Creativity – Page 2 – Mapping the Light

🎤 Masingo Karaoke Machine Review — Your Ticket to Instant Fun!

Looking for a fun karaoke machine? Read our Masingo Karaoke Machine review to see why it’s perfect for home, parties, and family fun. Check price on Amazon.

Looking for a way to bring the party to life? Whether it’s family game night, a barbecue with friends, or just an ordinary Friday night, nothing gets people laughing and singing like a karaoke machine. After trying out lots of options, one machine rises above the rest: the Masingo Karaoke Machine.

👇 Grab it here:
👉 Get the Masingo Karaoke Machine on Amazon

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🔊 What Makes the Masingo Karaoke Machine a Must-Have?

The Masingo Karaoke Machine combines powerful sound, easy setup, wireless microphones, and a portable design — all at a price that won’t break the bank.

Here’s why it’s such a crowd-pleaser:

🎶 1. Great Sound Quality

Don’t let its size fool you — the Masingo packs a punch. It delivers clear, powerful audio with strong bass, perfect for singing along to your favorite tracks.

🎤 2. Wireless Microphones Included

No tangled wires here! This karaoke machine comes with two wireless mics, so you and a friend can duet or compete for best performance.

📱 3. Easy Bluetooth Connectivity

Connect your phone, tablet, or laptop via Bluetooth and stream songs straight from YouTube, Spotify, or your favorite karaoke apps. No cables. No fuss.

🔋 4. Portable & Rechargeable

Planning a backyard party or outdoor event? The built-in rechargeable battery makes this karaoke system totally portable — take it anywhere the music needs to go.

💡 5. Fun LED Lights

The Masingo karaoke machine also comes with colorful LED lights that flash along with the beat — perfect for creating a fun party vibe.

@sheripeno
sisters #whitechristmas #sisterslove
♬ original sound – Sheri Peno aka Wildflower 🌺

👍 Why I Recommend It

Here’s what makes the Masingo karaoke machine stand out:

🎉 Perfect for parties and family fun
📦 Great value for an all-in-one karaoke system
🔄 Simple setup — plug and play
👫 Ideal for all ages
🎁 Fantastic gift idea

Whether you’re hosting a birthday or just want to have fun at home, this machine delivers entertainment that everyone can enjoy.

🛒 Ready to Sing?
Don’t wait to turn your living room into a karaoke night hotspot!
👉 Click here to buy the Masingo Karaoke Machine on Amazon
Buying through this link supports my blog (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much!

💡 Final Thoughts
The Masingo Karaoke Machine hits the sweet spot between affordability, performance, and fun. If you’re searching for a compact yet powerful karaoke system that’s easy to use and brings people together, this is one of the best options out there.

🎵 Get ready to sing, laugh, and create unforgettable moments!

👉Masingo Karaoke Machine Order yours now

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no extra cost to you, and it helps support this blog. Thanks for your support!

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Opinion Disclaimer-This is a personal blog. Any views or opinions represented in this blog are personal and belong solely to the owner and do not represent those of people, institutions or organizations that the owner may or may not be associated with in professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly stated. Any views or opinions are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company or individual

Celebrating Words, Healing, and Sisterhood: Elissa’s Book Launch Was a Day to Remember

This weekend, I had the honor of attending my dear friend Elissa’s book signing and release celebration for her first book, Writing My Way Through Grief: A Daughter’s Journey Through Love, Loss and Letting Go.

It was more than just a book event — it was a beautiful gathering of community, courage, and connection.

📸 The energy was pure love, support, and celebration.

As Elissa moved through the room, she spoke softly about her book and the deep gratitude she feels for the support around her. She didn’t read from the pages—she shared from memory, from the heart. She spoke about walking through her dad’s final days with him on hospice, and the quiet, complex emotions that came after his passing. Love, grief, relief, guilt, and eventually, the slow unfolding of healing.

If her story speaks to something in you, you can find her book on Amazon (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases).

You can get your copy of the book now on Amazon here — don’t miss it.

Her words are honest and healing. Writing My Way Through Grief is not just a memoir — it’s a mirror for anyone who has experienced loss. It reminds us that grief doesn’t end, but it can evolve. That love never leaves. And that letting go doesn’t mean forgetting — it means finding freedom.

📚 The beginning of a new chapter — for Elissa and for every reader this book will touch.

As her friend, I’m so proud. As a witness to her journey, I’m in awe. And as someone who believes in the power of storytelling, I’m incredibly moved.

If you or someone you love is walking through grief, this book is a companion worth having.

👉 Get your copy of Writing My Way Through Grief here: Order on Amazon

To Elissa: Your courage to write through the pain, and your choice to share that story with the world, is a gift. Thank you for letting us walk beside you — in the room that day, and in the pages of your book. 💖

If you enjoyed reading Celebrating Words, Healing, and Sisterhood: Elissa’s Book Launch Was a Day to Remember subscribe to our e-mail list at Sheri’s Dream Catcher to stay updated with new blog posts

From Junk to Flame: Scrappy Candle-Making Experiments

Turn your household scraps into something magical. This DIY guide walks you through creative candle-making using leftover wax, jars, crayons, and more. Sustainable, experimental, and fun!

🔥 From Junk to Flame: Scrappy Candle-Making Experiments

Let’s face it — we all have a drawer, a cupboard, or a random box filled with stuff: half-used candles, chipped mugs, empty jars, crayon stubs, and other forgotten bits and bobs. What if I told you these scraps are the perfect ingredients for your next cozy creation?

Welcome to From Junk to Flame, where we turn overlooked household leftovers into beautiful, functional DIY candles. No fancy equipment, no waste — just curiosity, a little fire, and some creative combustion.

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A post shared by Sheri Peno (@slp_dreamcatcher)

🧪 The Experiment Begins

The fun part of scrappy candle-making is treating it like a low-stakes science experiment. You don’t need a blueprint — just a curious mind and some fire safety common sense. Here’s what I started with:

🕯️ Old candle stubs and wax remnants
🖍️ Broken crayons (great for color!)
☕ Mismatched teacups and chipped mugs
🧵 Cotton string (as emergency wicks)
🥄 A double boiler (or a makeshift one using a pot + bowl)

Goal: Make something that burns and looks cool doing it.

🔧 Tools & Setup (a.k.a. Your DIY Candle Lab)

Before you begin, assemble your “lab”:

A heat-safe pouring container
A stir stick (chopsticks work great)
Tongs or oven mitts
A mold (use anything heatproof — jars, tins, shells!)

You don’t need a candle thermometer unless you’re getting serious. For scrappy projects, intuition and observation work just fine.

🔥 Melting It Down

Start by melting your wax scraps (and crayons if using) slowly over a double boiler. You’ll want to stir gently and watch for layering — sometimes waxes with different melting points separate in interesting ways.

Pro tip: Add a few drops of essential oil if your old wax has lost its scent. Or lean into the mystery scent — that’s part of the fun.

🪢 DIY Wick Hack

If you don’t have wicks on hand, make your own:

Soak cotton string in melted wax
Let it dry straight on a sheet of foil
Use a wick tab or a washer to hold it in place at the bottom of your mold

Secure it upright using a pencil or stick across the top of your container.

🌈 The Fun Part: Pour + Play

Here’s where you can get creative:

Layer different colors and textures
Add dried herbs or flower petals (optional, but aesthetic)
Repurpose surprising containers — seashells, vintage glass, even citrus peels

Let your creation cool for several hours (or overnight if you’re patient).

🧠 Lessons from the Flame

Not every experiment will burn perfectly. Sometimes your wick is off-center, or the wax tunnels weirdly, or the crayon color melts into sludge. That’s okay. This isn’t perfection — it’s resourceful creation.

What matters is that you took something headed for the trash and turned it into warmth, light, and maybe even a new hobby.

♻️ Why Scrappy Candles Matter

Candle-making with scraps isn’t just fun — it’s a small act of sustainability. You’re saving materials from landfills, reducing plastic-packaged candle purchases, and learning to work with what you have.

It’s eco-friendly. It’s budget-friendly. It’s flame-friendly. Win-win-win.

Eco-friendly fire starters made from reused coffee grounds, dried lavender, and cloves for natural home fragrance and sustainable fire lighting — Homemade Scented Sparks! Eco-Friendly fire starters

🔮 Final Thought: Your Turn

So what’s hiding in your junk drawer or donation box that could become your next favorite candle?

Share your scrappy candle experiments with me — tag them with #FromJunkToFlame and let’s keep the light burning.

If you enjoyed reading From Junk to Flame: Scrappy Candle-Making Experiments subscribe to our e-mail list at Sheri’s Dream Catcher to stay updated with new blog posts

Sticks and Stones May Break Bones

Yes, sir we all know the saying “sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me”. A child who has been bullied for the better half of her life knows that others will throw sticks, stones and kick her when she is down. What the bully doesn’t know or never understood was that broken bones heal.

Bullied as a kid

In my childhood years I was bullied as a kid. For instance, I would run, hide and cry. Til this day, I remember when a group of neighborhood kids taunted me everyday and would follow me home. A large group would stand right outside our front door and some would be screaming profanities outside my window. Every single day this would happen. As soon as I got off the bus to walk home. I would try to stand up for myself but I couldn’t. There were too many of them and only one of me. Yes, sometimes the cops were involved but that didn’t really do much but make the matter worse. I had no choice but to put up a wall and grow some thick skin.

Bully didn’t know he was a bully

Do you realize that disrespect is an understatement, you actually bullied another human being. I’m sure you never looked at it that way and I know this is going to hit you hard. You have never looked at yourself as a bully nor have you ever wanted to treat people in that manner. To think that someone you care about looks at you as a bully. I’m sorry, you know the truth hurts and I know you want the truth no matter how hurtful it is. Your lies only coated the pain. Your name calling only made you feel worse about yourself in the end. Those sticks, those stones they broke my bones but your name calling never hurt me.

Envision Dream Rainbow Heart Spiral Notebook

Still I approach the bully with respect

I approached you with respect from the moment I introduced myself. I even approached you formally with your given name. “Good afternoon Mr. or Mrs. and so on”. I praised you and the accomplishments you had achieved. Still, you threw sticks and stones at me. You broke my bones to test me and see what I was made of. As I put together all the broken pieces to rebuild my backbone, understand that I have so much respect for you that it hurts me to hurt you. I know my strength and even now, I hold it together out of respect for you. Now I ask you, do you see the strength of someone who has been hit with sticks and stones?

Sticks and stones will build your thrones but love lives ever after.
Atticus

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Captivated with the scars of the sun’s heat

The Complicated Lovers-Scorched by the Sun

Captivated with the scars of the sun’s heat and tamed by the golden belt buckle. She was a toddler then. Too young to remember but lived with the mark. Some would say she was too feisty as a child and wouldn’t listen. Others say her stubborn and independent ways would become useful as she got older. To live a life of pain and torture, she felt it was always best to give others a fighting chance. Never wanting another human being to ever feel her pain. She knew scars healed on the outside and were harder to heal on the inside.

Thru the years, many scars healed but one always remained. At times she would feel self-conscious. Not wanting others to know she lived with this scar, she would keep it covered at all times. As she developed into her teen years, she was able to cover it with her bra and bra strap.

Alone in her room reflecting

“Holy Shit” she said out loud. “I can’t believe I climaxed so many times in just one night!” I have had consistently great sex but last night takes the cake. Maybe I have short term memory but this feeling I have is completely untouchable. She remembered going to her room alone after the concert. So who was it that pleased her with so much pleasure? “I know I drank a little too much last night, but I don’t remember inviting anyone in for a night cap”. She was perplexed but she really didn’t care because she had a total body sensation that made her feel entirely relaxed. She had orgasmed so many times, all of the stress and tension must have been released.

While in the shower, she started laughing to herself. Just then she realized she had purchased a new vibrator for her anniversary night with her husband. She must have tried it out last night. “Wow, it worked wonders”, she said to herself.

Was it wrong to have so much pleasure?

As her hang over wore off, she started to realize that it wasn’t just the vibrator that made her feel so good. It was the fantasies she was having about the great looking guy she bumped into. “Oh my God” she said to herself. “This is wrong, this is very wrong. I am a married woman. What will my husband think? Today is our anniversary.” Her mind was completely confused. She really really enjoyed her fantasies beyond measure. She felt great physically, but mentally she was torn. “If anyone finds out I was having fantasies of another man other than my husband, I will go to hell.” Furthermore, it goes completely against the vows of matrimony. And how ironic, it was her 6th year wedding anniversary. She began to feel ashamed of herself.

Fantasy mirrors desire. Imagination reshapes it.
Mason Cooley

Like a dog on a leash, her mind would only travel so far before returning back to reality. Not only did she sit their waiting for her husband to arrive but also would think about the mystery guy over and over again. “Why does he keep popping into my head. It’s not like I know him”. Is it possible to be attracted to someone without knowing anything about them?

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Observing an individual to learn more

The Complicated Lovers-The Private Investigator

Why would anyone want to observe an individual to learn more? He couldn’t take it. Ever since the first time they bumped into each other, he wanted to know more about her. Who is she? Where does she live? Who does she hang around with? Does she even work? He kept thinking to himself, a beauty like that must have a mate. In fact, I know she does. I just need proof. The more I know about her the better off I will be.

Banishing her from his mind

That’s it. That’s all I have to do is get her out of my mind. But, I just can’t seem to stop thinking about her. I mean, I don’t even know her name. All I know is that this is bothering me. I bumped into her, I didn’t even say excuse me or sorry. I just reached out my hand to grab hers. She didn’t say anything either. All we did was stare at one another. I had no idea what she was thinking. At first, my mind was like “hello, can I help you with something?” But, she didn’t say anything. She just kept staring. Since she didn’t want to spark up a conversation, I just turned and went about my business. But now, I can’t get her out of my head. Will I ever see her again?

Meeting of the minds

Since their first meeting of the minds, he wanted to know more and more. Every minute and every hour that passed it was driving him crazy. He couldn’t sleep, he couldn’t concentrate on his work, he was a mess. But no one knew what he was thinking or feeling. As a result of this complication, he figured that if he hired a private investigator, this would solve his problem. Although most people would think it to make sense to speak to the individual they would like to know more about. However in his case, they didn’t speak to each other. So how else was he going to find out anything about her. Besides, a wealthy man like that, he had the money to do it.

A wealthy man

He is a very wealthy and handsome man. He owns many establishments. Tends to travel to many places around the world. When you first look at him, he comes across as a distinguished gentleman. Maybe that is why woman have flocked to him like a magnet. He never really understood if it was because of his wealth or because of his looks. He’s the kind of man that would look at himself in the mirror and say “Hot Dam, I look Good, of course the ladies want me. Who wouldn’t?”. This was the kind of ego that got him to earn his wealth.

When he was young, he did not grow up wealthy. Clearly, he had worked really really hard to become the man he is today. Besides, at a young age he knew he did not want to be poor for the rest of his life. Furthermore, he would talk about his vision and dream of getting out of the slums. Some of his boys would laugh at him and say “he talking that shit again”. Of course, the ladies loved listening to him talk but that’s not all they liked about him.

“Her lips were honey soaked. But sweeter words were never spoken.” by Subhitcha Varadharajan

Project Honey Lips

At first, he decided to call upon his trusted coworker and brother to help him find a private investigator. Besides, they didn’t want anyone to know so they came up with the name “Project Honey Lips”. His boy was like “honey lips?” I thought you didn’t want people to know what you were doing? He was like, “yeah, but I keep thinking about how sweet her lips taste.” His boy was like “real inconspicuous buddy.” At this point, they had smoked so many blunts they could have been hanging with Snoop Dog.

A rich man is nothing but a poor man with money.
W.C. Fields

Yeah, Yeah…high as a bat, he says under his breath “Honey Lips, Honey Lips”. Now all he was thinking about were her lips. Especially, cause she has a cute smile. He started daydreaming. I wonder if she kisses good. Then he thought, does she even kiss? His heart began to beat and his mind started racing. Just then he blurted out “Who the hell is she kissing? Oh man, we need to get this private investigator today!!” His boy was like, “yo bro, what are you talking about?” At this point he knew without a doubt that he needed find out everything he could about her.

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Was it A Trap at first sight

The Complicated Lovers-The Night of the Concert

He thought to himself: Was it a trap at first sight? Who does she think she is? I’m made of gold and diamonds. Does she really think she has a shot with someone as powerful as me? I may be of the rich and famous caliber, but I grew up in the slums. I know every game there is. A trap? hmmm, why yes it has to be a trap? Who better to play the trap game with, then the trap master himself.

She on the other hand was going about her normal complicated life and was so excited, the concert was on a Friday night. As soon as she got out of work, she went to get her hair and makeup done. It was girls night. The plan was to meet up with her girlfriends at the casino resort where the concert was taking place. They decided to make a whole weekend of it. Of course it was also her anniversary weekend, but her husband didn’t mind that she wanted to do a girls night the night before. Besides he could be with her the following night and have her all to himself.

Getting ready for the night

It took her an hour to get to the resort. She checked into her very own corner suite. This was normal for her to get a free room for the weekend. Her girls had their own suite down the same hall. They were all so excited. They had purchased their tickets months in advance. It took her forever to figure out what she was going to wear. She packed 5 different outfits. One by one, she would try them on. And one by one, she would take them off saying “ugh, I don’t like this one. What should I wear? I want to be comfortable and I want look good”. She ended up wearing a pair of ripped jeans with gold wedge sandals. She chose sandals instead of high heels incase she got too drunk. The last thing she wanted to do was fall over her feet.

Typically she wears black to help her look slim, but for this evening she wore a pink ruffle top, like out of a renaissance movie. Some say it looked like she was wearing layered curtains on her body. Now that she was dressed, her next stop was her girl’s room. It was time to get the parted started. They had 2 hours before the concert was to start. Of course, they had liquor. That’s where the drinking began. One thing they forgot to do was eat. LOL!!

“Men are like coffee, they’re strong, warm and keep you up all night” -Unknown

Waiting for the main event

After a couple hours of hanging out and drinking, they had to get themselves from the hotel room to the main stage. But first, they had more people that were joining them for the concert. As they waited for their extended crew to arrive from New York, she decided to hit the penny slots. Maybe she could win a few bucks in the meantime. I mean, who doesn’t like to gamble? This meant more free drinks while she played her $20 bill. That’s when the text messages started coming in. One after the other.

The entertainers were at the gas station in a blacked out SUV smoking the herb. Her heart dropped. She thought-oh no, it couldn’t be? Please tell me, my husband’s cousin is not in that SUV? He can’t be. But what if he is? Will he tell them who I am? She had to think quick. How can she blend in with the rest of the fans.

Trapped by reality, freed by imagination.
Nicolas Manetta

She felt trapped

Importantly, no one knew. But, who could she talk to about it? Especially, if they find out? As a result, he could get killed. She also could get killed. Even so, she tried to forget about it and go about her night. The best thing she could do was to continue drinking and stay focused on girls night. Not sure if that was a good idea, yet that is the only thing she could come up with. Besides, some security officers already knew who she was and who she was married to. Surrounded by onlookers, she didn’t know if he (the great looking guy she bumped into) knew what was going on. Just then another thought went thru her head. “He must have a crew here too”! Take it easy girl, only you know who is who from your end. She had to keep it cool. Hand over head and heart-How was she going to get out of this trap?

What do you think so far? Should I continue with the complicated lovers series? If so, I’m trying to figure out character names. It’s a work in progress.

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What’s wrong with being a complicated beauty?

Sheri what is wrong with you? Why are you so complicated? Girl, you are so emotional. You need to just let that shit go. My answer for that is, why all of a sudden does it bother you and what’s wrong with being a complicated beauty?

Oh Honey, I know you wish you could have my looks, my style and my brains. LOL!! Yeah, well truth is, their is only one Sheri. I have my own look, my own style and my own brains. Furthermore, I have multiple personalities that keep you, your family and friends entertained. No wonder they keep coming back for more.

What does complicated mean?

At first when looking up the definition, I found that it involves complications. Duh, no really!! In other words, consisting of interconnecting parts. But Sheri, what does that mean? Clearly it means a circumstance that complicates something. Right! Well in short, it means difficulties. For instance, let’s say you are going about your day with routine activities and all of a sudden a global pandemic hits. As a result of this circumstance beyond your control, you are now faced with difficulties and your world becomes complicated. Was that a good example?

Or you are walking down the street minding your own business and bam, some great looking guy bumps into you and asks you out for coffee or some kind of drink. It doesn’t need to be an alcoholic beverage. Any drink, I don’t know, just pick a drink. Next thing you know, he’s asking you to marry him and you have only known him for like two weeks? This can be a very complicated situation here people. What if the girl is already currently married and living a double life? And he’s a friggen spy like James Bond in 007 where everything he touches turns to gold. He constantly makes millions of dollars. Possibly on the verge of becoming a billionaire. Did you ever think that having the Midas touch could scare a woman away?

The complicated lovers

No, I didn’t think so. But still, they seem to gravitate towards one another. She says “no, I can’t”. He says “but why not? Any woman would want this fabulously shining looking coin.” Again, she says “I’m sorry, I just can’t.” Then, he’s like “Fuck you bitch, your loss”. Needless to say, she cried about it. She was like, “doesn’t he understand that I have all of these external factors to work thru”. He’s like “I don’t give a rats ass what you have to work thru. You either want it or you don’t.” She was like, “Well Fuck you too then, I’m gonna go handle my business with or without you.” He thru his hands up in the air, shook his head and said “Fine, I didn’t want you anyway”. Why is everything so complicated?

What is the meaning of beauty?

Beauty is defined as a combination of qualities. Specifically, shape, form or color that entices the human sense of eyesight. For example, the dress I saw in the window would look good on me. Therefore, I will be seen as a beauty. Notice how I used the word “saw” and “look”. It focuses on what the eyes see in appearances. So if it looks good on the hanger, than it will look good on me…LOL!! Another way to understand beauty is with the word vision. This is defined as the ability to use your eyes to see and interpret the world around you.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Margaret Wolfe Hungerford

Basically eyesight in this blog is focusing on the first impression of how something makes you feel when you first see it whereas vision is a deeper thought process. For example, Clark Kent vs Superman. Clark wears glasses and appears to be a clumsy ordinary man. Superman, has x-ray vision and can see into a person, like his or her soul. LOL!!

“But Grandmother! What big eyes you have,” said Little Red Riding Hood. “The better to see you with, my dear,” replied the wolf

What then is a complicated beauty?

A complicated beauty is the guacamole of circumstances and difficulties that are mixed with a combination of qualities. I said quality not quantity. I would say a complicated beauty is like a multitude of characteristics. Maybe I am a chameleon that camouflages myself or better yet, maybe I’m like a deer that is swift and compassionate. Personally, I like to think of myself as a complicated beauty. Indeed, that is only one of the many reasons why you like me. I know, I see you smiling. Based on my beauty blog definition, your teeth would be something we would see with our eyes. It’s not like I have x-ray vision into the mouth. The soul maybe. I’ll let you keep guessing on that one. But you already know.

Back to our complicated lovers

Now back to our complicated lovers. Yes, I said lovers. Because that is what they are. They can’t seem to be happy without one another and they can’t seem to be comfortable with each other. Where is the happy medium? They are completely beautifully complicated individuals who have complicated lives and yet they each have a special gift that no one else could ever understand but the two of them. Do they love each other? Why can’t they just walk away, let go and move on? Because, the string that keeps them connected won’t let them stray to far off their path. Some days she finds herself smiling with complete joy knowing that he’s pissing her off. At the same time, she’s frustrated because her animalistic side wants to devour him. Shall I continue with our complicated beauty series?

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An Extension to Expand Our Reach for Growth

Recently on Sheri’s Dream Catcher’s My Business Journey Journal our topic of discussion was an extension to expand our reach for growth. We learned that affiliate marking may be an opportunity to earn some extra cash. At the same time, we are trying to grow our site traffic and increase our product sales. Overall, you need to know the basics of how an affiliate program works before affiliating.

What is an affiliate?

An affiliate is a type of performance-based marketing. Also known as pay for performance advertising. Basically, a business will pay a reward to one or more affiliates for driving traffic to their business who generate sales from the affiliates’ marketing efforts. It should be noted that prior to receiving the reward/payment, an agreement is made between the two.

Furthermore to ensure our marketing efforts are cost effective and low risk, companies will only pay out when a sale is made while also offering flexibility to pay publishers for influencing sales. Besides, paying for performance rather than for clicks ensures our affiliate marketing is a low risk form of marketing.

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How does affiliate marketing work?

First, you will need to find and join an affiliate program. For instance, you can research the affiliate marketing programs that best fit your creativity. Second, choose which offers and products to promote. Do you have a specific niche you are focusing on? That might be a good place to start. Third, obtain a unique affiliate link for each offer. This is important because the link you post is how the sale is tracked back to you so you can earn your commission. Fourth, share your unique links on your blog, social media platforms, or website. As a result of your marketing efforts, you have the opportunity to collect some money any time someone uses your links to make a purchase.

Keep in mind, affiliate marketing takes time. That’s why patience is a virtue and hard work pays off.

Which type of affiliate program is for you?

Affiliate marketing is not for everyone, nor is it easy. However, if you want to try it, figure out which type of affiliate program is best for you. Sometimes, a little trial and error can help too! Indeed, I am more of a content marketer because, I share unique links on my blogs and web pages. Last but not least, I have listed a few types of programs below for you to review and research on your own.

Content marketing programs
Coupon-site programs
Review-site Programs
Loyalty Portals
Incentive Programs
Email Marketing
Digital assets
Traditional Media

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Do affiliates pay taxes?

Since affiliates have the opportunity to make sales and earn a commission, they will need to pay taxes on the money they earn. So the answer is yes, affiliates pay taxes. First and foremost, you will need to treat the earnings as an individual and file these earnings on your own personal tax return. Specifically, you are required to file Form 1120 with the IRS to report earnings.

How much do affiliates make?

The most frequent and biggest question asked is how much do affiliates make? The answer is really simple, it all depends on you. You always get what you give. Are you putting 110% into your marketing efforts? Are you connecting your links correctly? Are you creating great content to drive traffic?

However to answer your question because you prefer to skip to the earnings verses learning all the steps, I will share with you what I have found through my research. First, low-level affiliates can earn up to $300 a day. Second, intermediate levels earn between $300-$3,000 a day. Third, a high-level affiliate can earn above $3,000 a day. Finally, super affiliates tend to make more than $10,000 a day. Also known as a “guru” of affiliate marketing.

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What are the Seven steps in affiliate marketing?

Below are the basic seven steps to help you when beginning your affiliate marketing efforts. Again, I would recommend doing some research and learning the basics before jumping into affiliate marketing. That is just my suggestion. Don’t take my word for it, trust in yourself!

Decide on a platform.
Choose your niche.
Find affiliate programs to join.
Create great content.
Drive traffic to your affiliate site.
Get clicks on your affiliate links.
Convert clicks to sales.

Overall, what are the basics for how affiliate marketing works?

Because the program is simple yet complicated, I am starting to feel like I am repeating myself. First determine if affiliate marketing is for you. If so, begin with recommending a product or service to your followers through your website, blog or email list. Next, hope and pray your followers purchase the product or services using your unique affiliate link. Then, you will get paid a commission for the sales you made with your unique link.

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To join our Affiliate Program, visit Envision Dream, LLC at www.envision-dream.com and start earning your extra cash!

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT An Extension to expand our reach for growth-WATCH OUR FULL MY BUSINESS JOURNEY JOURNAL VIDEO DISCUSSION BELOW- Why Affiliates?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n05MvWQpvKY

If you’re prepared and knows what it takes, it’s not a risk. You just have to figure out how to get there. There is always a way to get there.
Mark Cuban

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Drop Shipping is a Useful Opportunity

Recently on Sheri’s Dream Catcher’s My Business Journey Journal our topic of discussion was Drop Shipping is a Useful Opportunity. We learned that Drop Shipping is not for everyone and nor is it easy. However, it is a low-risk business model that allows you to sell products to your customers without incurring huge running costs. Stemming off of our previous My Business Journey Journal Topics, we are expanding our options when it comes to our goods and services that we want to sell for a profit while giving value to our customers.

What is Drop Shipping?

Drop shipping is a low-risk fulfillment method where you do not need to store actual inventory onsite. Instead, orders are fulfilled, and inventory is shipped directly from a third party to the customer. As a result, you only pay for the item when it is purchased, thus lowering your overhead costs.

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What is a drop shipping procedure?

When you have a drop shipping business model, you are not required to have a physical store. For instance, a drop shipping business is typically seen as an online store. Previously in our Storefront Vlog we learned the differences of a physical storefront and a virtual storefront. Some physical retailers may keep potential drop-shipped items on display and provide details on how the customer can purchase the product. For this reason, the retailer may arrange for the products to be shipped directly to the customer from the manufacturer.

The Pros and Cons of Drop Shipping

The pros for drop shipping is that there is low risk. Such as not having to invest a ton of money into inventory that potentially may not sell. Since you do not need to stock up on inventory, you do not need to secure a warehouse to store your inventory. Therefore, you end up with very little overhead costs too. Drop Shipping can be useful for both small and large businesses in the long run. However, the con is that drop shipping is not for everyone.

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Benefits of dropshipping

The benefits of drop shipping can include the advantages of quickly testing different business ideas with limited risks. Due to the low risks, it gives the business an opportunity to learn a lot about how to choose and market in-demand products. Thus, making drop shipping a great business model for aspiring entrepreneurs to start with. See our list of benefits of drop shipping below.

Less Capital is required
Easy to get started
Low Overhead costs
Flexible location
Wide Selection of Products to Sell
Easier to Test
Easier to Scale

Businesses that utilize drop shipping gain the ability to list and potentially sell products before having to purchase large amounts of inventory. In addition to low over head costs, ecommerce businesses do particularly well as their sales grow. Due to the fact that additional work comes with sales growth, drop shipping sites can rely on the manufacture to help with the increased sales volume and customer support.

What to know before launching a drop shipping store?

Before launching a drop shipping store, it may be beneficial to you, your customers and your store to educate yourself on what ecommerce is. In addition to learning the ins and outs of the virtual business world, it might be a good idea to research your products, suppliers and competitors as well. Not only do you want the best ecommerce business, but you also want the best ecommerce platform to run and host your online business. For instance, the best ecommerce sites will come with tools that will have hosting, design, pricing, payment options, marketing tools and reports.

Let’s not forget

Do you anticipate heavy traffic to your online store? If so, consider how much you will sell. Of course, if you tend to grow, having an ecommerce platform with a solution that offers lots of online storage space, inventory and bandwidth is ideal. Additionally, checking for must-have features such as payment security and sales reports will be beneficial in the future. Clearly provide enough payment and shipping options for your customers.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT Why drop shipping is a useful Opportunity-WATCH OUR FULL MY BUSINESS JOURNEY JOURNAL VIDEO DISCUSSION BELOW- Drip Drip Drop

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cd8ZM2gpdfU

True joy of nature is when every drop of water shines like a pearl
Anamika Mishra

If you enjoyed reading Drop Shipping is a Useful Opportunity subscribe to our e-mail list at Sheri’s Dream Catcher to stay updated with new blog posts

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🔋 4. Portable & Rechargeable

💡 5. Fun LED Lights

👍 Why I Recommend It

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🔮 Final Thought: Your Turn

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Bully didn’t know he was a bully

Still I approach the bully with respect

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The Complicated Lovers-Scorched by the Sun

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Was it wrong to have so much pleasure?

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The Complicated Lovers-The Private Investigator

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Project Honey Lips

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The Complicated Lovers-The Night of the Concert

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What does complicated mean?

The complicated lovers

What is the meaning of beauty?

What then is a complicated beauty?

Back to our complicated lovers

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What is an affiliate?

How does affiliate marketing work?

Keep in mind, affiliate marketing takes time. That’s why patience is a virtue and hard work pays off.

Which type of affiliate program is for you?

Do affiliates pay taxes?

How much do affiliates make?

What are the Seven steps in affiliate marketing?

Overall, what are the basics for how affiliate marketing works?

To join our Affiliate Program, visit Envision Dream, LLC at www.envision-dream.com and start earning your extra cash!

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT An Extension to expand our reach for growth-WATCH OUR FULL MY BUSINESS JOURNEY JOURNAL VIDEO DISCUSSION BELOW- Why Affiliates?

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Like this:

What is Drop Shipping?

What is a drop shipping procedure?

The Pros and Cons of Drop Shipping

Benefits of dropshipping

What to know before launching a drop shipping store?

Let’s not forget

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT Why drop shipping is a useful Opportunity-WATCH OUR FULL MY BUSINESS JOURNEY JOURNAL VIDEO DISCUSSION BELOW- Drip Drip Drop

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