Date Night Ideas

I love a good date night; Whether it is with friends or an actual date. I would get bored of the same old dinner and movie night out so I have compiled a list of other ideas you may want to try soon. 

There are actually Date Night subscription boxes for starters...you can also rent private swimming pools.

If you are a parent like myself; you may need to hire a baby-sitter. I like to read the reviews from others who have hired the sitters and speak to them on the phone before meeting in a public place.

Your city may offer horse-carriage rides or have amusement parks. I love even hiking at nature parks on a nice day. A drive-in movie can be fun if you make your trunk comfy or the bed of a truck. I have seen people even bringing inflatable beds. 

Live music or a comedy club followed by a lounge for cocktails is always fun to me. I even love a good dive bar after visiting a fine dining restaurant I have yet to try. 

A friend of mine invited me to a baseball game recently and I had a blast drinking beers and eating good food. With the right people; you can have fun almost anywhere. 

My city has boat rides, train rides and trolleys. You may want to do something like that and explore the town a bit. Sometimes taking a nice stroll downtown or through artsy areas can make for great conversation as well as discovering new places you never noticed before. 

I love a good road trip if a vacation is not in my budget at the time. Some of my favorite memories have been actually on lake trips. I love grilling, nice people, water and of course being on a boat in a bikini. It is also a great time to have a picnic.

Treehouses Find the best and cheapest Treehouses on Expedia.com

I checked out a brewery recently; then an upscale hotel bar after. Many people love wineries for a wine tasting or those booze and painting classes. Even if you do not like theater or performing arts so much; it may be fun to try going to a live stage play, ballet or musical. 

Online I find plenty of festivals; many of which are free to attend or filled with vendors and food trucks. Casinos usually offer lower cost concerts if you love a good musical performance such as myself.

Mini golf, museums, bowling, garden tours and arcades may be something for you to try. Some cities have plenty of art museums I have loved. Aquariums as well! I actually enjoyed walking at a zoo without children tagging alone the past few Summers I tried it with my boyfriend. It was more for exercise but we did not have to worry about strollers and sippy cups so enjoyed ourselves better. 

My local zoos, museums, casinos and downtown area always has exciting events. Our public parks do as well so always stay in the loop with their upcoming news. I subscribe to all the e-mail lists I can since they are announced frequently there. 

Taking a dance or cooking class together may be a wonderful bonding experience. Maybe some DIY classes if you can talk him or her into it. I think the best date I have ever had was when I guy took me to Vegas or when another ex would make me dinner and build me a fire in his fire pit. We would have great convo while sipping wine. 

 

Other ideas could be a stay at Radisson, indoor skydiving, fishing, kayaking or a hot air balloon ride. A girl friend of mine invited me to go horseback riding and I thought that was a wonderful idea although we have yet to go. I really loved go-kart racing or laser tag back in the day; I cannot wait to take my son actually soon. Rent day passes to resorts or cabanas.

For Your Date Night at Home: Fresh Maine Lobster

I hope you try some of these ideas and make more time to have fun in life and spend time with those who mean a lot to you. Sometimes in life we get so busy working or taking care of our children that we do not take much time to have fun and enjoy others company.

Happy Dating!

P.S. Check out this cute date night looks

Goddiva has amazing dresses, shoes, formal wear, wedding fashion, accessories, lounge wear, handbags and more! Check them out by clicking HERE.

This blog post contains affiliate links.

Porsha Williams & Cynthia Bailey announce they’re leaving RHOA

    I am a fan of the Bravo series Real Housewives of Atlanta. I have seen online this week that both Cynthia Bailey and Porsha Williams are leaving the reality show. 

    Rumors have been swirling around from entertainment vloggers I follow about the cast changing before both ladies did their social media announcements. I will miss both ladies being apart of the main cast. Or as we bravo fans say,”holding a peach.”

   

    

Why I finally left the multi-level marketing industry

 

    I left the multi-level marketing industry over a year ago and it was a huge step for me as I was in direct sales for over fourteen years. I was ashamed for quite some time that I had lost so much money and even relationships being apart of the industry some call predatory. My story is not nearly as pitiful and horrific as others; and for that I am grateful.

   This is my personal story and opinion. Not everyone has or will have the same experience as I did. I would say the pros were I would do tasks such as public speaking, marketing and advertising better. I enjoyed sales and all things entrepreneurship; so that is what helped keep me addicted to these companies many would consider pyramid schemes.  

   Meeting end of the month goals or purchasing items before they were out of stock gave me some excitement and rush obviously.  I worked extra jobs doing promotional modeling and babysitting to support my "business" basically without realizing it. Anything I earned from side gigs would go back to the multi-level marketing companies. 

   Majority of the companies did not pay me much of a percentage. Two I were with only started out at fifty-percent profit. It was not seeming like our own business if consultants or distributors could be let go anytime and had no say over policies. Some would even suggest certain attire be worn or constantly represented themselves as a faith based organization.

   Faith is great but I later realized it is not okay to push your beliefs on others, guilt them into thinking God brought the business in your life to join for prosperity and happiness or whatever else they would say. Yes; many companies have people go open credit cards and tell them to just take a risk and God put this opportunity in their lives for a reason. I never fell for the religious stuff since my religion and lifestyle does not want you owing any man, getting into debt and all that. 

   Conventions, vendor show costs, shipping, gas, national trainings, annual fees and personal sales to stay active was expensive. I was constantly promoting my business both online and offline. I would give cards, samples, ship information, recruit new team members to join the business and tell everyone I came in contact about what I was selling. 

   Lots of consultants from companies spam and cold-message people. I preferred meeting people at in-home parties or exhibitor shows. The items I sold that were cash and carry tended to do better at events and parties but you have to still consider gas, wear and tear on your vehicle, hauling totes, finding a babysitter and the fee for a booth. Consultants often were pretty saturated in areas I have lived so they would really compete for the trade show spaces. 

   When one company did not work out or went out of business; I would get recruited for another or search one that seemed a better fit. Several that I paid to join, spent money on merchandise to advertise and built a team with; would go bankrupt or close their doors without warning the consultants. Some would be bought out by even bigger MLM’s; which stands for multi-level marketing.

  Eventually I just went inactive with my last company so did not do a post on social media or announcement to my former customers or team members. The embarrassment and shame took months to recover from. I was left with inventory, demo items, catalogs, bags, t-shirts, order forms, business cards and old training groups to remind me of how I wasted over a decade of my life. And so much money. 

    I bet companies make a ton selling merchandise, training tickets and yearly fees. They of course have high prices often to pay their reps, themselves and for the product packaging and such. Now it feels amazing to not just feel obligated to purchase from brands I sell only; which I used to do. If anything could be purchased from a mlm company; I would buy from there instead. 

    Distributors from other companies and I would swap sales to help reach sales goals or to “help each other out.” Some companies prohibited it actually when they found out consultants would do that. For example I could purchase fifty dollars worth of jewelry from someone and they’d buy the same amount of products from me. It was called an order swap and I was in large groups just for that. 

    These multi-level marketing companies make a huge amount of from their actual employees and consultants purchases. My profits just did not add up to how much it cost to remain an active consultant. I was an easy target for those wanting to grow their teams; otherwise known as downlines in mlm business models. I was a military wife at one time and a stay at home mom. 

    Trainings from companies seemed all similar. Even the websites were very similar. I was not making much money at all; I kept trying really hard. I would eventually feel awful when team members would trust me to join a business they’ll get their investment back on; then not make a dime. I would give home parties and events to team members to help them. I would do my own team calls to help keep them educated on the latest company updates and selling tips.

   For so long I believed in myself and listened to what those who recruited me into these companies would tell me. If I just did not give up; I would be eventually reaping the rewards. Basically; those who quit and give up just should have stayed with the business. Truly; most people fail with the business models and probably very little of who joins earns back their starter kit money. Starter kits are usually catalogs, demos, a replicated website and things such as items you would use at parties. Some companies only send paperwork or have expensive joining costs then monthly quotas.

   My life is very different now.  I have money in my savings that I am not blowing on makeup I can get of better quality with easy exchanges at my local beauty stores.  I am not the annoying sales person people have to avoid at family gatherings anymore.  Now I cringe at my old social media posts promoting the cosmetics, health products or fashion I would once sell.  With all the money I wasted; I could have done my own real business.  

   

    There are other options for starting a home based business other than joining a mlm.  Housekeeping, childcare, insurance sales, real estate, freelance writing, podcasting, customer service and more. I am grateful I got out of mlm when I did.  Apply to teach English online by clicking HERE.

Fall; y’all.

 I am excited for the month of October. Not only do I enjoy fall and holidays…Halloween is in October as well! Having a child makes it so much more fun for me personally. I have another excuse to decorate and dress up!

 

    Halloween gives me an opportunity to help create even more special memories by adding to the fun with decor and costumes. I went through a phase of feeling burnt out and a bit overwhelmed the last few months from working so much and the pandemic so I always look for additional reasons to celebrate this journey called life. 

    Last year I used a company I want to share to fellow Halloween lovers to purchase a costume that is hopefully more unique than they may discover in their local go-to stores. 

   I love fashion so generally prefer more exclusive looks or costumes for Halloween. Some adorable outfits, decor and costumes on this site are affordable for my frugal budget. Especially the sale items! 

   So many costumes I have found in my local specialty costume stores or department stores are very pricey. Many are not of decent quality unfortunately. Perhaps since they are probably often only worn once. 

    I am an affiliate for this brand.

Review: LulaRich

I watched the four episode docuseries; LulaRich on Amazon prime this past weekend. I enjoyed it so much; I watched it several times. 

   Obviously I was  intrigued. I was fairly familiar with the company before this docuseries was released this month. In fact; I also used to want to join the company not too many years ago. I was very into direct sales and multi-level marketing companies then. 

    I was a customer buying the twenty five dollar leggings online and at local vendor events I would participate in. I would see the LuLaRoe booth making nonstop sales while the other vendors looked bored or had no one interested in their health shakes and makeup. 

   Each LuLaRoe retailer would have a different inventory so anytime I seen it being sold; I wanted to purchase new leggings, dressed and more. Now I see the clothing a lot cheaper at thrift shops. I liked purchases leggings that had cute prints such as lipstick on them. 

    I still have some of the items I like such as a blouse  and leggings I sleep in. Maybe I got lucky with limited issues from the company but there was a time I had a bad experience buying from a random LuLaRoe retailer online once. Otherwise; my experience was okay. It just was a expensive addiction of mine. Luckily; I am over that phase in my life. 

    LulaRich has shocking stories from former home

Office employees, retailers and even a family member. There is drama, sad stories, lawsuits and bankruptcies to hear about in this interesting docuseries. I seen Amazon prime ratings were high where I checked the ratings. 

      This is highly recommended by me and now I am very grateful that I did not join the company. I used to want to really bad after hearing about how much fast cash some moms like me were making. 

3 Movies to check out this Summer

I watched these three movies this Summer and I highly recommend them if you enjoy suspense mixed with a bit(or a lot) of drama and thrill. Although these are not movies I suggest watching with children; they are great for date nights with your partner or movie nights with your girl friends. 

Grab some snacks and a beverage of your choice and check out these Summer movie picks: 

 Hostage House on Netflix

Sisters for Life on Lifetime

Deadly Misconduct on Lifetime Movie Network

Review: KKW Body Perfecting Foundation

.

Kim Kardashian's body foundation was on sale at my local beauty store so I had to try it. I have been wanting to for a few months now. I am glad I finally got the chance.

At work events, I would have to wear shorts or dresses as part of my uniform. I would feel a tad self-conscious showing my legs if there were a mosquito bite or scar. I live in the south and mosquitos are so bad during the warmer months!

This product would be good for some places I have worked at that require tattoos to be covered. I love tattoos by the way! I used to work at a place where it is was more of an entertainment family-friendly restaurant so we basically wore a strict costume.

It does rub off like any other body makeup I have tried so I sit on a towel in my car and am just super careful. I did not sit on white chairs or down at all really unless my outfit covered my legs or I didn’t rub it all the way up to my thighs.

To blend in this item; I used a mitten type towel just like you would get used on you after a spray tan to blend it in. I applied it this way too. Super quick and easy.

I think the product is fine for things I need it for. Just to make a scar look less visible and for special events. I would not wear it to the lake for example to melt or rub off on seats. Anybody makeup would do this I am sure. I have tried a few.

   This body foundation formula is buildable and seems to give off a satin-finish. Apparently, Kim has been using body makeup for years. As far as if I would re-purchase this item in the future? I totally would!

Although this item is around fifty USD I got it half off since apparently Kim is revamping her beauty line; making it on sale where I found it. You can find the products at Ulta stores. 

Online Boutiques + Shops you should know about

Shop trendy and affordable fashion online

 I love a unique boutiques with a large variety of styles. It is important for me to share boutiques that offer items for all body sizes; because all bodies are amazing! Besides; it makes shopping so much easier when there is so much to choose from. 

Check out these online boutiques and shops

Dresslily.com

Berrylook.com 

Limelush Boutique

BluePeppermint Boutique

Modlily E-commerce Co.Ltd

Flat 30% + Extra 12% OFF Category Coupon for Tops

Women's New Arrivals Start At Only $5.99. Shop Now

Take 15% Off Your Purchase at BuddyLove.com with Code AFF15.

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Colourpop Pretty Fresh Foundation - Review

This liquid foundation from Colourpop is very affordable. I purchased it earlier this week at Ulta since they make exchanges easy but luckily I chose the correct shade the first time. 

I applied to makeup using a cosmetic sponge and the foundation looked great and was easy to apply. I prefer using liquid foundation and this particular one happens to be cruelty-free according to the bunny label on the packaging. 

If you are searching for a hydrating, buildable and medium coverage foundation; try Pretty Fresh hyaluronic hydrating foundation. This foundation is vegan, dermatologist tested and oil free. 

I paid around sixteen USD for it so it was well worth the price. It does just as great as my pricier foundations it seems.  I wore it to run errands and go out for cocktails. It looked great the entire time.  I am glad I tried this foundation and will totally purchase again. 

This blog post contains affiliate links.

How to make money with unused space

  

You can rent unused space with this company, Neighbor. You even earn extra perks for referring others. This seemed neat because there were times I lived in smaller apartment buildings so had to pay for storage space. It was a large extra bill each month and not a nearby drive. 

Not only could this be a cheaper way to store your items…it would be helpful for entrepreneurs I know. Have you ever heard of Neighbor?

  This company allows people to save money and have a more convenient way to store items such as personal storage or inventory. 

   

   People are making extra money renting out their extra parking space, garage space, storage sheds…interesting; right? I thought so as well since I hear of fellow business owners who need extra space. Why not see if they can get it from someone in the area. If it’s cheaper than their local storage…it may work great! 

   When I checked out this company I have seen people rent or rent out space for boats, cars, business inventory, RVs, trailers, and personal self-storage. 

Want to learn more Neighbor