Hi, Hello, How Are You? (It’s good to be back; want some free stuff)?

Yup, it’s been a while, friends. Oh, how I’ve MISSED this!

Other than my obligatory *Mostly* Homemade Monday blog hop posts (which I do enjoy very much), I haven’t written an actual blog post in…well, let’s just say a little while. So, truly, it’s great to be back.

So…what have I been doing?

Well, quite a lot, actually. No, I have not been sitting around watching soap operas and eating bon-bons (YuCk…I’d never eat those, anyway). Let me tell you what I’ve been up to…and offer the opportunity for some free stuff.


I’m A Quitter

Yup, it’s true. I was once part of a blogging network, but no more. I quit.

Hey, it’s not as bad as it sounds. Actually, it is really good!

First, I did not quit alone. No, not even close. Well over half of the of the network left. I don’t want to get into all of the crazy details (I have decided to be the ‘bigger woman’), but let’s just say that I refuse to be part of a network that requires signing a very restrictive two-year contract, with a non-compete in place. Oh, and my skincare business? Yeah, that wasn’t allowed, either. No thank you!

So, yes, at first this posed a bit of a concern for me, as I do enjoy working with other like-minded individuals to offer and receive support/help; however, after only a few short days, I fell into an amazing group of bloggers (many of the same ones who left when I did & some new bloggers, too) and we have formed our own supportive group.

Long story short, it was scary at first, but I now realize it was an amazing decision.

All It Takes Is One Big Blogger

After leaving the blogging network and starting work with another group, I have had the unique opportunity to work side-by-side with some of my idols. For real…some people to whom I have looked up for guidance in my own healing journey. Pretty cool, huh?

Well, within one week of leaving the network, I had a ‘big’ blogger share something of mine on Facebook. Let me try to emphasize just HOW influential this blogger is…

She has a Facebook following of 321,730. Me? I have a following of 3,880. Click the picture above to visit this blogger’s Facebook page (Heal Thyself!), which I absolutely LOVE following and have for over a year.

Anyway, she shared my DIY deodorant (with a secret ingredient) recipe. To say it went viral is an understatement. I saw so much traffic in two hours that my site crashed…it literally crashed and wouldn’t load for people.

Who needs a blogging network, right!???

How incredibly grateful was I!?? I can’t even begin to explain it.

Were there repercussions from that share? Um yeah, you bet…two big ones, to be exact. Keep reading…

PS I promise I am getting to the part where I am offering opportunities for free stuff. 😉

1. Server Upgrade

I quickly realized that a server upgrade was necessary. My site simply could not handle the traffic. So, was this an ordeal? Yeah, of course! It simply couldn’t be an easy switch. Ha! Long story short here, my blog can now handle intense rates of traffic being quickly thrown at it. Hooray!

2. Orders, Orders, and MORE Orders

As you may know, I have a skincare shop. It started small, but it is growing, Growing, GROWING! After the HUGE share I received on Facebook…well, I saw more orders than I’d EVER seen. I do offer the DIY Deodorant in my Skincare shop…ya know, for people who don’t want to make it, don’t have the ingredients, don’t have the time, etc etc etc.

Well, people most certainly took advantage of it. I received so much traffic at my Etsy shop during and after that amazing Facebook share that Etsy sent me a message congratulating me on ‘being popular’.

*blush*

I don’t mind sharing this — In the past 30 days I have received 7,204 views at my Etsy shop and……..

73 orders!

Are you starting to understand why I haven’t had time to write a blog post!???

…and, the orders just keep coming in. I have about a 25% reorder rate from happy customers, which is great, but has certainly kept me b.u.s.y.

AND…the great reviews of my products just keep coming in, too (click here to read all of them). Gosh, I am so lucky to be doing what I love…truly, I am!

So, you may know this about me, but if you don’t…let me tell you…I can’t NOT be busy. I thrive off of busy.

So, why not create more work (and opportunity for myself and others)? I could see no good reason, so that’s what I did.


Pronounce Skincare Affiliate Program (make $ AND earn FREE product)

Starting from scratch (cause, well…that’s why I do), I have created a unique opportunity for myself and YOU. I know many of you have ordered my organic, healthy, *real* skincare products, for which I am so grateful to have your support.

I decided to help pay you back.

I created another website, housed under the one I have and on which you are currently reading. I have started an affiliate program. What does that mean?

YOU have the opportunity to help promote my skincare products AND, in return for each and every sale you make, I give you 15% commission.

I am also offering a very generous bonus program. I’d love for you to check it out. This is my landing page where you can learn all of the details and also sign up. It is quick, easy, and free to sign up.

No, you don’t have to be a blogger to join. Anyone can join…and I’d LOVE for you to join!

Want A LOT Of Really Cool Free Stuff???

Awesome, I do, too. Haha!

I am working with an amazing group of blogging friends to bring you an opportunity to enter and win our favorite things for the kitchen.

We are each offering approximately $50 of our favorite things, to one lucky winner. So, yes…that will be a grand total of $300 in our favorite things for the kitchen giveaway.

What Can You Win?

Well, I can tell you what I am offering. I’m happy to tell you!

Do you like coconut oil?

  • How would you like a free pint? No, no…that’s not good enough!
  • Let’s see…how about 32 oz? No, no, no…that’s not good enough, either!

*******What about ONE GALLON????

Okay, yeah…that should do it.

You know what else you’ll need in the kitchen while you are working up a sweat?

Well, Scratch Mommy Deodorant, of course!

For my part of the giveaway I am offering ONE GALLON of coconut oil (the best of the BEST coconut oil!!!) AND one 2-oz Scratch Mommy Deodorant (scent of your choice).

When Can I Enter?

Our group giveaway will go live this coming Sunday. So, expect a new blog post from me then, if not before then.


Blog Posts In The Works

Of course, while I have been quite busy with all of the things listed above, I am still running a (mainly) scratch kitchen. I have fallen back on many of the ‘old standbys’ lately…

BUT…I also have a few new recipes to share soon.

  • How about a creamy tomato pasta sauce (dairy-free with a gluten-free option)?
  • How about a salve to fix…well…pretty much whatever ails you? It provides nourishment for your skin and antibacterial properties. Forget the Neosporin! Bring on the DIY healing salve!!!
  • I also have a new breadstick recipe (this one is still amazing, of course, but I love creating new bread recipes for my hubs).

Come With Me On My New Journeys!!!

So, I apologize for being gone for so long, friends. I hope that you now understand.

I LOVE sharing with all of you. This is blog a wonderful outlet for me, and I have had such positive interactions from many of you. I love what I do; I truly am blessed.

I hope you’ll continue to be with me on all of these new journeys. And…I promise to try and not stay away for so long.

Until next time…

xoxo,
Jess, aka Scratch Mommy

 

Comments 14

    1. Hi Patti,

      Yes, of course! I’ve sent out many unscented deodorants and other custom scents, too.

      Simply place your order in my Etsy shop and in the notes section state that you’d like no scent. I’m happy to accommodate. 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by. 🙂

      Jess

    2. Hi Patti,

      Yes, of course! I’ve sent out many unscented deodorants and other custom scents, too.

      Simply place your order in my Etsy shop and in the notes section state that you’d like no scent. I’m happy to accommodate.

      Thanks for stopping by. 🙂

      Jess

  1. So happy for you!! And excited about the affiliate program too!! Will definitely be looking into that, as I have allready been telling people about your things, so hopefully will be able to bring you some MORE busyness to your life. lol

    Thanks for all you do, Jess!! I love supporting you!! 😀

  2. Hi Jess,
    I am thrilled to read your fabulous news and to learn of your new affiliiate program. I love your website and your natural skincare products. I hope to join and support you in you efforts.
    Thank you so much for featuring my post “Are You a Fashion Victim? 10 Healthy Reasons to Avoid the Toxic Side of Fashion & Wear Organic Clothing” on Mostly Homemade Mondays! I am thrilled that you like this post and found this topic of interest as well. It is very disconcerting isn’t it? I sincerely appreciate your support! Have a happy holiday!haring frank insignts as well.

  3. Was it the VGN network that you left? I am/was an affiliate but when I tried to log into my account they told me it was now a closed group. Apparrantly I never received the contract email? I’m not getting answers from VGN, do you mind letting me in the loop? You can pm me so that you’re not discussing anything you’d rather not in front of everyone on the internet. My email is [email protected]. I’d appreciate hearing from you so much!! Thanks 🙂

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