Using Ebates When you Shop Online

I have recently started using Ebates when I shop online. You can earn money for referrals, but you also get cash back every time you shop. If you are like me, I shop on eBay all the time. I order coupons, books, and a ton of other stuff I probably don't really need to buy. If you go through ebates to order, you will get cash back which means even more savings. They will pay you via paypal or a check. They also offer coupons on their site. Check it out at Ebates.com

Working from Home Social Life

Since I work from home, I don't have much of a social life anymore. I will admit that I am a bit antisocial anyway. I have been hurt in the past and guard myself because of it. The problem I have now is that some people don't understand I am not always just sitting here eating bon bons and watching television. I do work for a living, but I do it at home.

Every single day I have views to check, backlinking to do, blogs to write, and goals to meet. I don't have set hours, but I do still have deadlines. I can't always answer the phone when you call because regardless of if you understand I have to watch "Holly's World" and write about it within 12 hours of the end of the show. It's amazing job and yes I do really get paid to do it.

I just hope someday that people will understand how hard I work at home and that I do pay bills with the money that I make here. For some reason, they sometimes just think it is all a scam, but it isn't and please understand when I am working sometimes I just don't have as much free time as I used to have everyday.

On top of that, I am taking care of a 2 year old and 7 year old all day long. Love them and wouldn't trade it for the world, but it makes me one busy momma.

Returning Home From Vacation

As some of you know, we just got back from a 7 day Carnival Cruise on the Conquest. It was the best vacation ever and we got some much needed rest! Now it is back to work, but before that I wanted to share a couple of slideshows from our trip with you. Here are the wonderful towel animals they left in our room every night. The other one I want to share is of our wonderful time swimming with dolphins at Dolphinaris. This was a dream of mine and it was amazing!

Becoming a Featured Writer at Associated Content

I have seen a lot of questions about this recently so I thought I would explain how it works. Associated Content has writers who are featured. These writers must apply for the job in the category they choose. I am featured in parenting, travel, and television.

Before applying, you will want to have approx. 25 articles in this area on Associated Content. The first time I applied I was turned down for not having enough in that area. They want to see what kind of work you can do for them.

Once accepted, you will be given 3 articles per month that pay $10 each. They are supposed to be at least 400 words. These articles can be on anything that you want that has to do with your category. This is nice because they pay residuals as well just like normal articles on AC. Some of them might end up on Yahoo instead.

You are also expected to write at least one article in your category that you submit for upfront payment or post as display only.

I love that I have a guaranteed $90 worth of writing for this site every month. It has also helped me to get other assignments on their site such as a weekly review of some of my favorite shows. These were only offered to featured writers. They pay $12 each plus residuals.

If you write for associated content, this is the way to go! It will increase your possibilities and earnings. Check it out! Click on Community and then Featured Contributors on their site.

Writing for Examiner

I was recently accepted as The Oklahoma City TV Examiner. I am really excited about this one! I write about anything I want about television, but with a local twist. The twist can be as easy as saying when it airs here, but I found a good one. I found out where you could audition for the show "The Glee Project." It was just a short drive to Dallas, TX and this article is getting some good views. This company pay per page view, plus a bonus for local articles. I am just seeing how it goes so far, but it is a lot of fun and I know others who make good money here. You can check my page out if you would like and see what I am writing there so far. If you do decide to sign up, please use my name as a referral.

Mystery Shopping

Working from home, I have tried many different things. One thing I have done is mystery shopping. The best way to get started in this is search for companies on google. You will find a ton! Only sign up for the ones that are free. If they charge you, it is either fraud or a waste of money. You do not need to pay to do these jobs. I have done several including Cato's, Sonic, IHop, and more. These can be a lot of fun, but the pay is not great. You will normally get paid back for your meals plus maybe $10. They can be fun though and a nice addition to your other income. I live in a smaller area. It might be better doing this in a large metro area if you live there. Here are a few places I have worked and been paid for the jobs.

Shoppers Inc.
Shoppers Critique
About Face

Article on Favorite Books to Read my Kids

I recently wrote an article on my 10 favorite books to read my kids. It got me to thinking that I hope all children get a chance to experience these books. The article is called My 10 Favorite Books to Read my Children. These books are special to us and perfect for bed time. My favorite would have to be 'I Love You, Stinky Face.' If you have never read this book, try it out. It is amazing. 'Presenting Tallulah' by Tori Spelling has also became a fast favorite at our house.

David Good from "Bachelor Pad" Writing Adventures

So if you know me at all, I am a huge fan of the shows "The Bachelor" and "Bachelor Pad." Well David Good was on the season of "The Bachlorette" with Jillian Harris and then went on to be the co-winner of "Bachelor Pad." Earlier this month his publicist contacted me through associated content since I have written about him in the past. She asked if I would like a free copy of his book "The Man Code" to read and review. Of course I jumped at this chance! I would have probably bought the book anyway. Yesterday I finished up the book and wrote the review. Here it is if you want to check it out. Well after writing the article, David retweeted it on twitter for me! Of course this made my day. Well his publicist also emailed me again telling me he is available for interviews if I would like to do one! Really?  I get to talk to David Good and get paid to do it???? OMG I LOVE MY JOB! Friday morning I will have a phone call with David and interview. I will post it soon after on associated content. I love the things that have come out of my work!

Writing for Factoidz

I have recently started writing a bit for a site called Factoidz. I have not done much with them yet and only have 14 articles up. You make a small bonus for posting each month plus money for the views you get on this site. I am just learning that you want to post as much as you want at the start of the month and let them sit there earning the bonus and money. I only put things on here that I know associated content won't give me upfront for or an article that I spin a little different. I have earned about $5 from here so far, but I am going to keep giving it a try. Once the articles have been here for 30 days I change up the title a bit and put it on ac as display only. You are allowed to do this, but you have to wait 30 days. I am interested to hear if anyone else uses this site and how they feel about it. I have one friend how has made over $700 in one month on it, but that is not the normal money she makes with Factoidz. My page is located here if you want to take a look at it.

Win Instant Cash Just By Answering Simple Polls

Sometimes I just don't really feel like writing or I need a break. I enjoy using instant cash sweepstakes for a short break. They are easy simple polls that you answer. They can be a lot of fun too. You are only allowed to answer so many every 3 hours. You win money, but it is usually 1 cent - 5 cents. You can cash out once you reach $2. I have cashed out from this site several times. It is just one other way to earn a bit of extra money at home.