Hey, followers!

Isn’t this quarantine situation crazy? I hope you are staying home, washing your hands, and discovering a new hobby.

I wanted to do a Q&A since I have gotten quite a few questions on Instagram regarding who I am and what I do, both professionally and as a hobby.

[Edit: Affiliate and referral links below; purchases through these links help sustain Realm of Vibes.]

Some of the questions I have received are:

How many jobs do you have?

Several. First, I am a mom to a little human, 2 dogs and an LEO wife. These are my most important jobs.

Second, I am an occupational therapist. I work in a school two days a week and in nursing homes and continuum of care facilities as a per diem therapist the other days of the week if needed. (My Bachelor’s degree is in Exercise Science and my Master’s is in Occupational Therapy).

Third, I am an AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor. I teach barre, TRX, and general strength and conditioning classes at gyms and studios. (Have you purchased [affiliate] The Booty Kicker?)

Fourth, I am a blogger and freelance writer. I mostly write about health and fitness topics.

Fifth, I am a product reviewer. I have been doing this since I was a teenager. If you follow my blog and my Instagram, you will see some of the things I review.

Sixth, I am a doTERRA Wellness Advocate. I love essential oils. Lavender is my go-to.

What are your favorite products to review?

I love reviewing anything food and fitness related. I also like anything that smells good, can reduce my wrinkles, or improve the appearance and comfort of my home. I enjoy getting new clothes but find it challenging to be a good Instagram worthy model. I also love reviewing books.

What do you think of MLMs?

Loaded question.

I absolutely love doTERRA’s products. I have been with doTERRA since February 2017.  I was really focused on building a team, doing vendor events in my community, getting friends and family to purchase oils and products, with very little return on all of my investment. (Some months, I would make $100, but most months, I was making $10; let’s be real.) So, I changed my strategy. I put all of my family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc., on my account. I split shipping and they get the wonderful products and I get all of the points to acquire freebies. (Most months, I don’t have to buy shampoo, conditioner, soap, mouthwash, toothpaste, skin care products.) I feel that to be really successful in an MLM, you have to get into these companies early on, and even then, the market is so saturated. Every day, I get at least 5 messages on Instagram from a Beachbody coach, someone selling Monat, or Le-Vel’s Thrive, or Rodan & Fields, just to name a few.

I give the women that do these side hustles a lot of credit. It takes a lot of work, and I hope that they reach the success they desire. I know I won’t be walking the stage as a “Blue Diamond” at doTERRA’s annual gala, and that’s okay. I’m happy with using their products because they make me happy and I believe in them. (Lavender, baby!)

I am also open to testing and reviewing other companies’ products. Beachbody Coach Arlene sent me the Pumpkin Spice Shakeology (very good, compared to the other flavors) and Chocolate Cherry Almond bar.  They were both tasty! Am I signing up for them? No. Why? Because I actually have been making my own bars during this quarantine with NUTSOLA, to be honest. And $40 for 15 bars is a little steep for my budget. Do I have Beachbody On Demand? Yes! I love the workouts!

The same concept goes with the other MLM companies; I purchase PartyLite candles from Kristen Freedline semi-regularly. I love the scents of the tealights! (I also love the Lumi Candles 100% natural beeswax tealight candles, too. Andra is a female business owner that I love to support.) I love the variety and supporting both MLM and small businesses.

Erica sent a sample pack from Le-Vel’s THRIVE because I am super curious about their three-step program and patches. I can’t wait to try the vitamins, shake, and patches! Thanks, Erica!

I have tried many samples that I truly enjoyed from Rodan & Fields. I want to try a few of their products when I finish the products I currently am currently using.

I don’t see the harm in reviewing different products, giving my honest feedback, and if the seller gets some leads and sales from my post, fabulous!

Do you ever buy the products you promote?

My honest answer, sometimes.

I received 2 complimentary bags of NUTSÓLA to review. Jason and I INHALED the contents, so I ordered 4 more. I loved the product and it is healthy, and affordable, especially with there 30% off sale and free shipping over $30. Use code REALMOFVIBES for 15% off!

I also had the pleasure of reviewing the VOLO hair towel on Instagram. It is $40. I am not buying another one. I love the product, it dries my hair in record time and is super soft and comfortable, but I can’t find $40 in my budget to spend on another hair towel. May I purchase it as a gift for someone? Absolutely.

Get my drift? When possible, I will ALWAYS try to support the products I promote that are affordable and appropriate for my lifestyle.

Are your product reviews real? Do you ever promote something you don’t like? 

It bothers me when my integrity is questioned.

I have received products from companies that I have absolutely hated. I address these products by sending the company an e-mail telling them the problems I encountered with their product. I usually ask them if they want me to post my HONEST review, or, I thank them for the product, tell them that it is something I really can’t stand behind, hope that they will use my feedback effectively, and we both go on our merry way.

You will see on my Instagram that I posted a not-so-good review of a very expensive beauty product. It didn’t really work for me and my skin. It may work for you. It is what it is.

I’ll never stand behind something that I wouldn’t use myself. You will see both positive, negative, and indifferent reviews on my blog and social media outlets.

How was Misfits Market?

I am obsessed. A lot of the produce I received was really NOT misfit! I ordered the Madness box (the big boy) and received potatoes, pears, turnips, beets, oranges, tomatoes, parsnips, peppers, kale, apples, green beans, carrots, and brussels sprouts. All of it was ORGANIC and NON-GMO. Get 25% off your first box by using my code:

COOKWME-FB8XAN

In your IG stories, where do I get the items I see you using with your daughter?

I keep my (affiliate) Amazon storefront updated with the things I use and have promoted. Please use this link to purchase as it helps to sustain this blog.

Those have been the latest questions I have received through e-mail and social media.

If you have a question for me, would like to have a product featured on Realm of Vibes, or have any comments or concerns, please e-mail me at realmofvibesdg@gmail.com

Stay safe!