Income Opportunities Online

I've always associated the Internet with many things, but never did I imagine linking it with money. Recently, I joined different sites to keep myself busy and at the same time, earn money for myself. As a stay-at-home mom, I still have to look for income opportunities while I stay at home and take care of the baby.

I was shocked to find out that there are hundred and one ways (and sites) that cater to online workers. Earning online can vary from data entry or typing jobs, web research, writing, paid-to-click sites, blogging, online selling, becoming a virtual assistant, answering surveys and even forum posting! The Internet, definitely, has opened a wide-range of opportunities for stay-at-home moms and individuals who like to earn extra while staying at the comfort of our homes.

So here are some of the legitimate sites I discovered that can help in boosting your online career:

ONLINE JOBS

a. Odesk - If you have skills to sell such as web design, writing and translation, administrative support, research among others, then this site is the place to be. You just have to show that you are the right candidate for the job by highlighting your skills and strengths. Also, answer and ace the skills test provided by them and make sure you display it in your profile to attract clients from hiring you. But I must remind you, getting a contract here will take time because some clients prefer those who have more experience and longer working hours compared to newbies. So be patient.

b. Craigslist - Like Odesk, Craiglist also provide a lot of online jobs. Just click on the city where you want to look for work and the site will automatically generate the available jobs.

PAID-TO-CLICK (PTC) SITES

Personally, I don't like this scheme. It takes some time to reach the minimum pay-out and I only earn $.001 to $.01 per click. Nevertheless, I gave it a try and based from the reviews I read, this is the best PTC site so far. 

a. Neobux - This is one of the most popular sites and you earn by clicking the advertisements posted everyday. There are also available tasks to do but make sure you're fast enough to click it and successfully finish it. The minimum cash-out $2 so it's easier to withdraw compared to other PTC sites.

ANSWERING SURVEYS

a. Inbox Dollars - This site provides you with lots of activities - answering surveys, completing a task, playing games and answering emails. However, the problem with this site is that it has a high minimum cash-out of $30 and some features are not available if you're not a US resident.

b. Surveyhead - You also answer surveys with a minimum pay-out of $10. However, new surveys may take some time so be patient.

FORUM POSTING

So far, the best and easiest way to earn money online. By posting new topics and responding to existing discussions, not only do you earn, but also, you learn from other people about their different experiences and at the same time, make new friends. 

a. myLot - In forum posting, you just have to create a discussion, post comments and participate on active discussions and you earn $.01 per post or comment. You can also check out the available tasks where you'll get paid a minimum of $.01 for every task completed. And if you use the myLot search engine regularly, a reward will be given to you. So actively participate!

ONLINE WRITING

If you're into writing, then this section is for you. You can write about anything you want and you get paid for every views and comments made on your article. But make sure you observe the proper usage of the English language. And also, make sure that the articles to be written and submitted are original and unique, otherwise your account will be banned and your earnings will be forfeited. 

a. iWriter - You get to choose what topic to write on and you get paid instantly once the article is approved. But there is a time limit (3 hours) where the article must be submitted within the time frame. Although I am earning here, I still have reservations since there are times when I can't access the site or when I try to log-in, it says my account is temporarily banned. Which can be annoying at times.

b. ExpertsColumn - After registering in their site, an email notification will be sent to you, requiring you to submit a 300-word article for their review. Once approved, you can start writing columns and earn for every view.

c. Wikinut - Works like ExpertsColumn. But prior to your work being published, the admin will first review (and edit, if necessary) your article. They say the earnings are slower compared to ExpertsColumn but its worth a try.

d. Publish Us - Same with (b) and (c). Also, the admin will first review your article before it gets published. But the good thing about this site is that there is no minimum cash-out so you get paid at the end of the month, no matter how small or big your earnings are.


Take note that these are only some of the many sites that provide income opportunities online. Also bear in mind that opportunities such as this are not meant to sustain your everyday needs, unless of course you joined a lot of sites and you're earnings are doing good, then it probably will. It will only help in giving you EXTRA INCOME since the earnings here are not enough to even pay the monthly bills. But don't rely too much on the Internet to earn money. You still have to use your many skills aside from staying in front of the computer, clicking and posting and waiting for your earnings to increase. 

Life of a Stay-at-Home Mom

One may underestimate or feel bad looking at a housewife/stay-at-home mom for having no career on its own. Think again. Being a stay-at-home mom is a FULL-TIME job and should not be looked down upon.

I must admit, I've always imagined myself a a high-powered lawyer, juggling career and family life. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I will be staying at home, taking care of the kids. I always say to myself: "I don't want to be boring. I want a career and a life on my own!"

But when I got pregnant to my first baby, things changed. Suddenly, my world revolved around her. Seeing her after 9 hard and long months is the best feeling in the world. But then, there's my dream. I went back to law school because for me, fulfilling my dream is a step towards giving my daughter the best life possible. Win-win situation. Until I got pregnant again. That's when I decided to quit law school and focus on the kids instead. Then I realized, maybe my real calling is to be a full-time mom, not a lawyer. I felt bad, of course. Giving up something I really, really want is not easy. But then there's 2 of them. I really have to make a choice, and being a full-time mom is the choice I made.

It's not easy. Not because I'm at home with no academic stuff bothering me, everything else is less complicated. It's not. I am in charge of the household, do the grocery, prepare meals and most importantly, take care of the babies. I have to make sure that their needs and the house's needs are attended to, immediately. I will be the one to bring them to the hospital in case something bad happened. And the good thing about being at home? I get to see the baby's progress everyday! The first step, hear the first word, first laugh, everything! And no amount of money can pay that.

Being a stay-at-home is not bad. Like many other stay-at-home moms, I'm thinking of ways to do something worthwhile even at the comfort of my home. Like getting an online job for example. Not only will my mind work again, I get to earn extra while looking after the kids. I also get to read my overdue books bought years ago. I also learn and discover new things, even though not law-related, through the Internet. I also tried cooking new dishes and baking, something I've been wanting to do ever since. Now that I'm staying at home, I get to experiment and try out something new. And of course, I will be able to bring my daughter to her Gymboree class (where she'll start this week). At least I'll see how she's able to deal with the other kids her age. And if there's one thing this whole stay-at-home mom thing is good at, other than seeing my baby's progress --I get to find myself again. I have time to reflect and reconnect with myself, with no distractions and pressures of school and extracurricular activities.

I may go back and finish law school, or take my Masters or whatever. For now, my focus is my children, the loves of my life.

So the next time you looked down on a stay-at-home mom, DON'T! We do have a career: our children.

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Ilocos Adventure

Went across the Ilocos pictures so I decided to share it in my blog :)

2 Holy Weeks ago, I went to Ilocos with J and his family (and his extended family) for a much-deserved R&R. It was the longest 12-hour drive or so I've had in my entire life and you can just imagine how excited I was when we got to the resort. Anyway, the food was great and the Vigan longganisa and emapanadas are to die for, the scenery was the best and I can't help but take lots of pictures and the beach... need I say more? :) Too bad we only had 3 days, only to find out there's so much more Ilocos province has in store for us! We weren't able to go to Fort Ilocandia nor Marcos residence nor fully explore the ancestral houses in Vigan (it was Holy Week so mostly are closed). Still, we made the most of out of our trip and tried to go to different places as much as we can.

Definitely, it was fun, memorable, with some weird extraordinary experience I had. I promise to go back and explore the province, especially Vigan. Indeed, it's more fun in the Philippines :)

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, Ilocos Norte

Bangui Windmills, Ilocos Norte

Pagudpud <3

Visiting one of the ancestral houses turned restaurant serving great food in Vigan 

Somewhere in the streets of Vigan

The best P30.00 coffee :))

Note: My bad. I forgot the names of the restaurants/places visited since this was 2 years ago :)

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Surprise! Surprise!

It's my mom's birthday and parents' 25th wedding anniversary last February 18. When asked what they want to do on that day, my parents had lots of plans -- HK trip with the whole family, US trip, Star Cruise, Australia trip to visit my cousin and whatever trips they could think of! February 18 came sooner and they still have no plans so my siblings and I decided to surprise them on their day. We decorated the house, had a fancy table setting c/o grandma's chinaware, made a video presentation of their "being together" for 25 years and finally, cooked a complete meal (yes, from soup to dessert) for them. My parents' were the happiest on that day! I am so glad my siblings and I's efforts paid off! :)

Check this out :) No worries, it'll lead you to a safe site :)

Hearts Day

J and I don't normally join the bandwagon and go out on a date on V-Day. The traffic is too much to bear, plus almost all restaurants are fully booked (unless you made a reservation, of course)! Instead, he just gave me flowers, which our little girl absolutely loved, and had a simple dinner at home.

So what is it with Valentine's Day and why is it a big deal for couples? You don't have to wait for February 14 to come just so you can go out on a date, right? Why wait for V-Day to make a girl feel extra special? Why give her flowers on V-Day and not on, say February 15 or any day? It's like an ordinary day after all. You don't have to wait for Valentine's Day to express how you truly love and care for your special someone. Show him/her everyday before everything is too late!

And to all single ladies (and men) out there, don't feel bad! So what if you've been spending Hearts Day alone. Why care if you're not out there, eating fancy food at a fancy restaurant with your special someone. Being single isn't bad. It gives you more time and opportunity to focus on yourself and other things that you care about, unlike those who are in a relationship. And maybe, that special someone is not yet ready to meet you or you already met him/her, you just didn't notice. Have fun and enjoy life being surrounded by family and friends who care about you! :) 

Valentine's Day is not just about couples, it's for EVERYONE. Be it single, in a relationship, married couples or whoever, celebrate Hearts Day with the people you genuinely love and care for. And don't wait for February 14 to show how much you appreciate your special someone. Spread the love! 

Preparing for Childbirth

Last November 2011, J and I attended childbirth class under Rome Kanapi (she's excellent by the way!) in Ateneo. At first, we only did this to comply with my OB's condition so that J can be with me inside the labor room. But after attending the first session, we really enjoyed the class. We learned a lot, from breathing techniques to prenatal and relaxation exercises to what to prepare on D-day. We were also taught about how to detect labor, maternal anatomy and other information that OBs might forget to mention. We also met other first time couples, who like us, are clueless about pregnancy and preparing for childbirth, and gained some friends. And the best part? freebies! Brands like Mustela, Pigeon, Avent, Safety First, Cradle and Cycles among others gave a demo and samples of their products and even provided us some discounts upon purchase :) Indeed, it was a fun learning experience and attending a childbirth class is definitely a MUST, especially for first time parents :)

Happy 50!

We recently attended J's grandparents' golden wedding anniversary <3

Despite the many news on infidelity, abuse and separation, it's heartwarming to see that there are still couples who live and love and can commit to that vow for 50 years. I just hope that all marriage last that long. Who says love can't be forever? :)

Hi everyone!

If you're looking for exquisite and quality jewelry, either for engagement, wedding or simply for personal use, check out Anti-Jewelry by Nadine & Patrick . It also customizes jewelry to suit your own taste. Its located in Binondo, Manila so do check out their products. You can also see their products on Facebook by simply clicking on the link above.

Thanks so much! :)

First Birthday

Last December 29, 2012, we celebrated my little girl's first birthday. I wanna thank Sophie's Mom for accommodating us and providing us with the BEST cake and cupcakes (Red Velvet is a must-try!). Our guests definitely loved them. Thank you so much! :)

... and also sharing a picture of our giveaways :)

Since I'm currently on house arrest and out of school, I'm catching up on books I bought months ago in exchange of law school books.

... and I just miss reading fiction :)