*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.
Happy Friday all! And we are officially half way through October. How is that even possible. Soon it will be Christmas and then 2022. I started Christmas shopping this week. With the threats of shipping delays, wanting to spread the cost out over several months and stores not having any products, I thought I would start now. And I am sure I am still behind. Ugh.
Anyways, onto Friday favorites and happenings.
ONE. This one is just a personal favorite, but also a big accomplishment. I have been at my job for 15 years now. I hit 15 years on Saturday October 9th. So crazy to think it has been that long. I have traveled to 26 states and 12 countries with my job. Now I have traveled to other countries on my own since then and some of it is in part because of my work...ie using miles and points.
And just for fun, I went back through some photos and found this gem. This is me and one of my friends not long after I started my job.
Since I started my job, I have moved countless times, change worked teams about five times including once when Rory and I started dating (we were on the same team), got married, had my beautiful twin girls, been promoted and learned a lot about myself.
TWO. As a blogger, have you ever been scammed by a company? Where they said they wanted to partner up with you to review a product and they would pay you for the images. They even sent over a contract that you had to read, sign and send back over. Then you get the product, take the photos and then they ghost you? And their website is all of a sudden gone as well as their instagram.
This is what happened to me recently. And the lesson that I learned from it? To google the company along with collaboration reviews to see if it is a legit company and to read from others who have worked with them.
Once I did this, I saw the scam alerts on Reddit, other blog reviews of said company and then a website that shows credibility ratings.
Totally disappointed in myself, but figured I should share this so others can avoid it happening to them.
THREE. Have any of you seen and used the highly viral Revlon Oil-Absorbing Stick? I saw it recently on someone's IG stories and I want to try it out. BUT I wear foundation daily and I want to know if it still soaks up the oil from your forehead even with foundation on. So if you have used it, can you share if you liked it, if you used it with make up on and anything else I should know. I have used the blotting papers, but sometimes you just go through them more quickly.
FOUR. As I said above, I have started my Christmas shopping this week. As I purchase things, I will share them because I have been at a total loss on what to get the girls this year. Yesterday I purchased them new scooters. They have been asking for the two week scooters ever since the neighborhood boys have started riding them.
We did have these three wheel ones which was been amazing and have been used for about 4 years now.
And here is what I bought them yesterday. It has a kickstand and folds up easily.
Have a great weekend. I am linking up with A Little Bit of Everything.
I just don't understand scammers and crap. Sorry that happened to you. I have a good chunk of Christmas shopping done for Zoe too. I am not quite sure how to explain shipping delays and Santa's magic not working to a 4 year old...avoiding that at all costs lol. Those scooters look super fun! Zoe mostly wanted dolls and accessories and some clothes. Lots of smaller stuff that will end up all over the house, you know how it goes! Hope you have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteThat is what I am worried about as well. I am trying to avoid that. So far most items I have ordered have shipped. But I still have a ton more to buy. Haha I do know how it goes. I need to get the girls to write some Christmas lists now!!! Have a great weekend too!
DeleteLove the throwback! That’s so funny that you say that because I recently got scammed by a bag company! It too was for payment a photo images. I paid shipping for a bag and that’s where they got us all. I was recommended by another blogger and all of us lost the $13 we paid for international shipping. Shame on me but absolutely shame on them! So frustrating.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea. At least I am not the only one. Sucks and makes me realize that we need to research these collaborations more. Ugh. I am so sorry that happened to you guys as well. And thank you. I can't believe it is has been 15 years.
DeleteDid you have to buy the product you were scammed on? I haven't done anything where I have to pay for the product...I do get a lot of scammy type messages on instagram asking me to buy things.
ReplyDeleteI had to pay for shipping. But it was kind of a lot. I found out I should have paid that shipping through Paypal too since they would refund it. Now I am fighting it with my credit card. And I should have known since it was international. Ugh.
DeleteI'm so sorry you were scammed. I've never had that happen to me as a blogger, but I did have that happen to me a few years ago when I ordered something from a Facebook ad. The website looked so legit, but they accepted my credit card payment and then never shipped anything. Every time I emailed them it went ignored, so I did some research and found that there were other people who were saying the same thing happened to them. I reported them to the BBB. Need to check and see if their website is still active or if they've been shut down. Also, that oven meme... I am DYING. Seriously laughing out loud.
ReplyDeleteI laughed so hard at the oven meme. I couldn't believe his parents never taught him the basics. Ha. That sucks that that happened to you. I just learned to use Paypal for purchases like that so you can get your money back easier. I paid for the shipping...international shipping and I should have known. Lesson learned!
DeleteAlso meant to say that if you lost any money, contact your credit card company... they'll refund you!! I contacted mine after I got ripped off by that company on the FB ad and they refunded my money, no questions asked!
ReplyDeleteI did contact my credit card company. They are looking into it, but said it shouldn't be a problem refunding me.
DeleteCongratulations on 15 years at your job! What a great accomplishment. It sounds like you work for a great company. I'm so sorry about the scam. It hasn't happened to me, but I've heard of it happening to others. It really is sad how companies try to take advantage of influencer marketing. Even in general for what they pay. I always try to share my side and perspective with companies. How much would it cost you to hire a photographer, models to be in those shots, destination, setup, etc, now pay accordingly lol. Did you have to pay for anything? Maybe contact your credit card or paypal is you did a purchase. Even with that aside, I hope you have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I just can't believe it has been 15 years already. Well some days are long. Ha. I totally agree with you. And when companies say no, then I say see ya. I am not working for free. It takes a lot of time, money and commitment to put these posts, IG posts and stories out. I had to pay for the shipping and I did contact my credit card. They are looking into it. I did find out that I should use Paypal as they cover everything. Have a great weekend too!
DeleteCongratulations my friend. I should start Christmas shopping too.
ReplyDeleteThank you. And I definitely am!
DeleteRyan Reynolds is hilarious!
ReplyDeleteGood job on you getting started on Christmas shopping- I say every year I'm going to do it - & I never do... sadly.
Stupid company being a scam. What a waste of time.
Yes he is. I love reading his tweets. He is great. I say the same thing and this year I have done it. I have to. I can't disappoint my girls or tell them that things will be here late if ever. Ugh.
DeleteIt was a waste of time and a bit of money too. But I am working on getting that back.
SO sorry you got sucked in by a scammer; it's always amazing to me what people can come up with! It seems like their time and effort could be better spent. You always have such fun memes. I started some Christmas shopping this week too!
ReplyDeleteRight? They could be coming up with something real instead of a scam. It sucks that it happened, but I am glad to share my experience and make sure others don't get scammed by them. I can't believe we are Christmas shopping already.
DeleteSorry you had a bad experience with that company! I turn down every collaboration request - it's often just not worth it and the ones that will be worth it I'd rather refer on to friends who are trying to make their blogs a business. Mine is firmly just a hobby that gives me a little pocket money, haha!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the Christmas shopping! I always start in the June sales and I'm almost all done for the kids and hubby but I'm picking up a few more things for the boys today and I still need to figure out what I'm getting my parents.
Hope you had a good weekend :) We made the most of the nice sunny days after a rainy week, with a local market event and a morning at the park.
Away From The Blue
Well that is awesome. Glad that you could help others too.
DeleteI can't believe you are already done. I need to be better about it. But this is the earliest I have ever started.
It was rainy here last night and today, but otherwise we have had some perfect Fall weather.