Exposing the NORA NYC Scam!

I’ve heard all kinds of things about them trying to shut people down and say it’s slander but i’m going to go ahead and preface this with a warning: these are things i’ve witnessed and read about. All allegedly, of course.

  1. The Comment: If you’re reading this, chances are you got a comment on one of your instagram photos. It generally will start with a compliment and then saying something along the lines of the fact you’re been selected to be an affiliate and “work” with them. They ask you to DM or e-mail for more information.
  2. The DM: If you email or DM them, they’ll come back to you with a message almost instantaneously. I believe that a majority of their communications are automated. They are essentially casting out their fishing pole and waiting for some bites. They’ll let you know about the “exclusive” discount you’ll receive if you order, the affiliate code you’ll get and the fact that you will be featured on their profile. I’ve heard that the affiliate code that is passed around is one they share multiple times. Usually those codes are individual to each person so that they receive their cut. I’ve read/heard that a lot of people have not received a cent.) Word to the wise — if it was a legitimate sponsorship/partnership or collaboration, you will NOT be spending money. That should immediately raise a red flag.
  3. The Purchase: If you’ve already gone this far and made a purchase, sorry to say, but you fell for it. You fell for their pitch and their promises. On either site, you’ll see the jewelry or sunglasses. They are sometimes modelled and passed off as “handcrafted” and “handmade” This is part of the facade of quality that they are creating. In fact, most of the items they pass off as being their own designs are available through eBay and alibaba. It doesn’t take long for me to find some styles they are hawking. 
  4. The Questions: So, it’s been 4-8 weeks and you still haven’t received your glasses. Well, here’s the deal. Your item is coming from China and it’s possible that Nora NYC & Mirina are both based there. They have no phone number, no address and seemingly no information other than an e-mail. You’ll get some kind of phony excuse. 
  5. The Product: You’ve received your product. It came in a grey, plastic envelope with a shipping label from china. Packaged on a flimsy card or in a thin, cardboard box. It feels lightweight, it’s falling apart or crooked and you’re unhappy with the product you received. Well, I hate to tell you, but there’s a very good chance it’s made out of cadmium. To reduce costs, cadmium is used because it’s saves money and increases profit margins. Oh, not to mention, it’s EXTREMELY TOXIC.

Instagram is @shopnoranyc

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Birthday Month!

My birthday is at the end of the month, but I wanted to share this video with all of you.

New Thrift Haul Video!

Would love if you could watch this & if you’re able to, please subscribe!

-Margaux

Two New Videos!

RETRAK Animalz Headphones Unboxing & Review!

 

Are you looking for super cute headphones that are soft, warm and really affordable?

Retrak makes incredibly affordable ones with a retractable cord and sound limiting technology. They are marketed towards kids, but if you have a small head like mine then you can easily rock these. There’s lots of different animals. No more BLASTING your eardrums with music that goes too loud. That will never happen with these.

Protecting young ears and creating a fun way to listen is what these are all about.

You can find more about them here:

What’s your favourite design?

Thank you Retrak for sending me these. All opinions are my own!

Smart Grocery Shopping: 11 Ways

The Grocery store isn’t the place you always want to be. It’s sometimes nearly impossible to navigate and a quick trip turns in to an hour!  Some ways I save time and money:

Write a List

Whether it’s on a ratty piece of paper or typed up on your phone, it’s a pretty smart idea. That is, if you can stick with it. Make it a personal challenge!

Try not to shop when hungry

It’s so easy to toss some junk food in to your awaiting cart or basket. The hard part is trying to abstain from eating it once it’s in your house!

Check all the flyers you have in print or online

I write my list based on stores & prices. A lot of the time stores will have the same items on sale and it’s worth doing a side by side comparison.

Search for coupons for sale items

You wouldn’t believe how you can save. Some great websites are websaver, Save.ca (they even have an app now), Gocoupons.ca and Websaver. Some stores have coupons specific to them on their website that you can print out. Newspapers come with coupon inserts as well so ALWAYS check and hold on to them. Don’t be afraid to google search for your specific coupons. If you’re going to get in to couponing on a regular basis, check your dollar store for a small file or book to organize them in.

Take Advantage of loyalty card offers

All cards are different. Cards like PC plus only give you points if you’ve loaded your offers. It’s worth checking your email frequently to see what items you get more points on!

Check the ethnic foods aisle

I’ve been buying spices like no ones business as of late. The regular spice aisle can be a bit more expensive. If you want a larger amount at a fraction of the cost, mosey on over and check it out! Also great for things like canned items as well.

Check the clearance

It might be produce, cheese, bread or other items. Check the date, check the product. If it’s in fine shape it might be worth saving a few bucks. Generally expiry dates are loose guidelines. I purchase my bread this way and just stick it in the freezer until i’m ready to eat it.

Check your local Farmers Market

I definitely wasn’t prepared to spend $1.58 on one bell pepper at RCSS. I was able to purchase two peppers for less then that at my local Farm store. Most definitely worth it to stock up on your produce this way. I also know if i’m making a recipe and not using specific ingredients more then once to just buy what I need, it turns out to be cheaper for me and I have less food going bad.

Bring your flyers with you & match prices

Most stores will allow you to do this, some will also allow you to use coupons with the advertised deals too. I’m one of those people who will have a few flyers stashed in my purse. You can always use apps like flipp or websites like flyertown on your phone as well!

Familiarize yourself with the Scanning Code of Practice

If you’ve ever seen a piece of paper with some words and a few symbols at cash and never really paid much attention to it, you should. If a price of an items scans higher then the posted price, you’re entitled to that first item free up to a $10 value. Not all stores participate.

Download Checkout 51, Caddle and Zweet to earn cash back

Check out the offers and as long as you buy the item within the proper time frame, you’re good to go! Snap the receipt and watch that money add up.

Here’s a handy list of links to help you save:

Checkout51
Zweet
Caddle (Referral)
RedFlagDeals
Flyertown
Flipp
TheHealthyShopper
Websaver
Save.ca
GoCoupons
RetailMeNot 
Ebates (Referral)

DISCLAIMER: None of these brands or products have contacted me in any way to promote their brands. These are things i’ve found out on my own accord and I am sharing it with you!