meta name='ir-site-verification-token' value='1860762106'> How to save money and look great while doing so

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Top Ten Fall Fashion Trends For 2020

 Top Ten Fall Fashion Trends For 2020

This post may contain affiliate links which means that I will receive a small commission if a purchase is made.  This helps me to bring you more and better content.


If you know anything about me, I love Fall.  I love to see the trees turn beautiful colors and the slight chill in the air.  What I love the most are the Fall fashions. You will see some gorgeous sweaters, pants, jackets and some cool looking hats. 

 There are so many ways that you can express yourself through Fall fashion.  Fall is a good time to revitalize your wardrobe. You can use a few pieces from last Fall but add in some new pieces to give yourself a new look. 

 In my wardrobe, I like to add some colorful boots in the mix to really make the colors in my outfit pop.  In recent weeks I have found some cute jeans and pretty sweaters in jewel tones that I cannot wait to start wearing.

Fall jewelry adds the right zing that you need to complete your outfit. My jewelry wardrobe consists of blingy pieces, ruby reds, emerald green, and lush sapphire blues.

I am adding a collection of items here that will be the top trends for Fall 2020.

                               Charter Club Petite Open-Front Cardigan Created For Macy's


                                         White Mark Women's Dakota Poncho


                                                  1.STATE Trendy Plus Size Cotton Colorblocked Sweater

                                     Levi's Women's Skinny Wedgie Jeans

                               William Rast Perfect Skinny Jean

                                  Lucky Brand Ava Skinny Jean

                                 Cole Haan Signature Asymmetrical Walker Coat

                             Alfani Petite Faux-Leather Mixed-Media Jacket Created For Macy's      



                                 Calvin Klein Women's Gara Booties



Wednesday, July 15, 2020

TubeBuddy is the best tool to help grow your YouTube channel

TubeBuddy is the best tool to help grow your YouTube channel

TubeBuddy logo

Image courtesy of TubeBuddy
Sashamoniquetalks.blogspot is a participant in the TubeBuddy affiliate program which means that I will receive a small commission if a purchase is made.

Hello everyone, I want to talk to you today about a wonderful tool called TubeBuddy.  TubeBuddy is a tool that can help you to manage and grow your YouTube channel.  This tool is certified by YouTube and it has great features.  It is a browser extension that is easy to install and it will be right there for you when you are uploading your videos.

I am going to highlight the features right here.

  • It can help your videos get to a higher search position
  • Help you grow your channel by offering you the option of improving your thumbnails.  It can even help you create a thumbnail.
  • You can test your thumbnail to see which one would be better for search.
  • You can find out the best time when to upload your video.
  • It has a keyword research tool where you will be able to find the best titles to use for your YouTube videos.
  •  It has a tag explorer. It shows you what tags to add to your video.
  • It has A/B testing where you will be able to compare video features so you can pick one that will make your video rate higher.
  • They have a free and a paid version.  The free version is good but the paid version has more valuable features.
  • You can publish directly to Facebook and Twitter.
  • Health report to see exactly how your channel is performing.
  • A video topic planner so you can plan the best video to get more views.
  • Videolytics: To see advanced analytics and insights.
Cons:
  • Some features are not available in the free plan.
  • Doesn't have a lifetime subscription option right now.


As you can see, there are so many tools on TubeBuddy that you can take advantage of.  There are also more tools available that I didn't list because I didn't want to make this post too long.  There are not a lot of cons.

I decided to install TubeBuddy because my YouTube channel was not growing and I really needed some help.  It is now starting to grow and TubeBuddy makes it a whole lot easier to manage my YouTube channel without a whole lot of research on my part.  This tool is very safe to use!

If you are on the fence on whether you should get TubeBuddy, I suggest that you start with the free version to try it out.  Then upgrade your subscription to get more features that you will need on your YouTube journey.


Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Straight Talk Wireless Home Phone Landline Replacement Review

                            Straight Talk Wireless Home Phone Landline Replacement Review

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links where I may receive a small commission if a purchase is made.  I paid for this device with my own money.  This is an honest review.

Hello everyone, today I am doing a four-month update on the Straight Talk Wireless home phone service.  This phone system is a no-contract replacement for your landline phone.

Before I purchased this device I was looking for a phone service that would be affordable.  I saw other devices that I was interested in.  Most of the devices were dependent on the Internet to operate.  At that time, I had canceled my Internet service because of the high cost.  I looked on the Walmart website and I saw this device.


This device sparked my interest and when I was about to order it, it wasn't in stock.  I then looked on the Straight Talk Wireless website and they were out of the device so I waited two more days and I was able to order the device and the nationwide card.

When I received the device it really was funny looking.  It was very easy to set up the device.  The problem that I did have was getting my number ported and when I called the customer service number they kept switching me to someone else.  It was a pain in the neck!


This device looks like something out of the 1980s with the antennas!

Once I got everything straightened out I began to use this phone and was so surprised at how well it worked.  You will experience a weird screeching sound sometimes when someone calls but that is manageable because it doesn't happen all the time.

After four months I am still in love with this Straight Talk home phone because it is so affordable.  I only pay $16.33 including tax.  This is truly a landline replacement.  You can even use it as an office phone.  I do not regret this purchase one bit.  In fact, it is my favorite purchase of all time.

I did a video review on this product and you can see it right here. 

If you want to save money on your phone bills, think about purchasing this system because if you do not like it you can always send it back and get a refund.


Saturday, March 28, 2020

Garnier Hair Care Whole Blends Ginger Recovery Strengthening Shampoo

Garnier Whole Blends Ginger Recovery Strengthening Shampoo

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links where I will receive a small commission if a purchase is made.

Today I am reviewing the Garnier Whole Blends Shampoo.  This was my first time buying this product.  I was interested in this product after I read the label and it said that it had ginger and golden honey in it.

I have always loved the way ginger smell.  Today I convinced myself that I needed this shampoo in my life.  My hair is very dry and brittle.  Lately, I have been trying to pamper myself with good products and am working on improving the health of my hair.

I opened the cap and the herbal smell of ginger was intoxicating.  I  absolutely loved it!  This time I  did not get the conditioner but wish that I had.  The next day I washed my hair and this beautiful fragrance filled the air around me.  My hair felt very soft and I conditioned my hair with a hair conditioner that I already had at home.


Next, I combed my hair and didn't see as much hair in the comb as I usually did.  The fragrance still was noticeable but not too strong.  My hair is natural so I am very careful what I put on my hair.

This shampoo is a little pricey for the size of the bottle but, let me tell you, it was well worth it!
The bottle is a 12.5 FL OZ.  It is enriched with natural extracts and it is paraben-free.  Try it, you will love it!








Saturday, February 8, 2020

How to become a better writer with Grammarly.

This post may contain affiliate links which means that we will receive a small commission if you make a purchase.
Beaded, Colour Pencils, Underwater
How to become a better writer with Grammarly.

I have been writing for about six years and I love sharing my thoughts and point of view through my writing. Blogging has provided such a great outlet for me to express myself in ways that I never thought was possible.  There are times that you can be so busy writing and creating that you will make mistakes.  You will look over your work, yet still, make mistakes with grammar, spelling, and usage.

I tried Grammarly and I love how it will correct your spelling mistakes as well as your grammar.  With Grammarly, I am not nervous about submitting work with spelling and grammar errors no longer.  You only have one time to make a great impression, and that is the first time.  If you are seeking employment and your resume is full of spelling and grammar errors, I can guarantee you that you will not get the job.

This application will even let you know if you are being too wordy which I am at times.

Notes, Paper, Paper Ball, Memo, Office

Grammarly has allowed me to save time because everything will be clear and concise without spending hours proofreading.  Grammarly will make you a better proofreader if you are in that profession.

Pros and Cons of using Grammarly

Pros

  • Very easy to use.
  • Intuitive.
  • It makes your writing more understandable.
  • It is very affordable because they have a free version that is good but they also have a paid version that has more features.
  • The paid version has a plagiarism feature that checks over 16 billion websites.
  • It will naturally help to enhance your vocabulary.
  • It is perfect for people who don't speak English well.
Cons

  • The paid version can be a bit pricey.
  • If you are using it on different browsers it will have to be installed on each one.
  • You have to install it on every device that you are using whether it is your tablet or another computer in your home.

Who is Grammarly for?


  • Students.
  • Business people.
  • Anyone who wants to write and speak better.
  • Job seekers.
  • Writers.
  • Copywriters.
  • Scriptwriters.
  • Songwriters.


Check out Grammarly to see if it is the perfect fit for you!


Disclaimer:  All images on this page is courtesy of Pixabay

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

How to get out of a creative funk.

this post contains an affiliate link which means that we will receive a small commission if a purchase is made.
Coffee, Notebook, Wooden, Orange, Work
Image courtesy of Pixabay      

How to get out of a creative funk.      
This has been a difficult month for me.  I am not one to smile when I am going through issues in my life. This month taught me a lot of valuable lessons that I will never forget.  Wearing my heart on my sleeve is my greatest challenge.

It was hard for me to make the choice of whether to carry out all of my endeavors or to just take a break for a while.  I had to make myself snap out of it and find inspiration in many other ways.  I found myself in different locations and talking to new people.  Although I have experienced great sadness and some regrets, it helped me to move on and make some major decisions on how I will move forward.

The only person that you can change is yourself.  You can also remove yourself from any negative situations.  This is essential to healing your heart and your spirit.  My work is important to me and it keeps me going.  This year I want to express myself more in photos and continuing my product reviews.  Blogging makes me happy and it is my way of escaping.


How To Get Out Of A Creative Funk        

  • Talk to some other people to find out what inspires them to go on.
  • Go out in nature and admire the beauty that is readily available. This can help you to get those creative juices flowing.
  • Do something different. Go somewhere and have lunch or dinner at a new place where you can meet some new friends who are creative like you are.  Take some new online courses; that is what I have been doing and it was very affordable.
  • Evaluate yourself and be determined that you will put yourself first in life and your career.
  • If you are lonely, get yourself a pet because I think that they bring out the best in people.
  • Close the door to negative people who really don't care anything about you.
  • Walk freely with your head held high and refuse to let people manipulate you.
  • Wear bright colors because they make you feel more happy and optimistic.

Monday, January 27, 2020

Amazon Fire Tablet 2019 with Alexa (7" display, 16 GB) Review

This post may contain affiliate links 

Amazon Fire Tablet (7” Display, 16 GB) Review
Tablets are among the modern devices which allow you to browse the internet, listen to music, watch videos and also play your favorite games.

 They are just like laptops but they have a small design which makes them easy to carry.  Due to their compact design, you can easily fit them in your pocket when you don’t want to carry your laptop. 

Today there are so many tablets on the market which makes it hard to determine the best. In this article, we shall review Amazon Fire Tablet 7 which is among the most preferred tablets on the market.

What makes Amazon Fire Tablet 7 so Awesome?
Specs
Size - 7.6 x 4.5 x 0.4 Inches
1GB RAM
Dual-band Wi-Fi
Alexa Hands-Free
2MP rear and front cameras featuring 720p HD video recording
Fast 1.3GHz quad-core processor



Design
The first thing you will love about this device is that it has a sleek design and it also comes with a formfitting case. 

The inbuilt stand enables you to view in portrait and landscape orientation without using your hands. Again, it has a sturdy cover that remains closed by a magnet. 

The buttons, camera, and ports are very easy to access which means that it has a user-friendly design.

Entertainment  
If you are searching for a perfect device that will allow you to enjoy your favorite movies, games, apps songs and ebooks, this tablet is among the best. It allows you to stream videos from Netflix, Disney +, SHOWTIME and Prime Videos.

 This means that it gives you access to 450,000 audible titles, 570,000 games & apps and millions of songs. It also provides 7 hours of browsing the internet, listening to music and reading.

Who is it for?
The good thing about this device is that it can be used by anyone. Again, it allows the parent to create child profiles when they want to set educational goals, manage content or limit the screen time.

Pros
Long-lasting
90 days limited warranty
Excellent front camera
Classy colors
Decent price

Cons
Poor battery life

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Amazon Fire Tablet 7 waterproof?
Unfortunately, this device is not waterproof.

Does it allow you to read and listen to a book at the same time?
Yes

Can you make voice calls with this device?
Even if this device is not a phone, it still allows you to make voice and video calls through apps such as Skype. 

Why do you need Amazon Fire 7?
If you have been searching for a perfect tablet, Amazon Fire 7 is among the rare devices that will give you excellent value for your money.

 You will find that it comes with many advanced features that you can rarely find in many models. It also comes with a decent price which makes it a great option for those who are on a tight budget.




Sunday, January 12, 2020

SashaMoniqueTalks Product Review: Hollywood Beauty Argan Conditioner

This post may contain affiliate links which I may receive a small commission if a purchase is made.


Hello everyone, I am reviewing the Hollywood Beauty Argan Conditioner.  This hair conditioner has been around for quite some time.  I saw it the other day at Walmart and decided to pick some up.
Lately, I have been gravitating towards products that I have used in the past and I know that they work well.

The Hollywood Beauty Argan Conditioner has a slightly fruity smell and it makes my hair soft.  My hair is still natural and I wash and condition it twice a week.  Have to keep that hair healthy under those wigs!


This hair conditioner is enriched with Argan Oil from Morocco. Argan oil is really good for keeping your hair moisturized and it keeps my hair from breaking off.

This bottle has 12 FL ounces.  I am really thinking about wearing my natural hair in natural buns and twist for Spring and Summer. This is a fantastic way to protect your hair from damage!

I didn't pay much for this bottle  and I was so glad to know that Walmart carries this product.  I will definitely be revisiting some of the other products made by this line.  If you have tried this conditioner please leave a comment in the comment section because I would like to know what you think about this product.



Friday, January 10, 2020

The danger of being on Social Media.

This post may have affiliate links where I may receive a small commission if a purchase is made.

Concert, Confetti, Party, Event, Club
Image courtesy of Pixabay

When I began my journey in social media I had so much fun getting to know new people.  Finding new friends was quite easy because you are able to find friends who are very similar to you.  Many times I would rush home to get online to see who was doing what and also to get the latest gossip.

Social Media provided a way to de-stress.  After going through so many disappointments, my life now consists of people who are very encouraging and friendly.  Social Media gave me the tools to grow in my personal life and bought new opportunities to be creative and professional opportunities as well.

Death, Darkness, Dark, Hood, HoodedImage of the person in hoodie courtesy of Pixabay

So, I told you about some of the good things about Social Media, now on to the bad.  Social Media can be an uncertain place.  A place of anxiety because of some negative comments or creepy people wanting to see or know your every move.  We have so many people who watch us on platforms such as YouTube and some other sites and they start to have an obsession with you and your life.

I have seen this so many times and I have experienced it.  Do you think that it is safe to post all of your pictures, videos and other personal things that are going on in your life?  Of course not!  We have unknowingly opened the door for the "boogie man" to come through and find out about things that will put us at risk.

Eyes, Animal, Nature, Dog, Blue, Danger
Image of dog, courtesy of Pixabay

You have to be careful about posting live videos and posting pictures of where you are because there is always someone watching.  Be sure to post after the events are over.  Do not tell everyone on Face book where you are going or your personal family business.  Never post anything regarding your kid's school or anything that would put them at risk.

I do not think that I will ever do a meet and greet because it opens up the door for someone who is mentally unstable to have contact with me.  Keep yourself safe at all times.  Keep cameras on the inside and outside of your home.  Wear a personal alarm system and get one for your children.

Make sure to get a home alarm system.  They do not cost that much these days.  Take notice if you see any suspicious activity online and around your home.  Check out your surroundings at stores and at the mall.  Do you see the same person showing up at different places?  Or unusual visitors coming to your house uninvited?   Document any and all threats that you get online and contact the police.

Put your family first!





Monday, December 30, 2019

Why you should always surround yourself with people who are smarter than you.

Man Talking On The Phone, Smartphone
Photo of man on the phone, courtesy of Pixabay

I have been on the quest to attain knowledge and during my search, I have surrounded myself with people who are very smart.  They come from all walks of life but one thing for sure, they are brilliant.  So many ideas and positive examples of what it takes to be successful come from these associations.

Many times we may feel that we have all the answers and there is always another way to look at a situation and how to work it out in your favor.   It is good to just listen and not interrupt so you can soak in all the information that you are being blessed with.

My friends have blessed me tremendously with books that they have read or ways to obtain information that I never knew was readily available.  Having an open mind will allow you to continue to learn without any biases.

I have also learned a lot by joining some Facebook groups.  A lot of these groups are headed by people who have tried and failed at different ventures but they also bounced back and are now successful.  You cannot learn without failing because failure is a lesson.

Lately, I have been staying away from complainers and people who have no goals in life, not because I think that I am better than anyone but, to move forward with my life on a positive note.  This hunger in me to succeed is getting stronger and stronger and I do not want anything holding me back.

Smart people can point you in the right direction if they are not able to find the answers that you are seeking.  People who volunteer their time seem to have a lot of knowledge because they are not working based on a paycheck.  They are doing a job to give their time to people who are less fortunate.  Many times I have seen volunteers teaching others how to read or how to search for work on the computers.

It is always good to converse with retirees in the field of study that you are interested in because they had a long term career in that occupation and they can clue you in on things that you can expect in that occupation.




Tuesday, July 9, 2019

When opportunity knocks, you better open that door!

Choice, Select, Decide, Decision, Vote
Image courtesy of Pixabay

Hello everyone.  I am sure you are saying " what the heck is going on because she is not posting anything."  I have been so busy but yesterday, I was in the presence of a friend of mines, and this person had been presented with some opportunities.

 He was given great information and the chance to make things happen and he waited till the last minute to respond and missed out on this opportunity.

This opportunity had been open for two weeks and if he had taken advantage as soon as this chance was presented, he would be in a great place right now.

One Way Street, Decisions, Opportunity


I don't understand whether he was afraid to pursue this great opportunity or was he just being lazy because he felt that he had enough time or what.
I have done this in my past and I think that I was afraid that things would work out.  It was like I was sabotaging my own life.

A lot of us are scared of stepping out of the box and being great!  If you miss out on too many opportunities there is no promise that you will get another one or if you do, it may take a very long time.

It is best to respond right away to the person who is presenting you will this chance for you to excel and move forward in your life.

When opportunity knock, you better open that door and walk right through!


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