The Green Polka Dot Box (GPDB) has recently started a blog. You can see videos of the founders, employees, and stocked warehouse.
Check it out here: http://greenpolkadotbox.wordpress.com/
What's going on with the GPDB Launch?
GPDB was supposed to launch today, November 1, 2011. The warehouse is stocked with products, ready to go. I've been personally invited to the warehouse and can go see it in person to verify it is there. However, the website is still going through some growing pains, and isn't quite ready. The GPDB team has been working long hours to implement and test features, and I think it's best that they delay the launch a little, rather than open the website with bugs. I was a computer programmer for a while in college, and they have my sympathy!
By the time you're reading this, the free one-year Club membership offer may not be available, but you'll still only pay $50 for a one-year membership. Go to this link and click on "Membership Plans Starting as Low as $50". If you'd like to be able to refer others and earn a small reward (2-10%) off their purchases, you'll pay $125 per year (similar to the cost of a Costco Executive Membership, where you only earn 2% back on your OWN purchases). Click on the same button at this link and you'll see the option for a Rewards membership. If you'd like to invest $2000 in the GPDB Startup and earn $2000 in free product credits back immediately, and $2500 in additional free product credits over 18 months (plus a whole list of other benefits), you can learn about that at the same site too. Just click on "Learn About the Founding Trust Membership" for a 7-minute overview webinar, or click on "Membership Plans Starting as Low as $50" for a more detailed 35-minute webinar.
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Green Polka Dot Box - What is happening?
You've probably seen an ad about The Green Polka Dot Box(TM) and have found me searching for more information. What is The Green Polka Dot Box? Who is behind it? Are they going to launch soon? How long have they been around? Is this a scam? Many of your questions can be answered by watching the webinar on the Green Polka Dot Box website. Maybe you're like me, and you prefer to read over watching a webinar, or you just want the opinion of someone who isn't working for the company. If that's you, read on!
This is really long. If you read it and still have a question, please let me know -- I will do what I can to find an answer and get back to you!
What is The Green Polka Dot Box?
The way I like to describe The Green Polka Dot Box is that they are like Costco + Your Favorite Health Food Store + Amazon!
The Green Polka Dot Box is membership based, like Costco, and prices are reduced up to 50%.
Everyone who shops at Costco pays a membership fee for the privilege of shopping there. There are different levels of membership at Costco, just like at GPDB. With Costco's higher level membership, you get 2% back on your own purchases. GPDB currently has three levels of membership:
Club Member - For now, Club membership is FREE. GPDB is still in pre-launch, and they are offering FREE one-year Club memberships right now. This promotion was supposed to end a few days ago, but if you click on that link right now, you may be able to sneak in and get a free membership. All you have to do is click on "Watch the Webinar and Get a FREE One-Year Membership". The webinar will give you details about how GPDB works, particularly about how their Rewards Membership and Founding Trust Memberships work.
If you don't get in before the Free membership drive closes, you will pay $50 per year for a Club membership. Club members receive unlimited shopping privileges and access to the LEARN section of the website, coming in 2012. Club members do not receive rewards on the purchases of members they refer to GPDB. This is like your basic Costco membership. I've learned that just based on my purchases of spinach and spring mix (I'm a green smoothie girl!) at Costco, I save more than my membership fee each year. GPDB will be the same for my organic non-perishables. GPBD also plans to add perishable foods, including non-GMO-fed/grass-fed/pastured meat, dairy, and produce, soon. They are starting with non-perishable packaged items though.
Reward Member - A Reward Membership is $125 per year, or $75 this year if you get the free membership and then upgrade to a Reward Membership. Reward members receive the same benefits as Club members, plus they can receive up to 5% discounts on everything they buy, and up to 10% PolkaDotRewards on the purchases of members they refer, based on the number of members you refer to GPDB. You only have to refer 20 members to get the top percentages. PolkaDot Rewards are points you receive based on the value of products purchased by those you refer to GPDB. You can use your points to shop at GPDB, or if you accumulate a lot, you can receive them paid to you in cash. One point is worth $1 US.
Founding Trust Member - The Founding Trust Membership offers so many benefits - it would probably be quicker and easier if you watch the webinar. It explains everything in detail. Briefly though, as a Founding Trust member, you get the following benefits:
Just like Costco, you will receive big savings from GPDB because of their bulk buying power. However, there is one important difference -- GPDB buys in bulk, you do not have to! You can buy one can of this, and one package of that -- regular sized cans and packages! You can save up to 50% at GPDB. Just take a look around the site and compare prices of the things you buy most often. If you don't find what you're looking for, remember that GPDB is adding organic, non-GMO products all the time.
GPDB is like your favorite health food store.
Just like your favorite health food store, Green Polka Dot Box focuses on clean, organic foods. GPDB has promised to never offer products containing genetically modified organisms (GMO). The more we learn about how devastating GMO foods can be to our health and small farmers' livelihoods, the more important this will become. There are more details on GPDB's 'About' page.
The Green Polka Dot Box is like Amazon.
GPDB is all online! You shop online from the convenience of your home. It's as easy as shopping on Amazon. If you buy $150 worth of products at a time shipping is FREE. Wow. The cost of shipping could easily eat up your savings, but with free shipping, you can't lose. If you purchase less than $150 at a time, shipping is still very low.
Who is Behind The Green Polka Dot Box?
I was introduced to Rod Smith, CEO and Founder of The Green Polka Dot Box, in 2009. Since that time, Rod has worked tirelessly to bring GPDB to fruition. I have personally spoken with Rod on the phone and corresponded with him through email. He has always been willing to talk to me and answer my questions. And you know what, I'm not that important to him as far as a financial benefit or bringer of business to GPDB. I've believed that GPBD was a wonderful thing, and wanted to use it myself, but I haven't worked very hard to refer other members. Rod has never seen a dime from me. Regardless, he has talked with me and answered emails quickly whenever I've had a question. GPDB is a HUGE undertaking and Rod has a HUGE vision. Despite challenge after challenge, Rod has persisted in bringing GPDB to the world. If you want to talk to him yourself, give it a try. I'm not going to give out his phone number, but it's worth a try to ask him to contact you. I'm sure either Rod or someone else working directly with him will give you a response.
Rod is an entrepreneur. He was the founder and former CEO and Chairman at InContact. That company is still around today. If you're looking for fancy credentials, Rod can't help you there. He'll tell you that straight up -- look at his LinkedIn page. What he does have is determination, vision, and drive. Just like some of those other "dropouts" we read about -- Steve Jobs and Bill Gates come to mind!
Is Green Polka Dot Box Going to Launch Soon?
If you've been around for a while, you know that GPDB has overcome several heavy challenges. As GPBD was on the verge of launch, and the economy tanked, virtually "guaranteed" funding fell through at the last minute. This happened to businesses all over the country. Most of those other businesses gave up. Rod has persisted through all these challenges, and moves ever closer to launch. He came up with the idea of the Founding Trust Membership to raise capitol, rather than referring on big banks and other sources of funding. As of right now, Rod still plans to launch the buying website on Tuesday, November 1, 2011. But Rod's also committed to getting things right. If the company needs some more time, I'm OK with that. It may be frustrating, and it might worry you a little. But I've seen Rod persist and push since 2009, and he was persisting and pushing even before that. I don't think he's going to give up any time soon.
How Long Has Green Polka Dot Box Been Around?
A lot of people have contacted me asking if I've been pleased with GPBD's service. As I've noted above, GPBD has not officially launched yet. I've been aware of GPDB for 2-1/2 years. Rod was working on it before that. I haven't bought a thing from GPDB yet - no one has - but I have been pleased with their high quality, quick, and personal service in resolving questions and membership issues.
Is Green Polka Dot Box a Scam?
I've emailed Rod Smith, founder of GPDB. I've talked to him on the phone. I talked to him on the phone today, actually. I told him I've received questions from people, wondering when he's going to launch. He invited me to the warehouse here in Utah, offering to give me a tour, so that I can personally see all the products they have in stock, ready to ship. So no, I don't believe Green Polka Dot Box is a scam. I'm a consumer, just like you. I have a Rewards membership, and I've referred a few people to GPBD. I have talked to Rod, but I don't have any special insider knowledge. But from what I see, no, GPDB isn't a scam. Is it fail-proof? No, of course not - no business is. Other than Founding Trust members, GPDB hasn't taken a dime from anyone yet. There is no risk to starting with a Club Membership or Rewards Membership -- GPBD doesn't even ask for your financial information when you sign up. Get your free Club membership today!
This is really long. If you read it and still have a question, please let me know -- I will do what I can to find an answer and get back to you!
What is The Green Polka Dot Box?
The way I like to describe The Green Polka Dot Box is that they are like Costco + Your Favorite Health Food Store + Amazon!
The Green Polka Dot Box is membership based, like Costco, and prices are reduced up to 50%.
Everyone who shops at Costco pays a membership fee for the privilege of shopping there. There are different levels of membership at Costco, just like at GPDB. With Costco's higher level membership, you get 2% back on your own purchases. GPDB currently has three levels of membership:
Club Member - For now, Club membership is FREE. GPDB is still in pre-launch, and they are offering FREE one-year Club memberships right now. This promotion was supposed to end a few days ago, but if you click on that link right now, you may be able to sneak in and get a free membership. All you have to do is click on "Watch the Webinar and Get a FREE One-Year Membership". The webinar will give you details about how GPDB works, particularly about how their Rewards Membership and Founding Trust Memberships work.
If you don't get in before the Free membership drive closes, you will pay $50 per year for a Club membership. Club members receive unlimited shopping privileges and access to the LEARN section of the website, coming in 2012. Club members do not receive rewards on the purchases of members they refer to GPDB. This is like your basic Costco membership. I've learned that just based on my purchases of spinach and spring mix (I'm a green smoothie girl!) at Costco, I save more than my membership fee each year. GPDB will be the same for my organic non-perishables. GPBD also plans to add perishable foods, including non-GMO-fed/grass-fed/pastured meat, dairy, and produce, soon. They are starting with non-perishable packaged items though.
Reward Member - A Reward Membership is $125 per year, or $75 this year if you get the free membership and then upgrade to a Reward Membership. Reward members receive the same benefits as Club members, plus they can receive up to 5% discounts on everything they buy, and up to 10% PolkaDotRewards on the purchases of members they refer, based on the number of members you refer to GPDB. You only have to refer 20 members to get the top percentages. PolkaDot Rewards are points you receive based on the value of products purchased by those you refer to GPDB. You can use your points to shop at GPDB, or if you accumulate a lot, you can receive them paid to you in cash. One point is worth $1 US.
Founding Trust Member - The Founding Trust Membership offers so many benefits - it would probably be quicker and easier if you watch the webinar. It explains everything in detail. Briefly though, as a Founding Trust member, you get the following benefits:
- You will immediately receive 2500 Reward points you can use to shop at GPDB.
- Your annual membership fee is waived.
- You receive a lifetime 10% discount on all your purchases.
- You receive 5 FREE Reward Memberships each year to give to your friends.
- If you choose not to spend your 2500 Reward points quickly, you can earn up to 2000 MORE Reward points over 18 months.
- You earn a 2% perpetual reward on the cash value of all the memberships of everyone you refer, everyone they refer, and everyone they refer, forever.
Just like Costco, you will receive big savings from GPDB because of their bulk buying power. However, there is one important difference -- GPDB buys in bulk, you do not have to! You can buy one can of this, and one package of that -- regular sized cans and packages! You can save up to 50% at GPDB. Just take a look around the site and compare prices of the things you buy most often. If you don't find what you're looking for, remember that GPDB is adding organic, non-GMO products all the time.
GPDB is like your favorite health food store.
Just like your favorite health food store, Green Polka Dot Box focuses on clean, organic foods. GPDB has promised to never offer products containing genetically modified organisms (GMO). The more we learn about how devastating GMO foods can be to our health and small farmers' livelihoods, the more important this will become. There are more details on GPDB's 'About' page.
The Green Polka Dot Box is like Amazon.
GPDB is all online! You shop online from the convenience of your home. It's as easy as shopping on Amazon. If you buy $150 worth of products at a time shipping is FREE. Wow. The cost of shipping could easily eat up your savings, but with free shipping, you can't lose. If you purchase less than $150 at a time, shipping is still very low.
Who is Behind The Green Polka Dot Box?
I was introduced to Rod Smith, CEO and Founder of The Green Polka Dot Box, in 2009. Since that time, Rod has worked tirelessly to bring GPDB to fruition. I have personally spoken with Rod on the phone and corresponded with him through email. He has always been willing to talk to me and answer my questions. And you know what, I'm not that important to him as far as a financial benefit or bringer of business to GPDB. I've believed that GPBD was a wonderful thing, and wanted to use it myself, but I haven't worked very hard to refer other members. Rod has never seen a dime from me. Regardless, he has talked with me and answered emails quickly whenever I've had a question. GPDB is a HUGE undertaking and Rod has a HUGE vision. Despite challenge after challenge, Rod has persisted in bringing GPDB to the world. If you want to talk to him yourself, give it a try. I'm not going to give out his phone number, but it's worth a try to ask him to contact you. I'm sure either Rod or someone else working directly with him will give you a response.
Rod is an entrepreneur. He was the founder and former CEO and Chairman at InContact. That company is still around today. If you're looking for fancy credentials, Rod can't help you there. He'll tell you that straight up -- look at his LinkedIn page. What he does have is determination, vision, and drive. Just like some of those other "dropouts" we read about -- Steve Jobs and Bill Gates come to mind!
Is Green Polka Dot Box Going to Launch Soon?
If you've been around for a while, you know that GPDB has overcome several heavy challenges. As GPBD was on the verge of launch, and the economy tanked, virtually "guaranteed" funding fell through at the last minute. This happened to businesses all over the country. Most of those other businesses gave up. Rod has persisted through all these challenges, and moves ever closer to launch. He came up with the idea of the Founding Trust Membership to raise capitol, rather than referring on big banks and other sources of funding. As of right now, Rod still plans to launch the buying website on Tuesday, November 1, 2011. But Rod's also committed to getting things right. If the company needs some more time, I'm OK with that. It may be frustrating, and it might worry you a little. But I've seen Rod persist and push since 2009, and he was persisting and pushing even before that. I don't think he's going to give up any time soon.
How Long Has Green Polka Dot Box Been Around?
A lot of people have contacted me asking if I've been pleased with GPBD's service. As I've noted above, GPBD has not officially launched yet. I've been aware of GPDB for 2-1/2 years. Rod was working on it before that. I haven't bought a thing from GPDB yet - no one has - but I have been pleased with their high quality, quick, and personal service in resolving questions and membership issues.
Is Green Polka Dot Box a Scam?
I've emailed Rod Smith, founder of GPDB. I've talked to him on the phone. I talked to him on the phone today, actually. I told him I've received questions from people, wondering when he's going to launch. He invited me to the warehouse here in Utah, offering to give me a tour, so that I can personally see all the products they have in stock, ready to ship. So no, I don't believe Green Polka Dot Box is a scam. I'm a consumer, just like you. I have a Rewards membership, and I've referred a few people to GPBD. I have talked to Rod, but I don't have any special insider knowledge. But from what I see, no, GPDB isn't a scam. Is it fail-proof? No, of course not - no business is. Other than Founding Trust members, GPDB hasn't taken a dime from anyone yet. There is no risk to starting with a Club Membership or Rewards Membership -- GPBD doesn't even ask for your financial information when you sign up. Get your free Club membership today!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
That Feels Better
Up through September 2009, I really didn't write anything personal/emotional on this blog. I did a lot of verbal vomiting about my divorce and other struggles on this blog between September 2009 and March 2010. I just went back and deleted them all (I still have them as drafts) and I feel much better now! Sharing all that really was too much for me -- I am by nature a very private person. I want to be able to help others who are going through the same thing, and I don't mind my closest friends knowing all that I said, but I don't want it out there for the world.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
The radio hates me
I have several country stations on my radio presets. The other day I was feeling pretty crappy about being divorced and having given up on marriage. I got in the car and the first song said:
No thanks; I don't want to listen to that today!! So I changed the station and heard this:
No thanks; change the station again:
I love that country songs promote committed lifelong marriage -- it's usually so inspiring! But I do NOT appreciate it when I'm already feeling depressed about my marriage being gone!
"They called them crazy when they started out
Said seventeen's too young to know what love's about
They've been together fifty-eight years now"
No thanks; I don't want to listen to that today!! So I changed the station and heard this:
"Ooh, we had our ups and downs
All along the way
She had a chance to leave
But chose to stay
What a beautiful day . . ."
"Day eighteen thousand two hundred and fifty-three
Well, honey that's fifty years
Yeah, here's to you and me"
No thanks; change the station again:
"I could just see you, with a baby on the way
And I could just see you, when your hair is turning gray
What I can't see is how I'm ever gonna love you more
But I've said that before
And now you're my whole life
now you're my whole world. . . "
I love that country songs promote committed lifelong marriage -- it's usually so inspiring! But I do NOT appreciate it when I'm already feeling depressed about my marriage being gone!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Me Ordering Sushi on the Phone
Me: Can I get a Las Vegas Roll?
Him: I can't hear you.
Me: Can I get a Las Vegas Roll?
Him: What?
Me: A LAS VEGAS ROLL!
Him: A what?
Me: A! LAS! VEGAS! ROLLLLL!
Him: I can't hear you.
Me: Can I place a to go order?
Him: Sure, what would you like?
Me: A Las Vegas Roll.
Him: OK, 10 minutes
Him: I can't hear you.
Me: Can I get a Las Vegas Roll?
Him: What?
Me: A LAS VEGAS ROLL!
Him: A what?
Me: A! LAS! VEGAS! ROLLLLL!
Him: I can't hear you.
Me: Can I place a to go order?
Him: Sure, what would you like?
Me: A Las Vegas Roll.
Him: OK, 10 minutes
Thursday, March 04, 2010
First Video Blog: Asparagus Soup Recipe
Of course this isn't a real video blog with me actually showing my face; you didn't think I was that brave, did you? I might do a video blog outside, but inside my apartment? Noooooo way. So anyway, here it is -- a nice little recipe for Asparagus Soup.
Additional notes:
- This was actually a camcorder test, not intended to be a post, so it's totally unrehearsed and missing half the information. A normal blogger would redo it, but I'm NOT normal!
- I'm kind of congested in this video.
- I start with 4 cups chicken broth/stock made from chicken carcasses. You could also use vegetable broth. If you have no broth/stock, start out by sautéeing some garlic and onions in oil for a few minutes. Even if you have broth, onions and garlic are really good in this soup.
- I used 4 small potatoes this time, but it doesn't really matter; it's really flexible.
- Cut the woody ends off the asparagus before adding to the soup. Also, you can set the asparagus tips aside (maybe steam them separately for a bit) and use them to garnish the soup.
- Blend in small batches and be very careful so you don't kill yourself with boiling hot soup. I like to blend until it's completely puréed.
- I said "one teaspoon" of salt, in case you couldn't hear over the "moooooom". Start with less though. It's really gross if you oversalt it.
- Just add a little lemon. I added the juice of 1/4 lemon to the pot and that was good. Then I added the juice of another 1/8 lemon to my bowl, and that wasn't so good.
- If your broth didn't have any fat in it, add some olive oil, butter, or something fatty at the end. You need fat!
- The amazing thing is that this soup is so good with so few ingredients -- broth/stock, potatoes, asparagus, dill, and salt.
Additional notes:
- This was actually a camcorder test, not intended to be a post, so it's totally unrehearsed and missing half the information. A normal blogger would redo it, but I'm NOT normal!
- I'm kind of congested in this video.
- I start with 4 cups chicken broth/stock made from chicken carcasses. You could also use vegetable broth. If you have no broth/stock, start out by sautéeing some garlic and onions in oil for a few minutes. Even if you have broth, onions and garlic are really good in this soup.
- I used 4 small potatoes this time, but it doesn't really matter; it's really flexible.
- Cut the woody ends off the asparagus before adding to the soup. Also, you can set the asparagus tips aside (maybe steam them separately for a bit) and use them to garnish the soup.
- Blend in small batches and be very careful so you don't kill yourself with boiling hot soup. I like to blend until it's completely puréed.
- I said "one teaspoon" of salt, in case you couldn't hear over the "moooooom". Start with less though. It's really gross if you oversalt it.
- Just add a little lemon. I added the juice of 1/4 lemon to the pot and that was good. Then I added the juice of another 1/8 lemon to my bowl, and that wasn't so good.
- If your broth didn't have any fat in it, add some olive oil, butter, or something fatty at the end. You need fat!
- The amazing thing is that this soup is so good with so few ingredients -- broth/stock, potatoes, asparagus, dill, and salt.
Friday, February 05, 2010
Faith Update
I've posted a little bit about my crisis of faith over the past few months. I've had struggles with the LDS church for a long time, as long as I can remember. But as I contemplate the options ahead, I am just not content with the agnostic/atheist option. If I was to stop attending the LDS Church, I don't see myself ever believing in any other religion. If I left the church, it would be because I don't believe in God at all, and I just don't see that happening. Well, sometimes when I'm discouraged, I can easily see it happening, but generally I can't.
I don't know if I've mentioned gifts of the spirit here before. The scriptures say that some are given the gift of believing and to some it is given to believe on their words. I think I naturally fall into the second category. And the thing is, I DO believe what others testify of. I believe that often we manifest the answers and feelings that we want to feel, but not always. There are just too many amazing things that I feel cannot be explained away.
It is really weird, because I am hesitant to post this because I don't want to lose any of my friends who don't believe or aren't religious. Of course I don't think they would immediately dump me as a friend, but they'd likely feel that this is an area where we don't connect, and that would cause a small loss to the friendship. But I need to quit worrying about what others are doing and quit choosing the choices others have made. I need to do it my own way.
I've tried to convince myself that I've done the necessary work to receive the gift of believing, but looking at it objectively, I don't think I have. I don't know. I go back and forth. So many doubts, but such desire to believe. It's almost impossible to make sense of this, so as usual, I'll just randomly chop the post off in the middle of a thought.
I don't know if I've mentioned gifts of the spirit here before. The scriptures say that some are given the gift of believing and to some it is given to believe on their words. I think I naturally fall into the second category. And the thing is, I DO believe what others testify of. I believe that often we manifest the answers and feelings that we want to feel, but not always. There are just too many amazing things that I feel cannot be explained away.
It is really weird, because I am hesitant to post this because I don't want to lose any of my friends who don't believe or aren't religious. Of course I don't think they would immediately dump me as a friend, but they'd likely feel that this is an area where we don't connect, and that would cause a small loss to the friendship. But I need to quit worrying about what others are doing and quit choosing the choices others have made. I need to do it my own way.
I've tried to convince myself that I've done the necessary work to receive the gift of believing, but looking at it objectively, I don't think I have. I don't know. I go back and forth. So many doubts, but such desire to believe. It's almost impossible to make sense of this, so as usual, I'll just randomly chop the post off in the middle of a thought.
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