How to get started with freebies

Welcome to my first post of this year. Some of the things I will be sharing in this post are what I wish someone had told me when I first started my sampling, freebies and free money journey. If you start this with out some guide as to what is what, you may end up in scams and lose money instead of getting it. I will discuss these things in phases over many post, and keep updating new ones and changes to programs. So keep checking here for many ways to save and get free things.

 Sampling Sites 
There are many sites that give people free products to sample or try. I will be listing them and also explaining how they work.

Sample Source

Sample Source members get the chance to "try before you buy" - with free samples from top home, health, makeup, and food products. Why? So you can make smart shopping decisions! Only registered members get access to samples.

Step 1

Register a free account (you can log-in with this every time)

Step 2

Answer some profile questions so they get to know you (it helps to find samples you may be interested in)

Step 3

As soon as more samples are available they will email you, so you can log-in to pick what you would like to try!

then they ship them to you absolutely free so you can "try before you buy" and make smart shopping decisions! That's it. That's all. Pretty easy don't you think?

Social Nature

Social Nature is dedicated to helping people make greener choices. As a member of Social Nature community, you'll get to try greener choices like organic deodorants, vegan mascara, healthy snacks and eco-friendly cleaners for FREE. In return, you share your opinion with the community, and if you liked the product, invite your friends, fans and followers to try it! To join click here

Pinchme
Pinchme is a sampling site that send out full size samples of product to their member from time to time. They give everything from personal care, pet products, household cleaning products, food, and sometimes tech stuff. To sign up now click here. They have samples going out on 12th Jan 2016 by 12pm EST. It is a first come first serve!

Pink Panel
Pink Panel is another sampling site. They do not send out samples in a cycle, but just as soon as they have a product for sampling and testing. They give more of health and beauty products, to sign up click here. For a higher chance of being chosen, you have to be referred by and existing member, so when signing up select that you are being referred by an existing Pink Panel member and enter Nkiru Odunukwe .

Everyday Sample

This is a company site that is giving out baby samples free. Their available sample now contains baby wipes, baby bath and laundry product and some supplements. They are all sample sized, to get this click here.

 Product Review Sites 

Product review sites are sites that look for people who will try products and then spread the word about the about the product they received by writing reviews and posting on social media. Here are some of them

Bzz Agent
Bzz Agent is a word-of-mouth (WOM) AD campaign site. They hold campaigns regularly, where chosen members of the Bzz community get free full size products, from household cleaners, food, appliances and cosmetics to try for free and review and spread the word, the Bzz boxes also contains coupons for more of the product to be given to friends and family. If you want to start receiving your click here

Influenster
This is a product review site, where members review products they have used. Every now and then active members are chosen to receive full size product to try and review. It come in two categories, the first is a brand sample and the other is their famous Voxbox program. In their Voxbox, people chosen get 7-8 full size products to try and review. To sign up simply click here

Luuux
Luuux is a micro blogging site where you write relevant articles and you get paid also you can use the money you earn on that site to buy products on the site. You also get paid every time people read your blog article. To sign up and start earning now simply click here


Klout
Klout is a lot like influenster, that takes into consideration your social media sphere of influence and your rate of activity on them. So the higher your Klout score the more Klout Perks you get and they are boxes of full sized products from many companies. to sign up click here.

Swaggable

Swaggable gives you a fun and easy way to discover and try interesting new products for free, and share your finds with others. Sound good? If you like trying and discovering new products, and companies launching new products are looking for the right people to try them. It sounds like a perfect match, but it’s been hard for these companies to find the right consumers to try their products, get feedback or drive reviews. That’s where Swaggable comes in. They connect you with free samples of new products that you’re interested in trying and give you an easy way to share these new experiences, through reviews and coupons. To signup click here.

Chick Advisor

This is another product review site, that has a sampling program. To be eligible to apply to review free products when you sign up, you must review 3 products you have used in the past. To register for this panel click here. They have a current product for review, the Maybelline Deam Velvet Foundation here.

 Rebates / Cash-back Sites 
Rebate site and cash-back sites are sites that offer you money back for buy the things you regularly buy. Some products when bought in store offer rebates of either full or partial value, but rarely do you see them for online purchases. These sites offer that you consumers now, here are a few I know.

Ebates
We all love rebates, but sometimes what we want to buy is online or has no rebate offer, Well that is why we have Ebates. Ebates is the pioneer and leader of online cash back shopping. Ebates pays members cash back every time they shop online as well as provide them with the best coupons and deals online. To join and start earning and also get a free $5 to start you off click here.

Product Testing Sites
Product testing sites are almost the same as sampling and review sites, but the only difference is that as opposed to the others wanting you to tell as many people as you can, posting it everywhere that you received the product, testing sites require secrecy and non-disclosure of the product you are testing. Sometimes you get to keep the products you test, other times you return it and get rewarded another way. Here are some that I know of.

Betabound
This is mainly a tech product testing site. They offer from hardware to software, you get request to test smartphone, eletronics, apps and websites. Beta testers try out and give feedback on hundreds of products each year from some of the biggest names in tech. To get started, you'll need to create an account and complete your member profile. Once that's done you can apply for available beta tests. You'll also start receiving emails about upcoming beta tests that are relevant to you, so you can apply quickly for the ones that interest you. To sign up click here.

Make-up: Lips

Make up in today's fashion is now beyond the rouging of lips and cheeks, kholing the eyes and staining of our nails, we have come very far past the rice powder days to times where our faces are now an artwork. Dual colour lipstick application and bright colours are now a trend. Bold and daring colours and application are now a fashion statement, helping women distinguish their outfits and style. Red is not the colour of the adventuress any more, it is now the bolder the better. To truly create a masterpiece and distinguish oneself from the mass, look and texture of the finished work is key. Is it going to be a glossy, matte or glittery look? Here are some truly amazing lip art.


     

          

    

      

                                                     

                                          

                                           

                                             

                                             

Summer color-blocking

Color and Chic

Summer gives us that leeway to show our style and fashion. Here is one of our fashionistas expressing her summer style with this bright and gorgeous ensemble. Would you have dressed this any different, if so how?

DIY Projects:A Funky Braid Hairstyle.

It’s hard to tell all the details from the picture, but here’s how TRESemme Stylist Elsa Canedo pulled it off:

1. Create a middle part and divide hair into sections.
2. Prep each section with curl spray, then curl using a 1-inch-barrel curling iron and pin to the head.
3. Once all sections are completed, take out the pins and brush the curls with a paddle brush.
4. Flip your head upside down and spray dry shampoo throughout hair for added texture, lightly combing the product through with your fingers.
5. Flipping your head upright, divide hair into two sections down the middle of the head, and begin to create two French braids, starting at the top of the head to the base of the neck.
6. From the base of the neck, create two fishtails braids, and secure them with clear elastics, leaving some length on the ends loose.
7. Lightly rough up hair at the top of the head, pulling a few pieces loose with your fingers, and finish by lightly applying frizz cream in a backward motion.

Are you now thinking, How am I going to pull this off? Admittedly, it’s definitely quite the undertaking. I’m not sure my fingers (or my patience!) are up to the task, but if you pull it off, we simply must see a photo, so send one along! 

DIY Projects:Re-cycle, re-purpose and re-fashion.

A sure way to make your closet ever fresh, long lasting and money saving is by the code of the three R`s. Re-cycle, re-purpose, re-fashion. Looking fabulous for lees is not all about sales and 90% off, some times it requires just lil' ol' you to do the trick.  Here are some tips for this fall.

Old t-shirts:

Floral-applique shirts

YOU’LL NEED:

• Long-sleeve V-neck or scoop-neck shirt (one size larger than you wear)
• Ruler
• Fabric pencil
• Scissors
• Sewing needle
• Thread in same color as shirt
• Fabric glue (such as Unique Stitch)
• Hook-and-eye closure
• Silk flowers (available at sewing stores)
• Straight pins

1. Turn shirt wrong side out. Measure and mark center point of neck and center point of front hem. Use fabric pencil to draw a line connecting the two points. Cut along line.

2. Turn right side out. Fold cut edges under ¼” and press. Fold under 3/8” and press down. Hand stitch or use fabric glue to secure.

3. Sew hook-and-eye closure at even points on each side of neck.

4. Lay shirt on flat surface, front facing up. Arrange flowers and pin. Sew individual flowers. To make bottom layer of petals lie flat, add a drop of glue underneath.

Necklace tank

YOU’LL NEED:

• Tank top
• Bead necklace
• Fabric pencil
• Needle-nose pliers
• Fabric glue (such as Unique Stitch)
• Small scissors or seam ripper
• Sewing needle
• Thread in same color as necklace

1. Turn shirt inside out and lay flat surface. Arrange necklace around neckline, from shoulder seam to shoulder seam. Mark where necklace should be cut, leaving enough at each end to tuck in and secure (about ¾”). Mark where necklace will attach to shirt at shoulder seams.

2. Remove clasp of necklace using needle-nose pliers. Knot loose strands to keep beads in place. Add a dab of glue to reinforce knot.

3. Use small scissors or seam ripper to make a tiny slit (start with 1/8”; increase if necessary) at each shoulder seam, as marked.

4. Turn shirt right side out and carefully tuck ends of necklace into torn shoulder seam. Sew ends in place securely, and sew holes closed. Reinforce with a dab of glue.

5. Tack necklace in place by sewing it to neckline, then along outside edge. Add stitches as needed to keep necklace in proper position.

Sash tank

YOU’LL NEED:

• Long-sleeve T-shirt with either a V-neck or scoop neck (the one shown here has buttons)
• Scissors Fabric glue (such as Unique Stitch)
• Ironing board
• Iron
• Sewing needle
• Thread in same color as T-shirt

1. Remove sleeves by cutting along seam line, leaving seam itself attached to shirt. Set sleeves aside. Turn shirt wrong side out, apply a thin layer of fabric glue ¼” from cut edge of armhole and fold fabric over, all around armhole. Press down to close. Repeat on other armhole.

2. To make sashes, cut each sleeve open along seam. Fold each in half lengthwise and cut at crease to create two equal pieces. You should have four total.

3. Glue two pieces of sleeve fabric together at hemmed ends, overlapping one on top of other about 1”. Join remaining two pieces in same way.

4. Lay one sash on ironing board, wrong side up. Turn one long edge of strip under (toward wrong side) ¼” and glue in place. Repeat for other long edge, and one short edge. Fold sash in half lengthwise, right side out, and press. Make sure that folded sash is the same width all the way down. Glue hemmed edges together, leaving one short edge raw. Repeat for other sash.

5. To attach sash to shirt, line up closed end of one sash with shoulder seam and glue in place so sash falls to front of shirt. Repeat with other sash.

6. Cut raw ends of sashes at a 45-degree angle. Turn edges under ¼” and glue.

7. Reinforce as needed with a simple hand stitch.

Cowl-neck sleeveless

YOU’LL NEED:

• Scissors
• Long-sleeve scoop-neck T-shirt
• Fabric glue (such as Unique Stitch)
• Straight pins
• Iron

1. Remove sleeves by cutting along seam line, leaving the seam attached to the shirt. Set sleeves aside. Turn shirt wrong side out, apply a thin bead of fabric glue ¼” from cut edge of armhole and fold fabric over. Press down to close. Repeat on other armhole.

2. Cut each sleeve open along the seam. Fold in half lengthwise and cut along the crease. You should have four pieces total.

3. Arrange pieces end-to-end, wrong side up, on a flat surface. Make sure they are all going in the same direction, so that each hemmed end is next to a raw end. Overlap the pieces ½”, so raw edges are on top of hemmed edges. Glue pieces together to form a long strip. Working on length of strip, fold one edge under (toward wrong side) about ¼” and glue in place. Leave other edge raw. Fold short ends under about ¼” and glue in place.

4. Turn shirt right side out. Align one end of strip with a shoulder seam, right sides together, and pin so that raw edge of strip and edge of collar are aligned. Continue to pin edge of strip to edge of collar all the way around. Trim end of strip so it overlaps about ¾”. Working in small sections, glue cowl strip to shirt, about ½” in from collar’s edge. Glue ends together so they overlap.

5. Turn shirt wrong side out. Fold cowl strip over and pinedge to inside of collar. Working in small sections, glue pinned pieces together, about ½” in from collar’s edge.

6. Iron collar to make a crisp fold.

Ribbon-striped tank

YOU’LL NEED:

• 1 to 2 yards ribbon
• Scissors
• Tank top
• Ruler
• Straight pins
• Fabric glue (such as Unique Stitch)

1. Cut ribbon into four equal strips.

2. Arrange shirt on flat surface, front facing up. Measure distance between bottom of arm holes, then mark center point with a pin. Pin one end of a ribbon ½” to right of center, and a second ribbon ½” to left of center. Pin remaining pieces so there is about 1” between. Try shirt on and adjust spacing. Decide how long you want ribbons and trim accordingly (mid-abdomen tends to be most flattering).

3. Attach ribbons, using a thin bead of glue on back of each. Press down to set, making sure lines are straight.

Ribbon-neck tank

YOU’LL NEED:

• Tank top
• Tape measure
• Scissors
• 1 yard ribbon
• Fabric glue (such as Unique Stitch)
• Sewing needle (optional)
• Thread in same color as ribbon (optional)

1. Measure circumference of neckline and add 1”. Cut ribbon to that length.

2. Lay tank on flat surface, front facing up.

3. Make a thin bead of fabric glue down center of ribbon’s reverse side. Starting at one shoulder seam, adhere ribbon to shirt, lining up ribbon and collar edges. Continue until ribbon ends meet. Trim so that there is an extra ¼” of overlapping ribbon. Fold raw edge of ribbon under ¼”. Secure with fabric glue, then glue to shirt so ends of ribbon join. You can sew ribbon in place using a loose running stitch.

Fitted V-neck cardigan

YOU’LL NEED:

• V-neck shirt, one size larger than you wear
• Ruler
• Fabric pencil
• Scissors
• Fabric glue (such as Unique Stitch)
• Sewing needle
• Thread in same color as shirt
• Five buttons

1. Arrange shirt on flat surface, front facing up. Using ruler and fabric pencil, draw a straight line from point of V down to shirt’s bottom hem. Cut along line.

2. Arrange shirt on flat surface again, opening it up so that reverse side of fabric faces up.

3. Working on a raw edge, apply a thin bead of glue down length, close to edge, and fold over. Repeat on other raw edge. To finish hem, wait for glue to dry, then make another thin bead of glue down length, close to edge, and fold over. If desired, reinforce by sewing hems with a simple hand stitch.

4. Arrange shirt on flat surface so cut edges meet in the middle. Use fabric pencil to mark where you want buttons to go. They should start right at the V, about ½” in from the edge. Sew in place. Note: Buttons should go down shirt’s left side (right side when shirt is facing you).

5. Pull other side of shirt to overlap button side by about 1”. Use fabric pencil to mark center point of each button, where holes will go. You might want to try on shirt to make sure everything is aligned.

6. Measure diameter of buttons― you will create holes that are ½ to ¾ that size. (The stretchier the fabric, the smaller the hole.) Start hole by pinching fabric over the marked button spot and cutting a small vertical snip. Release fabric and continue to snip until hole is correct length, about half as long as diameter of button. Repeat for each hole, testing hole as you work to ensure you have proper alignment and size.

7. Turn wrong side out and sew around each buttonhole, looping thread through hole so that edges are fully wrapped in thread to prevent fraying.

So with these tips you can get your fall fashion rocking and trendy. Fashion does not have to be a hassle although it could be a chore. So gather your girlfriends and have a Saturday of fun and fashion where you each bring new ideas coupled with these to create unforgettable unique pieces. What other ways do you know to re-purpose your closet? Share your ideas and pictures with us. 

Cute Denim Outfit Ideas. Culled from Glamour magazine

Runway shows happen once a season. But on the street, it’s showtime 365 days a year! Take style cues from these trendsetting fashion bloggers, who snapped themselves in their favorite denim looks. Here is the line up.

Denni Elias: The Vintage Take On Denim

 “Wide-legged denim pants looked perfect a few decades ago, and I think they look even better now.” said Paris-based blogger Denni Elias. Though the jeans were brand new, Denni kept the vintage inspiration intact (“I found this beautiful Chloé shirt at my favorite vintage store in Paris.”) proving that timeworn pieces, whether authentic or not, are also a chic direction for denim.

   — Denni Elias, thechicmuse.blogspot.com.

   Chloe jeans, $775, Chloe, Costa Mesa, 

                                                              

                                                                  

Emily Schuman: The Clean-Lines Denim Look

New York-based blogger, Emily Schuman, recommends keeping things clean and classic with a dramatic jean: “With these high-waisted jeans, I keep other details simple. I have a thing for stripes! They add a fun, nautical vibe.” And the accessories should follow suit. On why she chose to finish the look with her Mulberry bag, she says: “it’s timeless but with a current feel.” 

— Emily Schuman, cupcakesandcashmere.com.

True Religion Brand Jeans jeans, $211

Gabi Gregg: The Layered, Non-Denim Denim Look

For a little less cowboy-factor, New York-based blogger Gabi Gregg starts her denim look with a super dark skinny jean and then layers it up with pretty, eye-catching pieces. She says: “I love the effect of layering a sheer top and toughening it up with my favorite faux-leather jacket. Platform wedges add height minus the pain of heels.” Denim, what denim?
— Gabi Gregg, youngfatandfabulous.com.

DKNY Jeans jeans, $59,

Tamu McPherson: The Double Denim Done Right

Paris-based blogger Tamu McPherson’s love for denim inspires her to go all the way with it, “I’m a big proponent of double denim. It’s my everyday look—my uniform.” Want a foolproof styling tip? Fierce footwear is the secret style weapon that makes double denim work day in and day out: “Shoes are my fashion weakness, and I am a huge fan of the works of art that Mr. Pilati creates for YSL.”
—Tamu McPherson, alltheprettybirds.blogspot.com.

Current/Elliott shirt, $187

Susie Lau: The Fanciful Denim Skirt

No longer reserved for Ugg boots and cotton tanks, the denim skirt is masterfully styled by London-based blogger Susie Lau, who told us “I like to play with different textures and prints. I’m usually challenged by denim, but this Junya Watanabe skirt fit into what is my normal style.” Susie, your normal style oh-so-inspiring, girl! The takeaway: Don’t let a casual fabric like denim prevent you from mixing it up with texture, pattern and color.
—Susie Lau, stylebubble.com.

Junya Watanabe Commes des Garçon skirt, comme-des-garcons.com

Helooooooooooo!!!

Well, well well look what the fashion police dragged in. I am sure that is what you are thinking, but people please forgive my lack activity. The year 2011 has been a busy and hectic one for me. I open my first store, launched my jewelry line, opened an online version of my store and am about to expand into other areas. I also want to apologize to everyone who left me a comment and got no reply, I am so sorry.

Now that we are done with all the grovelling and begging, lets get on to what makes each of us unique; our sense of style. The new fall season collections are about to be debuting worldwide and we all want to be on top of things so as not to be fashion drags. According to all major fashion magazine it is all about the long, dark, spoty scot.

One thing to have in mind when striving for a spectacular fashion trend debut is that too much is always overkill. Best way to survive each new fashion trends and season is to learn the art of the 3M. That is Mix, Mash and Mesh. All trends are not meant for everyone, and not everyone is made for a particular trend. So to be the best trendy fashion icon that you can be, mix, mash and mesh your favorite trends with your existing style, not only is it a great unique sense of style but also frugal.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

This is my first post for this year and would like to say Happy New Year to all my visitors. As we go into the new year with all our resolutions and what not, let us not do things that set us up for failure. The economy is slowly but surely reviving, but till it does have great fashion for less is still fashionable. Even celebrities cut down spending.

On to a more fun part, the latest trends for 2011are here. Most Fashion magazines are agog with the latest trends, designers are debuting there new season collections and what not. We just finished enjoying London fashion week and waiting for more, we are looking forward to the Awards of the year to see what our favorite stars will grace the red carpet with. All these we do because we aspire to emulate the unquestionable good fashion sense, right?

We have all probably read one fashion magazine or the other and know what the trending colors and styles are. In all of that we should not forget that 'yes it is good to be fashionably forward' but not everyone is made the same, so some people might not be able to pull of the trends and styles of a particular season. So what to do?

When any new trend arises, the best thing is to pick some of your best existing outfits and go to your favorite shopping spot (where you get all the fabulous discounts, of up to 70% off ) and mash and blend your existing wardrobe with the new trends and styles. Never do all the new trends in one outfit! Also you do not have to adopt all the new trends, just the ones you feel comfortable with or can mesh with you existing wardrobe.

So to all my fashionistas out there have a fashion forward year!