pinkkittymom

Think Positive! Every little thing happens for a great reason.

Merch by Amazon: How I get approved in 4 days

Hi kittyzens!

Welcome back to both of us!

(From now on, I will call my virtual visitors “kittyzens” as a combined term of kitty because of my blog name pinkkittymom and netizens like you know, internet citizens.

It’s been a long time ago since I posted my last article and now I’m back with fresh (if this is something new to your ears) and juicy (lot’s of gems here for beginners) content that I’m sure will be helpful to one or two of my kittyzens to make money online.

It’s been hella crazy of 2 years since my last post (2018). Lot of things happened in my life and I will be posting those in my next blogs to keep you updated and share my experiences. But for now, let’s talk about making extra bucks while we are on a #stayathome mode.

So as I was searching how to make money online without any capital to spend, I stumble in several youtube videos and web articles that landed me to this wonderful program of amazon: MERCH MY AMAZON.

To get started, just look for the button that says “Request Invitation”. (You can click the image above to go there directly)

Application will be in an essay form. No attachment or anything fancy. It’s like applying for college but it has limited characters. I forgot the exact word count and I didn’t save what I wrote. Sorry, my bad. But I will give you my advice and the gist of my application.

Everyone is welcome to apply but not everyone is lucky to get accepted. So here is what I did to get approved and other tips from other people who was accepted.

SIMPLE TIPS TO GET APPROVED FOR MERCH BY AMAZON

  1. You are already a seller. Going to amazon as another way to showcase your product will be a win-win situation for you and amazon. I think this is the number 1tip I can recommend.
  2. You have your own website. This is the reason why I get approved for as fast as 4 days. Some say they waited for weeks and even for 6 months. The main purpose of Amazon having this program is for them to broaden their reach of customers and having your connection online will drive more sales for them.
  3. You have a really good amount of following from your social media. Even though you don’t have your own website, a thousand followers or more in your facebook or instagram would help a lot. Especially if you are an influencer or a youtuber who wants to make merchandise for your followers.
  4. You are an artist. Let’s say you don’t have number 1 and 2 but you are a painter or a photographer. Aside from a good online base, designing is also important for Amazon. Making realiable and quality designs would give you a boost to be approved.
  5. You have a strong will for your passion. I’m not a professional artist but I have very good ideas that I can give the customers. Like being a voice to my fellow mothers and through merchandise, I can put that on a statement.

In my case, I used number 2 and 5. In my letter, I introduced myself and give a little background about me then everything follows. Make it short and simple. These are not the exact words but something similar to what I wrote.

Hi. I’m Tala Valerio, I’m a blogger and a mother of 2. My blogsite is pinkkittymom.com. Being a mother is such a struggle but fulfilling too. I put up my own blog when I became a first time mother to share my experiences to new mothers like me and now that I got another one, it ignites my passion more. I want be a voice to all mothers out there and your program is a great opportunity for me to showcase the struggles and experiences of a mother through statement shirts that I am sure a lot of us in the world can relate to.

After submitting it, next you will be finishing your demographics like your name, address and the like. Make sure to put real and true information. Remember that Amazon is a real thing (you know what I mean). There is a section that says business name. If you are just doing it by yourself, then put a screen name for your merchandise but I highly suggest not your own name. This is what you see in every item in Amazon that says, “SOLD BY (your store name)”.

Then your Payment & Banking, where the money goes in once you make a sale and your Tax Information.

For putting on your bank information, I recommend to use a savings account or at least a separate bank account so that you can separate your earnings from your personal money. But still, it’s up to you.

For the last part, Amazon will give you W-2 at the end of the year for filling your taxes. This is a legal business so take it seriously.

There, you’re done! Now, sit back and relax and wait for your approval.

On my next post, I will be showing you my first product. The actual look and my review. Also the dos and don’ts on designing, and everything inside Merch on Amazon. So be sure to subscribe on my newsletter or follow me on my social medias.

P.S. For now, Amazon stop producing Merch for Amazon due to coronavirus pandemic making non essential items on delays and prioritizing essential products. But they will be back on operation on April. I’ll keep you posted.

Sweet Safari: My first time to try a dessert buffet

There’s something new in the city! A dessert buffet that I’ve never been to. I’ve been eyeing for it since I saw them on Facebook because they only have branches in Pampanga, so when they finally had their Tarlac branch, I invited my friend, Lybnoz, to meet there after long years of not seing each other.

It only costs Php 199, and you can indulge yourself to unlimited sweets, more on cakes but they also have other merienda foods like pasta, chips and more. But basically, it’s more on snacks. Kids whose heights are 3 ft below are FREE and above up to 4ft have to pay Php 100.

Watch what you can have with the price:

BULLET CRITIC

  • PLACE❤❤❤❤❤

I’m giving it a 5 because of the bright ambiance, enough space plus it’s kinda instagrammable which is very important to us #millineals. It’s clean and doesn’t have a smelly odor, at least.

  • FOOD ❤❤❤❤

I’m kinda disappointed because I set a high standards due to the pictures I see in there social medias. First food I picked was the nachos which I thought was a good one but it was just Mr. Chips, I was really dismayed. And the soft served ice cream was not available, viand and rice also. Fresh vegetables was so dry, almost everything are half consumed.

Good thing they have pastas, ergh! Savior! Haha At least they’ve got 3 types which are good enough to start before indulging to sweets. I would only give 3/5 for the food, but sticking to the restaurant’s brand which is more on desserts, I’ll give it a chance of 4 since they are heavily flooded with it.

The bad thing we did was spent our lunch there which I highly discouraged you to do so. Why? Learn from our mistake. First, it’s a dessert buffet. Expect a hyperglycemia effect or in tagalog, “mahihilo ka sa dami ng matamis na kinain mo” Hahahaha! So what I recommend is for you to eat your main dish before going there and save your last appetite for Sweet Safari. Second, never come in lunch or make it your main food course because you’ll be disappointed as we are. The best time to come there is as soon as it opens which is by 10am; you’ll get them freshly served. Third, if you’ll just want a snack or just hang out and chill, I guess that’s the nicest reason to come to Sweet Safari. And also, you get what you pay for. Affordability and convenience.

  • SERVICE ❤❤❤

This is a little bit about the food and service. So as we headed to get our food away from our table, we got a plate on our table with hotdog and nuggets as we come back. Obviously, it is for the kid which I’m sure he’ll like it, so that made me happy. But what I am not pleased of, is that they just drop the plate without any interaction to the client which is a BIG NO NO NO and another NO NO NO. Whenever you serve the client or whatever you give them, you should always have a good connection to them and I hope they would have to improve on that part.

All in all, we had a fair enough experience and unfortunately, their Tarlac branch is already closed but they still have their Pampanga’s branches and also they have new menu which I hope I could give it another try, maybe this time they’re better.

#

Visit their Facebook page here.

Play and Learn with Veon: KIDZ CITY SM AURA

 

ALL ABOUT KIDZ CITY

This indoor playground was opened in 2015, and is operated by the same company that runs several big indoor playgrounds in Metro Manila, including the huge Cosmic Kidz at Mall of Asia. It has two floors of play area.  The equipment is well padded and maintained, and seems to share a theme of transport vehicles, and not just climbing structures, making the place a little more unique and interesting. It is suitable for kids at or above 3 years old, and maybe some kids up to 10 years old still find it fun.

Source: The Fort City

RATES: 

  • Half Hour: 200php
  • One Hour: 280php
  • Unlimited: 480php
  • Adult Pass: 120php

LOCATION:  Indoor Play and Party area at SM Aura, Basement 1, South Entrance

FACEBOOK: Kidz Republic (group of kids’ entertainment sites)

OUR OWN EXPERIENCE

It was 5am when we started our travel from Pangasinan to Manila. Along the way, I was online searching for indoor playground near BGC since it is our fave tambayan. We’ve already been to Kidzoona (an indoor playground too), so I’m looking for another place to play with Veon (#mommode).

Then tada! #millinealmom

Shown above, obviously it’s sold out but try to sign up for waiting list to be notified (just click the image above). Metrodeal has been my go-to online shop for services shopping like restaurants, spa and salon, and even tourist attractions.

I got the unlimited play for only P199 instead of P480; perks of being a techy mom =) So paid on same day and time, I got the voucher then I just printed it out.

MOM TIP: Buy ahead of time if you are not in a hurry and print it at home or where there’s a cheap printing shop because as far as I can remember, I paid 20 pesos just for 1-page-colored-print! Sorry, #tipidmom.

Here’s our Playtime!

KIDZOOONA vs KIDZ CITY

Just like in Kidzooona, you have to take off your shoes as you go inside but you’ll go through picture taking (child and adult). Unlike in Kidzoona, you’ll just sign a waiver,  which I think in Kidz City is better because there is really a face recognition and safer.

Upon giving the voucher I printed from Metrodeal, I paid also for adult fee and fill this Encoding Form before the picture taking and entering the place.

Also, they have 2 levels in Kidz City; 1st floor is for small and big toys and 2nd floor is for pretend plays. Unlike in Kidzoona, it is just a huge 1-floor playground but I like that because it is more spacious.

First Floor

Second Floor

The good thing is that they both offer party reservations which is the new trend in cities. Old style birthday parties be like at home or restaurants, but now they focus more on play. At least, it is more fun but pricey!

Party Menu and Packages

Party themes

 

They also offer these workshops.

Music Class (I just noticed if you are interested)

#Hairgoals2018: How to Change Hair Color (without going to salon)

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine. #Divatress #beauty #ad

It’s #Summer2018 again! A bikini-ready body is not complete without a new hairstyle (just like Janine Gutierrez’s new look, I’m envious!). If you got resources (money and time) to fund your summer hair, then go to salon for a quick hassle-free fix. But if you don’t have enough, then this list will definitely help you achieve that #HairGoals2018!

 1.     Using mobile App

My favorite! Either you are afraid to dye your hair or colors are not allowed in your work or even at home (strict parents, LOL! Mine too) but you are dying to try that unicorn hair color, then this one is the perfect must-try for you!

Makeup Plus is a versatile mobile app in terms of beauty fix; from instant make up selfies, buying on-trend make up products to their unique feature of hair dye. You can totally change your hair color in a snap. It can also help you decide which hair color fits you before making it into reality. What’s the best part? It’s FREE!

BEFORE

AFTER (Using FROZEN filter)

2.     DIY Hair coloring

If you are experimental and willing to wait, DIY hair coloring is a choice you could make, plus it’s the cheapest. The only thing you have to consider here is that you must know the proper amount of mixture and the waiting time to achieve the color you want. It’s a little bit tricky but the result is fun! Just don’t forget to apply Keratin treatment afterwards especially if you’ll going to do bleaching because it dries hair.

This is actually what they do in salon. But of course with the word Do-it-yourself, you must learn the art of hair coloring and the right products to use for your hair to prevent damage. TIP: Don’t overdo bleaching, please.

Here’s a guide you could follow (Click Image)

3.     Ready to Use Hair Coloring

From L’oreal to Revlon, and Liese to Lolane, these are easy-to-access and ready-to-use hair dyes. They can be conveniently bought in drugstores and supermarkets just add extra penny compared to DIY hair coloring but everything is provided.

TIP: To achieve the color labeled in the packaging, you must bleach your hair first. (You could also follow how from #2) But if you are afraid to do so, then be satisfied with darker version (if you have dark hair).

Here’s my Lolane Hair Dye experience (Click Image)

4.     Using Wigs

This one is for the brave hearts! I never tried using wigs but I absolutely want to have a GO for this! I think it’s fun and sort of permanent (in terms of color because hair dying needs maintenance) among all. Advantages are: first, you don’t have to put whatever hair products in your hair that could damage it; second, you still can keep your original hair if you don’t want it to be touched or changed; and third, evenly-colored hair at your fingertips and variety of gorgeous hairs to choose from!

The new trend in wigs now is what they call “crochet hair” .  From the name itself, the technique is derived from crocheting the wig to your real hair by first, doing a cornrow braid. The cornrow braid or “crochet braids” will serve as the base where in the synthetic crochet hair wig will be attached using a crochet needle. It’s a brilliant idea, right? Because this one is more durable method. And the prices are reasonable.

In addition, it can take a fraction of the time to install crochet braid hair compared to actually braiding or twisting all of your hair in the same style.  There are tons of choices in styles, from pre-braided and twisted styles such as Box Braids, to wavy and curly styles like Deep Twist and Water Wave.  And with so much variety in colors, you’re bound to find that perfect shade for you.

-Divatress

Source: http://lackeyandwhitleyrealty.com

The most common crochet braid nowadays is the crochet senegalese twist because of its benefit.   According to Natural Hair Rules website, “Senegalese Twists, or “rope twists” are one of the many protective styles for Afro-textured hair. Wearing protective styles help promote healthy hair growth while protecting your own hair from damage that could result from the environment, over manipulation, heat styling and daily styling habits.”

Here are my top 3 favorites from Divatress that I want to try ^_____^

1. Isis Collection Senegalese Bundle Braids – Rope Twist

2. Sensationnel African Collection Braids – Sweet Wave 12

3. FreeTress Braids – 2x Braid 101 28″

I feel so much #GirlPower on those hairs!

Cafe Hopping (with BFFs Part 2): Coffee and Pine, Baguio City

And now for the second cafe (here’s the first cafe), the smell of COFFEE AND PINE for dinner. We arrived around 7pm and it was perfectly quite, even med students sitting right next to us studies there, we are the only one who’s ruining the silence, Haha! Peace!

BULLET CRITIC

 

  • PLACE❤❤❤❤

It was night time when we got there and I think I can’t fully appreciate the beauty of the place without the sunlight most especially the view from the balcony. There you’ll see what is Baguio City; mountains, clouds and of course, pine trees. But at night, it’s replaced by city lights. I guess it feels good if you’ll have your breakfast there? Hmmm ^_^.

The interior itself has an earthy concept; black and white with accents of green, brown, yellow, red and so we coordinated our OOTDs. The place is really good for people who wants to relax with “book and coffee” but the minus 1 for me, of course I’m a mother, is that the road leading/going there is risky. That night I was with my kid so I can’t just let him be carefree outside because it is already where the cars passes by.

  • SERVICE ❤❤❤❤❤

I like that they have that service bell. The funny thing is that, when it rang, a staff run fast but weird that nobody is calling. Not just once but thrice, hmmm. Funny or scary? Haha I guess it was just a technical thingy, but at least they respond fast. They are also approachable to our never-ending, Papicture po! hehe And even we are done eating, they just let us take pictures. Thanks! #AuraTime LOL!

  • FOOD❤❤❤❤❤

They have the BEST PESTO I had ever tasted, so far. Like I can eat another plate by  myself but there’s pizza waiting for us in the apartment so we can’t be that full, #piggytime! And the next thing that really stuck in my head is their “Coffee and Pine Signature – Coffee Base Frappe”. The pesto and the frappe costs Php 170 each and I highly recommend them. I just forgot the exact taste and even the names; which is which, of the rest of the foods that we ordered but they taste good also, but still that two things I mentioned, they’re greeaat!

Cafe Hopping (with BFFs Part 1): Pastel Cafe, Baguio City

Ela, Krisha and Me – We’ve known each other since the days of submitting urine and stool (gross start, right? HAHA well, #nursinglife) for medical exam as we enter first year college. Coincidence or whatever, we just found out we belong in one section so from then we became friends to bestfriends.

As we go through college years, we separated sections. Ela and Krisha sticked together while I became close with our other classmates but I’m so glad that even we parted ways somehow due to our different schedules, we are still friends. Our first year first semester class has that sibling-barkada feels that I’m so proud to treasure.

The last picture I had with them was on our graduation day (2013) but lost it =(. Anyways, fast forward to 2017, when we had the chance to be together again, we took advantage of our free time and decided to CAFE HOP!!!

BULLET CRITIC

  • Upon entrance

  • PLACE❤❤❤❤❤

The interior defines its name. Cute, colorful and playful plus instagrammable, haha! One thing I’m impressed with the place is the painted mural, not just a sticky wallpaper but it is hand-painted. That gave them a 5 for me. I’m only to give 4 because when we entered, I thought it would be bigger but the effort to make the place personalized is something to appreciate. Maybe they could put some more tables outside? Just suggesting. And also, not a big deal, but somehow I find the exposed water jag and other stuffs for food preparation disturbing. Another unsolicited advice would be, I hope they could have a separate space where to put all stuffs and not to expose them in public for that clean ambiance on their counter space. ^_^

  • SERVICE ❤❤❤❤

This is actually 4.5. The missing point is for “uniqueness”. There is nothing special about the service, like something that would separate them from the other cafes or restaurants I’ve been too. But the almost perfect score is due to their obvious cleanliness as you can see in the video  above, they wear hair nets, just enough time to wait for the foods and approachable to our Aura Time; “Papicture po“. Haha They even clear the counter for us to take picture in it. Thank you! Hehe

  • FOOD❤❤❤❤

So cute food presentation! The plates are artistic like you can even make them a display and the colorful breads, adorable ^_^. They’re yummy with that common taste you would expect from them but again, I’m looking for that…”Ang sarapppppp, supeeer” kind of feeling to give them a perfect 5. I recommend their freakshakes, by the way. Cold sweetness overload, #slurp.