My Journey as a Freelance Writer at oDesk

This is the first time I'll be sharing my experience as a writer at oDesk. At first, I intended not to include work-related topics here on my personal blog but I decided to share my story for those who are looking for legit business online and for those who wonder what the heck is oDesk.

I was in college when I heard of oDesk from a professor. She said some of her colleagues were able to earn thousands of pesos out of working at the said website. But since I was busy with my academic loads that time, I did not bother to sign up. It was only after a few months when I tried my luck.

It was July 2012 when I signed up at oDesk, but it was only after two months when I finally got a job. I was still schooling that time so I did not really pressured myself of getting a job. It just happened that a client from Singapore noticed my profile and asked if I could write business-related articles. I just said yes haha. After my first project, another batch of projects come my way. Here's how much I earned after three months.

As you can see, I received around $300 (equivalent to Php12,000+). It's like I get a sum of Php4,000 every month. And I'm not yet as hardworking as you think. In fact, I experience "writer's block" almost all of the time. For someone like me who's a homebody, this amount is more than enough to buy the things I want. I get paid for what I enjoy doing, anyway. But what I like more is that they give me the opportunity to have my name published. Here's a screen shot of my author's profile at The Party Anthem, an entertainment portal where I used to write.

As a newbie, I get inspiration from other writers at oDesk. One of them is Stef of The Freelance Pinoy. I have learned a lot from her tips that I encourage you to read her articles about freelancing. 

Well, I will have to say goodbye for now. But before I leave I want to know, are you an oDesker like me as well? I would like to hear your story! 'Til next time. 

Sample Room is the latest sampling site for Filipinas

Last December 3, Sample Room finally launched their website. But before anything, what exactly is Sample Room and how it works? This site actually lets you try products before you buy them. And they let you try those products for FREE! No subscriptions or whatever.

Simply register and get your free points upon registration. You may use your first 100 points to avail free product samples. Here's a picture of how Sample Room works.

You will only have to pay for the shipping or handling of samples. No worries, since the handling rates only range from a hundred to two hundred pesos. Most of the products they have are not so-so brands so what's P100 for a great product sample? They also have items that are available in full size. 

The most exciting part? You'll get a chance to try the best brands in town. Some of Sample Room's partner brands are Calvin Klein, Benefit, Shu Uemura, and Celeteque. Here are samples of products you can avail from Sample Room. 

Just watch out though, since samples run out really fast! Ninja girls are everywhere LOL. For more updates, kindly like them on Facebook (Sample Room FB Page here). They post it whenever they have new batch of samples or new stocks of old items. Sounds really nice. Thanks for reading. Ciao!

Get Organized: Five Well-Designed Planners for 2013

Four days to go and another year is about to come. Hey, 2013! I am so excited to welcome you. 2012 has been a good year for me (a new work, a baby on the way, and so much blessings) but I admit I missed a lot of opportunities since in the first place, I failed to organize things. So I am planning to keep an organizer this time. I bet you, too. Here are five planners to keep our tasks straightened out this year of the snake.

Starbucks 2013 Planner

You will need to collect 17 Starbucks stickers before you finally get one. How much will it cost you to get an SB planner? Around Php3,000 or less. That's quite expensive but if you are an SB regular, just enjoy every sip of your fave coffee and receive a 2013 Starbucks Planner. It comes in three different leather covers--black, white, and green.

Belle De Jour Planners

Belle De Jour Power Planners is made for the Pinay Fashionista. Price ranges from Php500-P600 depending on design.  The term Belle de Jour means "IT" girl in French fashion lingo. What I find special about this Belle De Jour Power Planner is the wardrobe checklist. If you are a mom like me, you might also like BDJ's Dr. Mom Health Journal. 

Papemelroti Pocket Planner

Papemelroti Pocket Planner is affordable at Php19.75 each. Papemelroti is known for their recycled items like calendars, bags, paper products, and so much more. To see more pocket planner designs, click here. 

Filed 2013 Doodle Planner

This doodle planner from Filed is around Php545 each. This much-awaited 2013 planner from Filed comes in two colors--white and black. It has a "vision board" where you can write about your goals for the year. It also has "movies to see" and "books to read". They partner with We Will Doodle to come up with great designs for the planner's monthly artworks. Comes with a FREE dark grey pen =). You can get the planner from Filed website. 

Here's how the Filed Planner looks inside. Coool. 

2013 Weekly Diary from National Book Store

This Yeah Weekly Diary from National Book Store is worth Php279.75. It is a handy weekly diary with a sturdy cover so you can bring it anywhere you want. Perfect for people who puts emphasis on weekly schedule.

(Photos used in this post are from these products' respective websites)

Kate Spade for Keds Sneaker Collection

In line with Kate Spade's 20th anniversary, it collaborates with Keds to present us their newest collection of amazingly cute sneakers. If not for its hefty price (more than $75 for a pair & not included the possible shipping fee rates), I will definitely buy this one. But as for now, I will just have to include this on my wish list.

Definitely an eye-candy! *_* (Photos from Teen Vogue)

My bet number 1: This paint-dipped sneaker which has a print "Take the Road Less Traveled", $75

And my bet number 2: A hot pink sneaker, $85

Keds previously worked with Taylor Swift, Happy Socks, and Madewell and they never disappoint us with their designs of cool kicks. Now, this collaboration with Kate Spade New York will surely hit the market. These polka-dots and printed pairs are expected to come out this Spring, February 2013. 

Maybelline Baby Lips Color Lip Balm in Berry Crush Review

First, thanks to Ate Neri for this little surprise. What I have for today is Maybelline Baby Lips Color Lip Balm, a great find from one of my favorite makeup brands. Price is P89 but since it's sale until December 31, it's only P80 (It's Maybelline's Crazy Sale Promo, selected items are 30% off including this one).

Baby Lips Color Lip Balm in Berry Crush is really translucent and shiny as stated on the packaging. And yes, it lasts up to six hours but you have to apply more than two coatings to achieve that shiny, translucent color effect. 

Its full size. I wonder how long will it last. 

Look at the sparkle. And my chubby hands. 

Rating: 5 over 5

What I love most about the product: its sweet berry scent

Samsung Galaxy Camera in the Philippines

Samsung Galaxy Camera is a "connected camera" meaning you can take a picture and share it directly on your preferred social media site. As Samsung says, it is a camera reborn. Let's see what's more with this sexy camera from Samsung.

Price in the Philippines: Php 23,990 (more than $500 in the States)

Feature We Love: Shoot and share. Saves the luggage space as you leave your laptop at home. Interesting.

Specs & Features:

-Smart Content Manager which lets you manage your files
-Edit your photos straight from your cam
-Zooms up to 21 times
-Super Clear LCD protected by Gorilla Glass 2
-Has a built-in pop-up flash
-8GB internal memory which is expandable using a microSD card.

(Photos from Samsung Website)

Since there are technical jargon often used in techie reviews like this, let's just leave the rest to our fellow reviewers who know better. I just wanted to share this amazing discovery. BTW, if you want to know further details about the Samsung Galaxy Camera, just visit this site.