concert
2 $25 American Express gift cards
about $50 in Amazon gift cards
and a mystery prize
I always thought that I would never win anything, so I never bothered entering anything. But, that's not true. You can win, and lots of people do. ^^ You might have dry spells for a while, but then the wins start to trickle in. So, my advice to the people out there, give it a shot. You never know unless you try.
Tips on entering contest, giveaways, sweepstakes, and instant wins:
1. Read the rules! - Some contests you can enter more than once, daily, weekly, or monthly. Some are 1 per person or 1 per household.
2. Use a dedicated email address. - I recommend using an email just for contests and rewards programs. It's easier to find any important emails.
3. ENTER! - You can't win unless you do. =]
If you would like links to some good sites, just comment and I will post them.
That's it for now. Happy winning. <3
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