Branded Survey's Review

i did a post a few weeks ago, about ways to make extra money and receive free products. I recently discovered a new survey site, which I have been using for about a month now, called Branded Surveys.

how it works

Like most survey sites, you fill in your basic information and you give some background information. They will send you a survey invitation in the mail, which tells you approximately how much time it will take and how many points it is worth. Every 100 points equals $1. You go through a general screening process before actually taking the survey, which takes about a minute. if you don't qualify some of them will give you some points ( the most I have received is 30 points), and if you do your points are pending. They state it takes about 14 days for your points to get posted, during this time they verify your responses, ensuring you were actually taking the survey and not rushing through it and giving random answers.

when you look at your points section, there will be two sections, one for points that have posted and one for pending points.

So far i have made about $30, and i have some points pending. There have been a few days when I didn't qualify for any surveys which gets disheartening. It feels like it takes forever for points to add up, but in reality it isn't so bad. a lot of other survey companies make you redeem "cash" for gift cards, which doesn't add up. for instance redeem $75 for $25 gift card.

I have joined other sites which have cash payouts, and it takes forever to meet their minimum requirement. I met the minimum payout amount, which is $10 within 2 weeks.

im not expecting to get rich off of it. but it gives me something to do in the day. and a lot of the times, the surveys have to do with things in the news, healthcare, government etc.  it is pretty cool to give my opinion on currents issues, and be Impacting change in my country.

Valentine's Day with a toddler

Valentines Day is just around the corner. Like most parents, Valentine's Day has changed for Curtis and I. We have never made a big deal about it, since Curtis isn't a big fan of the holiday. Instead I have used this day to eat some indulgent meals.

As Kayden has gotten older, Valentine's Day has become special. We always get Kayden tons of chocolate and some extra goodies. Lately Kayden has been loving painting, I have even used it as an incentive for staying dry the whole day. If kayden doesn't wet his underwear then he gets to paint at the end of the day before he has a bath. Needless to say, we are running low on paint! we purchased Kayden some glitter paint. i thought it would be a nice change from his regular colors. And we can't forget about chocolate. Kayden loves candy, so this is a perfect time to restock his stash. yes I said it, he has a stash. Before you all judge me, we use it as an incentive. For instance we want Kayden to communicate that he needs to use the bathroom. Kayden tells us when he needs to poo, but never when he has to pee. Now if he tells us, then he gets a chocolate of his choice. It is small but it is something he looks forward to, and it is how we have slowly moved through each stage and step of potty training. Kayden has requested jelly beans and little chocolate hearts. The great thing about it, is that he knows WE are giving it to him, unlike Christmas which was Santa. Now if he misbehaves I  just say I wont buy you X Y and Z.

Valentines Day is such a fun and carefree holiday. It was never a day that Curtis and I emphasized, and because of that I made it more about Kayden. About celebrating him, and giving him a few things that I knew he would enjoy. I went to the Dollar Store last weekend and they had the cutest things, stickers, pencils, coloring books, games etc. and they were all valentine themed. You do not need to spend a lot of money to make the day fun or worthwhile.

for Valentine's Day we are going to stay home, which should be no surprise. Curtis works mornings now, so I will be in charge of Kayden's present. Kayden has been into helping me a lot, especially in the kitchen. I thought I would do a special surf and turf dinner, and red velvet cupcakes. I know Kayden will be all over the baking, and insist on being a part of every step. Of course there will be some special goodies (jelly beans and chocolate, as per kayden's request), that will make the day special for him.

valentines Day is a fun holiday, that should can used to tell anyone in your life that you care about them. I am a strong believer that you don't need to spend a lot of money, small, simple gestures are enough.