Affiliate programs are a good way to make money with your blog. I see you mentioned Amazons program. The program allows you to make some money, but other affiliate programs or CPA programs will pay better.

1. Azoogleads.com
2. Neverblueads.com

These two are my biggest money makers and I would recommend signing up with them. If you can't get approved, let me know and I will talk to my affiliate manager about getting you in.

Once you get a hold of what kind of visitors you have at your blog, you can really make some money with the ads in these programs. Never give up and try everything!