Galerie Clearance Center

Visit Galerie for to purchase unique items at discounted prices.  Toys and gifts are often marked at 80% below retail prices, and bulk candy can be purchased for $1.25 per pound.

 The store is located at 3380 Langley Drive in Hebron, KY.    Look for a large white building which faces North Bend Road.

Store Hours:   

Summer Hours (Easter - September 30):  Tues-Sat 10am-5:30pm

Winter Hours (October 1- Easter): Mon-Sat 9am-5:30pm

Sunday before Christmas, Easter, and Valentine's Day:  12am-5pm

Phone:  859-538-8080

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How to Make Green Cleaning Supplies

Commercial cleaning products contain toxic chemicals which are not healthy for humans or the environment.   Natural alternatives are economical and safe, and they can be easily created from common household products.   Multiple products are made from just a few ingredients, which reduces packaging and saves storage space...   Click here for full article.

Twenty Mile Tourist

The Twenty Mile Tourist offers free self guided historic driving tours throughout Northern Kentucky.    All tours on this website are no longer than twenty miles, and each one begins and ends at a freeway exit. You can take a tour from beginning to end in less than an hour, or you may want to pack a lunch and come out for the day. 


The website also features a list of local freebies.

Getting Started as a Mystery Shopper

What you will need:

• A computer with internet access and an e-mail account
• A PayPal account - many companies prefer to issue payments directly to you via PayPal instead of sending a check.
• A printer (to print guidelines and other forms)
• A scanner (to scan receipts and other documents you may receive)
• A digital watch (accurate timekeeping is required)
• A digital camera is helpful but not required for all shops

Later on you may choose to purchase a small recording device, or even a hidden camera.   This is not a requirement, but it could make a complicated job easier.   There are some shops which require the use of a hidden video camera.

How to get started:

Step 1: Visit a Mystery Shopping company’s website and fill out an application.  This is a full application, which is no different from what you would fill out if you were to apply for a position at any company.  They will ask for work history, references, and loads of personal information, including a Social Security number.   Be cautious when you provide this information.    Next week’s article will go into greater detail on pre-screening and finding legitimate companies.    Important:   you should never have to pay a fee to apply. 

Step 2: Once your application is accepted, you will be notified and given a password.  Most companies have job boards, you can log into the job board and see a listing of available assignments.   Many companies will also inform you by e-mail if an assignment in your area becomes available.

Step 3:  If you see an assignment that interests you, read the guidelines carefully.   If you apply for an assignment, you are making a commitment that you will complete it if it is assigned to you.  Make sure you truly want to complete it, and make sure that the location works for you.  Assignments have specific time frames in which they need to be completed, make sure that works for you as well.  Don’t apply for an assignment unless you are sure you would be willing to complete it.  If you choose to proceed, you can apply for the assignment on the company’s website.

Step 4:  You will be notified if the assignment has been assigned to you.   Review the guidelines again, and make note of all the information that you will need to collect.  Go do your shop.

Step 5:  Get back on the website and file your report.   This usually needs to be done before a specified due date.  Reports that are submitted past the deadline might not be accepted.

Step 6:  Keep up the good work!  Payment will be sent to you by PayPal or direct mail, depending on the company's policy.  

Benefits and Drawbacks of Mystery Shopping

Some reasons to try Mystery Shopping:

• You can work at your convenience.  You do not have to accept assignments for locations you do not want to visit or for times that do not work with your schedule.   You do not have to accept assignments that do not interest you.  
• This is an opportunity to work from home without having to sell anything or having to recruit others to sell.
• You can earn money without having to pay for child care.  You will be able to bring children with you on some of your assignments.  Other assignments can be completed during school hours or at a time when it would be convenient for another family member to watch the children.
• The start up costs are minimal and you can start right away without any special training. 
• Sometimes you can get paid to do things you were going to do anyway - like go to the bank, buy groceries, eat out, or get an oil change.
• Mystery shopping provides an opportunity to Interact with others in a variety of situations.  It builds confidence, social skills, and observational skills.

A few things to consider first:

• This is not a full time job, and certainly not a way to earn a full time income.  You will not have assignments every day, or possibly even every week.  
• There is little room for growth.   Experienced shoppers don’t necessarily get paid more than beginners.
• Your time is valuable, and Mystery Shopping can be time consuming.   Before accepting a shop, evaluate the time, effort, and fuel expense that is involved.   Make sure it is worth your while and doesn't take you away from other responsibilities.
• Shoppers are often required to spend money in advance and then seek repayment.  Some companies will send payments within 1-2 weeks.  Others can take a month or two to send payment.   If you spent money to complete the shop, you will have to wait for reimbursement.  If the company does not accept your report, they are not required to pay you or reimburse you for your expenses.   

An Introduction to Mystery Shopping

What is it?   

Large companies can’t monitor every employee’s performance all the time.   In order to ensure that their standards are being met, they hire third party service providers. These companies then hire Mystery Shoppers.   Mystery shoppers are then sent to business locations to interact with employees and provide reports on the experience.  

The reports are often quite detailed, and Mystery Shoppers are given specific guidelines they must follow.   The shoppers file reports online and are paid for their time.  

What can I earn?  


A shopper's income depends on the number of assignments he or she completes each month.   Shops pay anywhere from $10, for a simple assignment that can be completed in 30 minutes or less, to a few hundred dollars for something much more complicated.  Most shops fall in the $10-$20 range.  Sometimes shoppers will receive a combination of pay plus reimbursement for required purchases, and sometimes shoppers will be expected to return the purchased items later.

What do the companies expect of shoppers?   


If you begin mystery shopping, you will be expected to honor all commitments.  If you accept an assignment, you should make every effort to complete it in the required time frame.   In the event that you find is truly impossible for you to complete an assignment, contact the scheduler as soon as possible.  

You will be expected to submit all reports in a timely manner.   Reports should be accurate, honest, and unbiased.   Write in complete sentences, use correct grammar, and check spelling.  If a report is late, or inaccurate, you might not get paid!

It is important to maintain confidentiality.  Do not reveal to employees that you are a mystery shopper unless shop guidelines require you to do so.  Do not discuss details of your assignments with anyone. 

Deals at Burt's Bees Online Store

Update:   The Grab Bag is still available but the Overnight Bee-uty Bag is sold out.

This Overnight Bee-uty Bag is on sale at Burt's Bees.  It is marked down to $6 from $15 and contains the following items:

• Beeswax Lip Balm (.15 oz)
• Replenishing Pomegranate Lip Balm (.15 oz)
• Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Lotion (2 fl. oz)
• Peach and Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub (.53 oz)
• Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme (.30 oz)

You can also purchase the Burt's Bees Grab Bag for $25.  It contains 12 or more items, for a total value of $50.   The bags contain a combination of full size and trial size products.  Contents vary, so you won't know what your are getting until it arrives.  This could be a great way to stock up for gifts, or just get some new products to try.  


Sign up for The Hive Newsletter, and you will receive a coupon for $5 off your first $25 purchase.  Free shipping is offered for purchases over $49.