Why We Are Loving Crate Space!

I think most any American family can agree on on thing: we all lead extra busy lives. With kids in school, work for adults, sports/activities, family time, and everything in between, time is a valuable commodity. Fitting shopping for groceries and household goods can be a big chore for many. I recently tried out a new service from Crate Space where you can purchase those everyday household items in an easy way.

What is Crate Space? It's an online service with one simple goal. Making buying the things you normally would much easier. You simply pick any 5 items and pay a fixed price of $29.99 with no shipping costs or membership fees. They offer 6 categories of products including: Household, Bath & Body, Cleaning, Skincare, Kids, and Health. Crate Space automatically lists the most commonly purchased items so you don't have to scroll through dozens of varieties of one basic thing. If you are the type to only shop for what you want specifically without having to search through a bunch of what you don't want, Crate Space is for you! No nonsense shopping is what they are about.

I ordered my first Crate Space package and here is what I got: 6-roll pack of Bounty paper towels, 12 double rolls of Charmin toilet paper, 160-count plastic drinking cups, 40-count box of Glad kitchen trash bags, and a bottle of Palmer's Shea Butter Lotion.

I was happy to see that the lotion was sealed to help prevent potential leakage. I also received a voucher for $5 off my next package. I am happy with all of my products because they are what I buy anyway. The fact that I didn't have to leave the house is a big bonus!

The actual ordering process is so fast and easy. I think not having so many choices of a particular product is a time saver. I can see this service being a monthly thing for my household. The shipping is not the fastest, but I am okay with it since I didn't pay a shipping fee. I love FREE shipping, all day, every day!

Shop Crate Space online and follow on Facebook and Instagram for updates. As a matter of fact, you can enter the code: MORESPACE for $5 off your first purchase. Try Crate Space out for yourself!

Disclosure: I received a complimentary code for a Crate Space box to try for myself. All opinions are my own as always. 

4 Other Ways You Can Earn Money Out of Your Blog Outside of Ads

While displaying ads is one way of monetizing your blog, it isn’t always the best option for profit. Ads don’t guarantee a stable income because they rely on your blog readers to click on them, which they don’t always do.  If you’re trying to make more money off your blog, there are other options you should definitely consider. In this article, we will show you the different paths you can take to do so.

• Sell Merchandise

Selling your very own product is another method to increase revenue coming from your blog. Before anything else, you have to decide on your first product. When you have decided and know who your market is, it is recommended to test the product with a pre-sale strategy. This allows you to gauge the potential of the product without putting you in financial risk.

Make sure that your merchandise in line with what your blog is all about. For example, if it is based around sharing recipes and cooking, selling kitchenware would be a great fit.

• Sell Digital Products

Thanks to the advances in technology, digital products are now more convenient to make. If you are considered an expert in a certain field, writing about it and compiling it in an e-book is another way to gain income. It is likely that your loyal readers would want to know what else you have to say.

If your blog is about a topic where it would be easier for your readers to listen or watch (music and make-up tutorial blogs, for example) rather than read, you can also create audio and video content for you to sell.

• Add Affiliate Links in Your Content

Utilizing affiliate marketing is another way to increase your blog’s passive income. You can do this by making your readers aware of outside products that would be relevant to them. When using this method, you earn a commission whenever you readers make a purchase from your links. When marketed correctly, this can be very lucrative. Usually, these links are combined with ads, but you can add them to your content such as product reviews as well.

• Do Product Reviews or Partnerships

Another way to generate extra income via your blog is to review products relevant to your target audience. This method works hand in hand with affiliate marketing. Since in affiliate marketing, you are informing readers about products that aren’t your own, you can do reviews to show them the products of companies you are affiliated or have partnerships with.

When making the review, it is important that you be honest – even mentioning the negative points that product has. This will make you seem more authentic to your readers, encouraging them to trust you. Taking pictures of the product is also important as it shows your readers that you are actually using it.

Your blog can be a great source of income when set up correctly. Remember to always strive to connect with your readers as this makes them keep coming back. As lucrative as reviews and affiliate linking can be, it shouldn’t be the only content in you blog – no one wants to read a blog that only has that.

Informative, compelling, and creative posts are what will keep your readers glued. That, combined with what was taught here, is a good way to make money out of your blog without ads.

SCE&G’s “The Peanut Gang” Celebrates 25 Years of Service at Camp Happy Days’ Annual Summer Camp

Earlier this month, “The Peanut Gang”, a group of South Carolina Electric & Gas (SCE&G) employees and retirees celebrated 25 years at Camp Happy Days’ annual summer camp in Summerton, South Carolina by serving over 275 children their signature peanuts.

From July 2 – July 8, South Carolina children battling cancer and their siblings attended Camp Happy Days’ summer camp at Camp Bob Cooper. The entire week was filled with new and exciting adventures that allowed campers to escape the trials of battling cancer for a week and simply be a kid.

On Wednesday, July 5, campers and counselors got a special visit from SCE&G’s very own "The Peanut Gang." The group served five bushels of boiled peanuts and cold soft drinks to more than 275 children.

“Camp wouldn’t be the same without a visit from The Peanut Gang," explains Cindy Johnson, Director of Camp Happy Days. "They add something a little extra special for the kids during the week, and we couldn't be more grateful for their continued support." The group has also raised over $31,000 for Camp Happy Days this year.

The group of SCE&G employees and retirees first brought their peanuts to Camp Happy Days’ summer camp in 1994. “Seeing how much good camp does for these kids and the smiles on their faces is what keeps us coming back,” explains Bill Ellis, member of The Peanut Gang. “They have an absolute blast, and it makes us all feel good to be able to do something for these kids and Camp Happy Days.”

For more information about Camp Happy Days, please visit CampHappyDays.com or find them on Facebook at Facebook.com/CampHappyDays.

TurfMutt’s Tips For A Pet-Friendly Family Yard

1. Consider your pet’s needs.
Dogs love being in your family yard. Most pets need a place to romp and exercise, relax in the shade for an afternoon nap and take bathroom breaks. Your yard should have a fence to keep your dog safely secured.

2. Look for “dog-proof” ground coverings.
Grass is one of the best options for your yard because it can handle the wear and tear that comes with pets and children. Bermuda and buffalo grass are especially hardy. Check your climate zone to select the best option for your area.

3. Avoid plastic grass.
Plastic grass, also known as artificial turf, gets too hot for humans and pets, especially in summer months. A Brigham Young University study revealed that synthetic-turf surface temperatures were 37° higher than asphalt and 86° hotter than natural turf. That’s too hot for pet’s paws and our bare feet to enjoy the outdoors!

4. Select plants for your climate zone and your pet.
Be sure to check the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic garden plants before choosing flora and fauna. For areas near garden paths, select plants that have soft foliage, but are still sturdy enough to withstand a little canine “ruff-housing.” Save delicate flowering plants for patio containers when dogs are in the picture.

5. Plant for pollinators for other wildlife.
Fido isn’t the only one who uses your family yard. Keep pollinators (bees, butterflies and hummingbirds) and other wildlife in mind when selecting climate-appropriate plants, trees and shrubs. Remember, nature starts in your backyard!

To learn more about how the family yard benefits people and pets and for more tips on taking care of your living landscapes, visit www.livinglandscapesmatter.com.

No Time To Hit The Gym? DeskCycle Can Help!

I have been working from home for several years now, and home schooling my little one for two years. I find myself at my desk, dining table, or any table for that matter, most of the day. I own gym equipment and even have a gym membership, but guess what? I either don't use it or say, "I'll work out tomorrow". When I got the opportunity to review the DeskCycle, I jumped all over it. The unit comes in a box complete with the tools needed for assembly. The process took me under 20 minutes and was super simple. I didn't even have to ask my husband for help. 

What exactly is the DeskCycle and how does it work?

The DeskCycle is a simple piece of exercise equipment like a stationary bike without the handles, made especially for those who are pressed for time. Whether you can't always make it to the gym, weather conditions aren't the greatest for a walk/jog/run, or you're stuck at your desk working for hours a day, DeskCycle is made for YOU! I have been having some foot issues that have caused me a lot of pain and I can't even go 1/2 mile on the treadmill. I have been using the DeskCycle for over a week now and like how easy it is on my feet since I'm not actually standing. I feel so much better than I am moving when I am sitting. It actually helps me to stay a lot more focused since I am one of those who can't always stay on task.

You can adjust the resistance according to your own goals. It's definitely important to start off slowly and work your way to a more challenging resistance setting. I am liking how my legs are looking and feeling! I am in desperate need of toning and DeskCycle is helping me to get closer to that goal. There is a gauge that  tracks time and miles, but I honestly don't use it. I wear a fitness tracker that monitors my steps and calories burned, so I just use that.

My husband has been begging to let him take it down to his office. I told him to get his own! The DeskCycle is not limited to using while working. You can use it while you're sitting on the couch watching a movie.

So far I am noticing my legs, butt, and abs feel firmer. My energy is higher as well and my stress levels are lower. I normally get a bit turned off when people post about fitness online and say, "no excuses", but I have to say, it's the truth with the DeskCycle! I mean if you are sitting around, why not get a little exercise in at the same time? Even my son is enjoying it. It helps a lot with strengthening his legs to enable him to perform better in martial arts class.

Where can I buy one?

The DeskCycle is so easy to use and when you are pedaling, it's super quiet.  It is well made and super sturdy, so you can feel confident giving it your all. You can purchase your very own unit from Mini Pedalers for $159 or on Amazon  also for $159 with FREE shipping if you have a Prime account.

The DeskCycle makes a great gift for anyone on your list and I am very sure the recipient will love it! Learn more about DeskCycle here. 

Thank you DeskCycle for the complimentary sample and all opinions stated are 100% mine as always.