Fashion & Style Fake Reviews For Babyonlinedress 10:19 PM I'm exposing offers I've received to post fake reviews for Babyonlinedress and other fashion brands like 27dress, Luvyle, Joracon, Stylewe, Shoespie, Lukalula. I think that all these brands are under the same management because if you check their websites, they have some similar items in their galleries and sometimes use the same email. If you're an online shopper like me, online reviews matter---a lot! So imagine my surprise and exasperation when I got an offer to post false reviews for certain fashion brands at a very cheap price. That is a double offense for me. First, as a blogger who work hard and is passionate about my mission to influence. Second, as a consumer who wants to get value for the hard earned money I spend on the items I buy. I posted about this on trusted review sites exposing the fraudulence behind these brands. It irks me to see that they are still receiving 5-star reviews. These supposed satisfied customers are not only raving about the dresses they received, but are claiming that the 1-star reviews are fake. They're making it look like we are the liars and we are only doing it "maybe because of grudge against the company" as one review says. Giphy So here I am not only warning you but also showing evidence that I have received offers to post a fake review from these companies through email. When I was just starting on my blog, I received banner ad requests from a lot of fashion brands. Little did I know that a few months later, some of these brands would come back and ask to work for another project with them again. A fraud one! I feel sorry for their victims who claimed that: they never received the item they received something that does not look anything like the item in the photo or nobody is answering their call or email asking for a refund Fake Reviews for Babyonlinedress and other Brands Click individual photos to read better I have warned some close friends and the wedding group I joined on FB about these brands: Babyonlinedress 27dresses Just Fashion Now Stylewe Popjulia Joracon Shoespie Luvyle Lukalula Selaros But I feel like it is my obligation to warn everyone I could reach and appeal to my fellow bloggers or online influencers to please, please, PLEASE not accept the offer. Because sadly, there are those who agree in exchange for a few dollars. I am hopeful though that there are still people out there whose credibility cannot be bought. As I've said here before, somehow blogging transcends from being just a hobby to being an extension of our lives. It is our online presence. It reflects who we are. Anyway, I will let these screenshots be proof enough that these brands are making money out of deception. Babyonlinedress' offer to post fake reviews 27dress' offer to post fake reviews They forgot to BCC the recipients on their email. This message was sent to 73 recipients including myself and sad to say, some responded that they are interested. Luvyle's offer to post fake reviews I had a feeling that this was another fraud offer judging from the many requirements and the low budget so I asked for more details. And I was right! Shoespie's offer to post fake reviews This is the first company to offer me a fake review Joracon's offer to post fake reviews Stylewe's offer to post fake reviews Update! These companies just never stop. Now their approach is offering a content writing job. I've received another email to post a fake review (as content writing job) on reputable review sites. I contacted Trustpilot, Sitejabber and other review sites and they are thankful for my exposé. They have been working internally on how to avoid and filter fake reviews which makes me happy. Because that means they're taking these frauds as seriously as I am. For my wedding, I bought my bridesmaids dresses online based on a recommendation from the Facebook group I've been a member of for a while now. So I understand the importance of reviews. How can we tell now which ones are real and which ones are false? I wish I have the correct answer. What you can do Buying online is a huge risk. Especially if the item is for a major event or special occasion and doesn't come cheap. My advice then to avoid becoming a victim of these fraud companies is to: Do your own research. That's why I posted this because in case you're looking for proof if you could trust the 5-star reviews you see, here it is. Ask around. When I was doing research for wedding suppliers, I didn't only read the reviews but I also contacted those who posted a bad review and asked if their issue has been resolved or not. I also asked friends if they have a personal experience with the company or know someone who does. Trust your gut. If you think it's too good to be true, it probably is. Follow your intuition. If something's not right, don't buy. Buy from physical store. As much as possible, buy from a store where you can see the actual product. At least you know if there is a problem right away and you can go back if you need a refund or exchange. I understand the convenience of online shopping. I've bought stuff online too. In the past, I have also worked with some brands. But I see to it that I post an objective review even when I received the item for free. I would always add the disclaimer that all opinions are my own. At the end of the day, my blog is not just for me to express my thoughts and rants about life and love. It is not just for sharing my experiences and travels. It's my service to others. The least I could do in exchange for the time you give me by reading my posts is to be as honest and real to you as possible. I hope you find this review before you buy from any of these brands. Are you also buying online? How do you distinguish a genuine review from a fake one?
Lux Thinking Aloud Bacolod Wedding Suppliers Review By A Bacolod Bride 10:06 PM I'll be sharing my Bacolod Wedding Suppliers review here based on personal experience and some tips which I hope makes your planning easier. One of the most daunting tasks in planning a wedding is finding the right supplier. So I made a vow that after I'm done with everything, I'll pay it forward and help the soon-to-wed couples. Bacolod Wedding Suppliers Review 💡 Tip! Create an Excel file. The file I created has different Sheets or Tabs, one for each supplier category (P/V or Photo Video, Wedding Cakes, Souvenirs, and so on).I added a DON'T BOOK sheet in glaring red tab color. Every time I find a new supplier, I check them first on that list. The suppliers in this category are those with 1 star review online as well as those NOT recommended by people I know based on their own experience or a wedding they attended. I kept adding names here based on my own personal experience of talking with the suppliers. If they're unresponsive, rude or unprofessional, they automatically make my DON'T BOOK list. Where to find Bacolod Wedding Suppliers Word of mouth Facebook search Facebook group Google search Word of mouth First, I asked my married friends for referrals and advice. From florists to HMUA (hair and makeup artist) to event organizers to cake suppliers, I asked anyone who might know someone. Facebook search I spent all my vacant hours every day utilizing the search bar in Facebook. I will be forever thankful for technology. I don't know what I would've done without AI suggesting pages or business I might be interested in. My florist, coordinator, photographer and souvenirs were all from Suggestions that Facebook's Artificial Intelligence ever so conscientiously recommended in my Feed. Facebook group Another heaven-sent is the Facebook group WAWIES. My (now also married) friend invited me to join the group while we were both planning our weddings. All the tips, recommendations, supplier reviews and lessons shared in the group helped me a lot throughout the wedding preps. It's like a support group for wedding preppers because during this time, who else can understand what you're going through, right? Google search What suppliers I see on Facebook, I search on Google for reviews and vice versa. Again, the internet is a life-saver. You can also visit Bridal Fairs. Check mall events schedule. Personally though, none of my suppliers were from the wedding expo. These are all the flyers I got from the event I attended in SM: After coming home from Wedding Expo. Overwhelming and exciting at the same time. Our Bacolod Wedding Suppliers Church - San Antonio Abad Parish Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What we wanted for our church: Small Air-conditioned Well-maintained We found out 3 days before the wedding that our officiating priest does not have a license yet. To avoid delays in processing papers, we looked for another. Unfortunately, majority of the priests were in Manila for a conference. Mandi, the parish secretary, helped us find a missionary priest fast. Everything happens for a reason. Fr. Sanjib Pani, our officiating priest, was great. He met with us and gave us a quick interview. He also agreed to do our confession the day before the wedding. I recommend him 100%. Price: Php 19,400 including use of AC, carpet, Canonical interview, paper works + choir + 2 principal sponsors Quality: They were really helpful and accommodating from day 1. Their choir was great, the audio was clear. I like the simple but elegant interior of the church. Communication: We get answers to our questions right away. What could be improved: They could use some re-painting. There were also a some candy wrappers in the pews. This didn't show in the photos or videos but could be an eye-sore for some. Please note that it was our choice to only have one pair of Principal Sponsors. You may call their office at (034) 434 9391 and inquire how much they charge now. Reception and Catering - Sugarland Hotel Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We chose them because they're close to the church and they're known for serving good food. Price: 23,540 for 50 pax and 3 hours use of venue + 6 LED lights (LED lights are optional but there's a corkage charge for each light if you bring your own) Quality: Although during the food tasting they served us cold food, they assured us they'll serve it hot during the wedding. They delivered. The staff assisting us during reception did an excellent job. Communication: MJ was our salesperson and she was clear, concise and professional. Accommodation: ⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you'll ask me about accommodation however, it's a different story. The night before the wedding, there were parties downstairs which we could hear loudly in our rooms. Brides need their beauty rest and you bet I didn't get mine as the party ended after 10. The heater in the bridal suite was not working too. Entourage dresses - Atet's Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I opted for infinity dress for my entourage so I (and my bride squad) don't have to deal with the whole process and hassle of having the dresses made. Plus they can use it even after the wedding. The infinity dresses were from Atet's. Someone from the Facebook group recommended them. Although they are Manila-based, they ship to Bacolod. I don't know them personally. You will realize that this whole wedding preps requires a lot of faith. 😅 Price: Php 550 + shipping fee (depends on the location) Quality: The fabric's quality was not compromised for the price. 👌 Communication: Responsive, courteous, professional Delivery: Fast. They gave an ETA of 2-3 weeks but as far as I can remember it didn't take 3 weeks for my order to be delivered. They sent my orders via JRS Express. What could be improved: Payment mode is only through Palawan Express, LBC and Cebuana. I wish they had bank transfer or PayPal options so it's more convenient and safer. They don't allow meet-ups. So even if you're in Manila area, you will need to pay additional shipping fee. Wedding dress - South Shores Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We were walking in a mall when I saw a long white dress inside a shop in a hanger and transparent garment bag. My then fiancé suggested that since we're already there, I might as well try it. I was hesitant. I didn't get that THIS IS IT! feeling when I saw it. Only when they took it out of the bag and I tried it did I realize how pretty it was. I bought it right away. Price: If you're a 'budgetarian' bride, you'll love it. I was amazed by how budget-friendly it was despite how elegant it looked. I don't want to post the price but you can ask me here. Quality: It looks expensive. 😅 I love the details too especially the beads and laces. Communication: The salesladies at the store were helpful in assisting me while I change. So why only 4 stars out of perfect 5? What could be improved: Unlike traditional bridal boutiques, I only got...the dress. No free veil, gloves, free use of mannequin for wedding day pictorial and other accessories. Not even a free hanger or a proper box or bag. My husband helped them pack it in two large eco bags and wrapped it securely so it won't get dirty or damaged. Because they didn't have a bag large enough to fit the gown. They told us that the dress was from Hong Kong. When we had the length adjusted in a dress shop, the woman assisting me said that based on the quality of bead work, it's made locally. She's been in the dressmaking industry for 20 years now so she said she can tell. 🤷 South Shores is located at 3/f SM City Bacolod. I bought my veil at Jimmy's textile at Bacolod Plaza Mart for less than 100 Php. We rented mannequin at Fit & Curves Lopue's East for Php 500 for one day use. Bridal Makeup - Ms. Marie of David's Salon Rating:⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We booked Ms. Marie right after our trial makeup. She's easy to work with as she's a pro and we like the no-makeup makeup she did during the trial. Price: Their policy is that if the makeup is done outside the salon, the price is double. Plus you pay for their transportation. In total, we paid Php 3,300 on the day of the wedding. They don't offer a bridal package. Quality: This is the sad part. We were both pleased and satisfied with the hair and makeup during the trial. Unfortunately on the day of the wedding itself, the lighting inside the bridal suite was too low so she ended up putting more makeup than intended. Communication: Ms. Marie (and Jessa who did my hair) were both pleasant to work with and well-trained. What could be improved: The call time was 5 am but they arrived around 5:20 am. It's not their fault that the room was dimly lit and the call time was before sunrise. But I think the makeup didn't turn out as good as expected because they were rushing as they started late and the room was not properly illuminated. We could have moved next to the window and opened the curtains so it's brighter had they requested it. Maybe David's Salon can also change their policy. My HMUA still had to report and work full hours on that day despite working a good four hours on our wedding. Makeup trial at Php 1,200 Entourage's makeup - BeautyLove by Stef Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I've known Stef since she was taking makeup lessons. So I also know she gives 110% in her work. Price: Php 4k for mother of the bride and maid of honor. This may be a special price so it's better to ask her for a quote. Quality: According to my sister, she didn't want to wash her face after the wedding because she loved her makeup so much. Everyone's call time was 5 am but Stef was up and ready at 3 am. The night before, she already prepared her things in my room. Communication: Straightforward and professional My husband didn't like his makeup on some pictures but I do. I think it's a man's thing to not like to see themselves with makeup. Florist and Event Stylist - Sweet 25 Flowers and Decors by Gilbert Taguines Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Couple Gilbert and Jinky Taguines were the 6th florist we talked to. We have had apprehensions with other florists. Either something's off in their contract, they don't have a permit, their offer is too good to be true or that they kept rescheduling our meeting and giving us excuses because we asked them to adjust the price. Price: See the price list they sent us below. Quality: The day before the wedding, Cebu Pacific flights were delayed (as usual). So the flowers they ordered were stuck at the Manila airport. The airline promised to send the cargo first thing in the morning. They went to the airport 5 am. The wedding is at 10 am. Yet while they were doing my makeup, Jinky already handed me my bouquet. The church was how we wanted it: simple and elegant. We were amazed by how they arranged the venue for reception. It was a small blank room that transformed into a romantic lovely scene. Flowers, tables and backdrop were arrange in a pretty way.Our guests loved the reception decorations, and so did we. Communication: Although there were some delays in their responses as they're also busy with other events, they are easy to communicate with, respectful and patient. Delivery: Late only for a few minutes during first meeting. They finished the flowers and styling before the ceremony and program started despite delay. What could be improved: I wanted a stargazer for the center of my bridal bouquet. Unfortunately, because of the delay at the airport, it stayed in cargo for 48 hours. This kind of flower wilts fast when not kept in a cool place. Before going to church, the edges of the stargazer were already starting to brown. The delay is obviously not their fault so I'm not taking a star off the perfect 5 rating. LED lights in the room change in color and there are photos that are too pink or dark. On the Day Coordination - Jinky Taguines Rating:⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We were happy when we found out that Jinky also does coordination. So we booked them for the flowers and we booked her for coordination. I opted for OTD Coordination because I know I wanted to be hands on in choosing other suppliers instead of letting another person decide. Price: 10k Quality: I didn't want to give Jinky 3-stars because we saw how organized and good she was. The problem was that on the day of the wedding itself, she hired freelance coordinators so she could help focus with the flowers and decors. Unfortunately they weren't as good as her. They're called 6 Angels. Instead of helping dissipate the stress, they were adding to it. I saw them frowning because they're in a hurry as the makeup and photo shoot started later than expected. According to my entourage, they were rude and unprofessional while rushing everyone. I think they were also pissed because they asked my then fiancé for the rings which will be used for the documentation on P/V but he refused. Obviously, you won't give rings to people you only saw that day. We weren't introduced to them by Jinky because she had to rush to the airport before 5 am. The whole time I was trying to ignore their unhappy faces and negative vibes because I wanted to be happy on my wedding day. But even the guests weren't happy with how they're doing their job. My husband was the one who guided the guests where to sit because he said he saw them do nothing about it. The seating arrangement was discussed with Jinky. A photographer who's not part of the team we hired kept snapping photos and they did nothing about it. We requested this to Jinky and even sent a copy of Couple's request and she acknowledged. Maybe she didn't pass on the message. My mother asked one of them to give the female sponsor's fan to my friend who stood there as the sponsor didn't make it, but they didn't do as she said. It's only a small fan with flowers but it's part of the package we paid for. I don't know where it went. I only saw it in the photo. The prizes I prepared for the games were not given to the right winners. I got an excess prize back so I don't know who didn't get the right prize and what they gave instead. I had a table games file sent which they printed and gave to the MC. Communication: Jinky was okay but 6 Angels weren't. It's seems they're not happy with what's happening. Delivery: Our guests and entourage were annoyed by them. We didn't like how they handled the pressure. What could be improved: If you decide to hire Jinky for coordination because again, she's good, ask her to hire a different assistant. We paid (for both Sweet 25 flowers and decors and) coordination down-payment during contract signing. We transferred the second payment a week before the wedding and paid for the balance after the wedding via mobile banking. Photo and Video - Rocket Lab Photography Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ While I was searching for P/V I would send the links of their works to my photographer friend abroad. Out of many, he liked their work best. In his words, it's more raw and not filtered. You can see the person's character and candidness in the shots. Price: Photo + Video (full and highlights) = Php 20k. This is way cheaper compared to other well-known photo/video suppliers. Quality: Some shots are really good, others just okay. I counted 36 shots that were almost a duplicate of another shot, off-centered, eyes closed, or those that didn't have to be included. Maybe they just forgot to remove from the file. They're young and dynamic. They helped lighten the mood so we can be more relaxed and have fun during the shoot. Communication: Responsive, courteous, easy to communicate with. Delivery: Call time was 5 am but I think they started working around 5:30 am. Thus, the delay and rush. But the photos and videos were delivered fast. Photos were uploaded on their page four days after the wedding. Video was uploaded 21 days after and we got the copies in USB the next day. They also gave us printed copies of the uploaded photos. What could be improved: They could be more punctual next time. I was expecting the moment my husband and I met at the altar to be included in the full coverage but it was not. It's a sweet moment when he said "You look beautiful, honey." Unfortunately, the camera man had to change spot at that moment. Also I thought full coverage meant the games and other parts of the program will be included. They cut to the speeches and some highlights. We paid 1k down-payment on our meeting and contract signing and I transferred the balance via mobile banking after the wedding. Rings - Hearts & Arrows Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We've searched far and wide to find the perfect ring that would compliment my engagement ring. Only to realized it's just in SM City Bacolod. 😆 Quality: We went to different jewelry stores in different cities but so far theirs is the best. I love that when you look under a colored lens you'll see hearts and arrows shapes in the stones, thus the name of the store. Communication: The girl who assisted us was knowledgeable and they're all accommodating. Delivery: They messaged us that they already have the stock before the date we're supposed to pick it up. My husband bought his ring online because we have different preferences with design. Wedding cake and dessert table - Sweet Peas Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I found Sweet Peas in WAWIES. I contacted them after I read the positive review. I spent hours browsing through their albums and fell in love with their work. Price: Php 3,500 Quality: I wish they have a physical bakeshop so I can buy their cake whenever I miss it. Love how elegant the desserts and our cake looked. Love her arrangement. Our cake was moist and chocolaty. The cake pops and cupcakes were also delectable. Communication: Responsive and courteous. Delivery: I only sent photos of how I want the cake to look, a some preferences and gave her the freedom to decorate. I paid online for the 1k down-payment. They arrived even before the stylist was done with the reception. I had my coordinator pay the balance so we never met in person. Souvenirs - Porte Verde 7225 Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I wanted a souvenir that is useful and environment-friendly so I opted for succulents. Price: Php 1,550 for 40 pcs Quality: I love the layout in the sign they added. Love the succulents too. Communication: Responsive and patient with all my inquiries 😁 Delivery: They arrived before the reception was decorated and I also had the coordinator pay in full. No downpayment required because it's only Php1,550. We also didn't meet in person. I will not post a detailed review of my groom's suit. But do yourself a favor and don't have it made at Slim's. I lost count of the times we had to go back to have it readjusted because it's either too loose or too tight. Finally my groom got tired of three months of coming and going so he just paid for it and we left. Not worth it. Ring box, invitations, candles and other accessories we did ourselves. 😊 Here's what my creative husband did for our arrhae, cord and ring box. Our wedding's theme is Simple and Elegant. As much as possible, we didn't want to spend on nice-to-haves so we can focus on the must-haves. I didn't feel oblige to follow the 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue' tradition. It took me almost a year searching for and booking for all the suppliers. It didn't all happen in one trip to the Bridal Fair or in one day. Although that's the dream, isn't it? I learned valuable lessons and realized in the end that there is no such thing as a perfect wedding, but mine was beautiful because I married my best friend. If you have other questions about these Bacolod Wedding Suppliers, feel free to send me a message here. Reach out to them as well because they may have changed their rates. Happy preps!
Listicle How To Stay Sane And Productive Working From Home: Campaign Monitor Review 9:47 PM I work online. Social media management, content and copywriting are my main focus. As of this writing, I also have wedding plans to do and house duties which include taking care of our 17 dogs. All these resulted to me sacrificing my time blogging. I used to actively engage with subscribers and followers. Now I can barely post. Not complaining! My life has beautiful plot twists. But I know that I must put time and effort in maintaining my relationship with my faithful blog family as this is the main reason why I started to work from home. But how do I stay on top of things without going crazy? How to stay sane and productive working from home? Here's my Campaign Monitor review and other tips I'd like to share based from my experience. How to Stay Sane and Productive Working from Home 1. Keep your environment conducive to working. I used to work in the bedroom. Big mistake! Your bedroom is a place for resting, not for working. As much as possible (and please make it possible), do not work in your bedroom. Although you're working from home, keep "home" separate from work. You'll see your bed and that will give you the feeling of wanting to "lie down for just a minute" and be comfortable. That's procrastination waiting to happen. That will result to projects delayed and tasks half-done. If you want to stay productive while working from home, don't work in your bedroom. 2. Keep distractions away. What distracts you from focusing on your task? For me that's my phone. Sometimes the dogs asking for neck scratch too. Dog owners know the struggle. Put your phone away or turn to Airplane mode. There are also productivity apps you can download. For your dogs, establish a routine. Give them treats before you start working or after. Whatever works for your pooch. Don't let them in your working area if they get too hyper or needy. Personally, I find it helpful if I feed them first or play with them before working because by then they're full and tired and they would just want to sleep under the table or beside me. 3. Have a routine. I'm lucky have clients who let me work anytime I want as long as I finish the hours we agreed on. I choose to work as early as I can so I can work some extra or run personal errands and end the day early too. Establish a routine around your schedule like going to an office. Have breakfast, check emails, decide on which task to work on first, have a break and allow yourself to rest. Campaign Monitor Review 4. Schedule ahead of time. I'm thankful that there are apps and tools that allow me to schedule ahead of time. I can schedule social media posts and emails. Recently, I've come across Campaign Monitor. What I like about Campaign Monitor It is easy to use. Signing up is uncomplicated. If you're new to email campaign, there is a short tutorial video that shows you a quick overview of how to start and monitor your emails after sending. They have professional looking email designs ready to use and easy to customize. They have pricing plans to suit your budget. You know they have the best intention for your business and subscribers because before you can send a campaign, you will be required to verify your subscribers list. You just need to answer how you obtained your list and how often you email them. But that leads me to what I don't like about this tool... What I don't like about Campaign Monitor I have answered the questions so I can set up my email marketing but I didn't get a reply. It takes forever for their support team to respond. I've messaged many times about my concern but still hasn't received any feedback. Based on my experience, I'm giving Campaign Monitor 3.5 stars. 5. Step away. Take a few minutes to step away from your desk. When work is getting too much, when I encounter some good old writer's block, I find it helpful to take a few minutes away from my laptop. What do I do? Take a shower. My best ideas for some reason come to me while I'm in the shower. Amazing how many articles I've finished writing in my head while enjoying a cool bath. Snack. I don't just snack on any food because food affects the way you think and feel. So you also have to be mindful about what you're putting inside your body. Read a few pages on whatever book I have my hands on. Watch funny videos or vegan cooking videos. Play with the dogs. When you remove work-related thoughts in your head, you find yourself ready for more ideas to come in. 6. Take vacations. Vacation does not need to be grand. You don't have to book a flight to Bora Bora or Maldives. Mini-vacations could be great and helpful. How does being away from work help you achieve more at work? Your brain needs to reboot. Your body needs to rest. Your soul needs to recharge. A healthy, calm body, mind and a soul at peace make you productive. Vacations help you stay sane because stress from work can drive you crazy. How about you? How do you stay sane and productive working from home? What is the email campaign tool you use? Please share with me in the comment! Note: I have received compensation for this review but all opinions are my own.