Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Work From Home: After-Hours Answering Service
Here's another job opportunity for the New Year:
Ansafone Communications is an answering service that hires people to work remotely from a home office. The website states this job comes with full benefits. Follow this link to the application page. Good luck!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Working From Home: Not All Butterflies and Daisies
When I tell people I work from home, I often get some variation of: "Oh lucky you. Wish I could find something like that." And I do feel lucky to have the opportunity to make a living and also be available to my kids.But it's not all butterflies and daisies. There are some drawbacks to working from home, not the least of which is the impression by most folks, including my darling children at times, that if I'm home, I must not be really working. Also not uncommon is the assumption by others that because I work at home, I have more time to do the things they don't have time to do.
Which is why I have to share How to Make Working From Home Work for You by Carolyn Butler at Revolution Health. It's a great article on what working at home is really like, and has some great tips on how to make it work for you. Enjoy!
Friday, December 28, 2007
Another Year, New Resolutions
Christmas is over, and I've made it through once again. So much preparation for a day that flies by so quickly. Now it's time for after-Christmas sales and New Year's resolutions.Thinking back to last year's resolutions, I'm surprised to find I actually did keep some of them, though many fell by the wayside in the struggle of day-to-day life.
In the days ahead, I'll try to come up with some new resolutions, hopefully ones that will make my life better, healthier, and more productive. Some of them will be repeats from last year.
How about you? What are your hopes for the next year? What will you resolve to do differently? I'd love to hear from you.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Work at Home Customer Service/Direct Sales
This is a telecommute job with ASI/Hot Potato Promotions. You need a home office with a land line, high-speed Internet and a computer. Check it out! This is from the job description on Yahoo Hot Jobs:
"ASI and its family of companies which includes Premier Health Savings Plan, Natures Beauty Bar, The Vitamin Shelf, The Medicine Counter, and Preferred Personal Care is currently seeking high energy individuals with strong communication skills for an entry level position collecting information from prospective clients."
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Work at Home as an Online Teacher
Sylvan is currently hiring online teachers and tech support, although I'm not sure if the tech positions are home-based. I understand it is a great company to work with. They are looking for certified teachers with at least two years of academic experience (teaching or as a substitute).
Here is the link on CareerBuilder. I don't know how long it will be up though. The link under Sylvan is to Sylvan's main employment page. Good luck!
Monday, December 24, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Work at Home: Convergys Still Hiring
Convergys is still hiring customer service agents in some states. I'm told it is a set schedule. Here's what you need:
A quiet place to work from your home
A noise-canceling USB headset
Cable or DSL high speed Internet access
A recent computer (specific requirements on the site)
This is a great company to work for. Good luck!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Fun Christmas Sites for Children Updated
This is an earlier post. I've added a few more sites to this list, so I'm reposting.My kids and I had so much fun with a Christmas site I found a few days ago, where you can upload photos and put the heads of people (or animals, as my oldest did) on dancing elves.
And it was viral. They sent it to their friends, who sent one to their friends, who sent one to their friends - and on and on and on. It was a great way of spreading Christmas cheer.
So I got to wondering what else might be out there for kids (young and old) that might be fun. Here are some of the gems that I found. If a site was too heavy on advertising, I didn't include it. The Elf Yourself site is the one my kids and I had so much fun with. Have fun!
Norad Tracks Santa
North Pole Dancing
Elf Yourself
Jan Brett's Coloring Pages
Billy Bear 4 Kids Christmas Fun
Kids' Turn Central Christmas Corner
All Things Christmas: Dress the Snowman
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Work at Home Mom Christmas Party
One of the obvious disadvantages of working at home is the lack of social interaction with coworkers. And never is this more underscored than during the holidays. While most people have big office holiday parties to look forward to, Christmas and New Years can pass uneventfully for those who telecommute.
So I was thinking I should put together a recipe, so to speak, for a Work at Home Mom's Christmas Party. And here it is:
Work at Home Mom Christmas Party
Ingredients:
First make sure you've wrapped a special present for yourself. Make sure it's something expensive. Label it to: me, from: me.
Throw up a winter screen saver. (My favorites are the ones with falling snow.)
Put your favorite Christmas CD in your hard drive and turn up the volume.
Break out the goodies (This would be anything you normally wouldn't allow yourself to eat or drink.)
Gather together the dog, the cat, or other available living creature in the house (costume is optional).
Directions: Imbibe.
P.S. Don't forget to make a photocopy of some body part you can then forward as an attachment to your friends. Lampshades as head gear are optional. Enjoy!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Christmas by the Sea
One day when I'm fabulously rich - and yes, I have to believe that day will actually come - I'm going to enjoy Christmas in a tiny cottage that looks out on the ocean, maybe a classic Victorian. I've always wanted to live by the sea, to be able to look out the window and see its wide expanse every day.That's why my house by the sea must have beautiful, practical windows like these at Anglian Home Improvements, windows that are double weather sealed and are both top and side opening. Anglian has been making high quality replacement windows for 35 years. That's just one of the reasons that their windows are among the world's best-selling.
And they're designed with lower energy cost in mind. So on stormy winter nights, I'll be snug and warm under the covers in my little home by the sea. (Hey, stick with me here. I've got to have my dreams.)
Best of all, Anglian's replacement windows are all custom built and come with a 10-year guarantee. Visit their website and see the full range of replacement windows available. I promise you'll be inspired to imagine your own little house by the sea - or in the mountains, or out in the desert. It's your fantasy. The sky's the limit.
Work at Home Opportunity: GE Call Center
Here is GE's Job Search page. This one may not be up for long. Click on search by location, Charlotte, NC. They are hiring work at home customer service agents. This is a part-time position working 20 hours a week. Good luck!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Work at Home Job Legal Research Assistant
This one looks interesting. They require research and writing experience, plus access to Lexis/Nexis for Virginia case and statutory materials. It is part-time, and it is a telecommuting position. It's on craigslist, so it may not be up long. Good luck!
Monday, December 17, 2007
A Guy's Dream Christmas: NASCAR Driving School
With a little over a week to go until Christmas, most of us have at least gotten started on our Christmas shopping. But there's always somebody on my list who it's impossible to buy for. You know him. He already has everything he wants or needs, and if you ask him what he would like for Christmas, he'll just say, "Don't get me anything. I don't need anything."
Well, I have the perfect gift, the one he'll remember for the rest of his life, the one that will absolutely make this Christmas his best Christmas ever. Give him a once in a lifetime experience by buying him a package at Dale Jarrett's NASCAR Driving School.
It is, without a doubt, a gift your special guy will never forget. He'll drive a car that was actually driven in NEXTEL Cup competition, at speeds of up to 165 mph. Of course, a certified instructor rides in the passenger seat as a spotter. But he'll be in full control.
There are numerous packages and dates to fit every budget and schedule, and gift certificates can also be purchased which allow your guy to pick the NASCAR driving experience of his dreams. This is a great gift for husbands, uncles - even sons, if they're 18 years or older.
Make this Christmas the one he'll be talking about for years to come. Give him his fantasy. Make him a NASCAR driver.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Christmas Peppermint Bark Recipe
I've been looking all over town for some peppermint bark this Christmas, and I finally found some last night at Trader Joe's. A tin of peppermint bark is $9.99, which isn't bad. But it seemed to me that it might be cheaper to make, so I started looking today on the Internet.
I found several easy recipes for peppermint bark. But this is my favorite. I found it at The Domestic Goddess. These would make great Christmas gifts. Enjoy!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Work at Home Opp with Divora Design Group
Based on the online description, this sounds like primarily a work from home opportunity. It is with Divora Design Group, which is a Web development and design group that "helps real estate professionals & businesses create a professional image, target more clients, and increase revenues through custom, high-end website solutions."
Responsibilities include:
* selling via phone & in person meetings
* some cold calling and networking
* meeting sales goals
* keeping abreast of existing and future products and services
Requirements include:
* strong writing and excellent communication skills
* computer, Internet access, and phone
* a professional demeanor
Good luck!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Blogging Job with b5media
Just saw that b5media is looking for a blogger for an existing pain management blog, HelpMyHurt.com, and for an existing eating disorder blog, BreakingtheMirror.com. If you enjoy blogging and have an interest or expertise in these subjects, apply here.
Christmas Sugar Cookie Mittens
Just stumbled across these at the Better Homes and Gardens site. They're absolutely adorable and something Christmas-y and winter-y at the same time. I've yet to perfect crisp, non-burned sugar cookies. But I may just have to give it another go. These are too cute!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Christmas Tree and Wreath Ideas with Free Pictures
We went out in the freezing cold last night and got our Christmas tree. It's a fat, little Frazier Fir. And now it's sitting in my living room, plainly waiting for me to put on the lights and decorations and make it beautiful. Thinking I might spice it up this year, I did buy a few new decorations for the tree.But if you're like me, decoratively challenged, you should check out RemodelingMySpace.com. The site has some great ideas for Christmas trees and wreaths. They're even offering free Christmas tree pictures for your website, blog, or Christmas-themed project.
I was blown away by the decorated Christmas trees. I can't imagine the amount of work that went into them. I especially liked the pinecone wreath here, though it may be a little beyond my capabilities.
Who knows? With such inspiration, I might get a wild hair and attempt my own wreath creation.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Online Tutor Job Opportunities
There are lots of great online tutoring opportunities listed here at SmartThinking.com. Tutors can work from any place with Internet access. You must have FlashPlayer, which can be freely downloaded off the Web.
In addition, the website states that "all tutors must successfully complete E-structor® Certification -- an online, discipline specific training program. The training programs are 10-15 hours in length. They consist of self-paced and guided online modules which are facilitated through our website." Check it out!
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Public Record Research Work at Home Opp
I have it on good account that United Data Network is a great company to work for. They hire independent contractors to compile data from public records. Reliable Internet access is required. No experience is necessary, and they provide all training and software. Good luck!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Photograph Newborns: Fun Work Opportunity
This looks like a great opportunity. And what's more exciting than a brand new person? This job is with Our365.com and requires at least six months of prior sales or customer service experience, and computer proficiency.
While the site doesn't clearly state that this is a telecommute opportunity, most of these jobs are a combination of working at home and working at a local hospital. There's a link at the bottom of the Our365 page that allows you to check on available openings in your state.
Imagine working around babies. What more could you ask? Good luck!
Monday, November 26, 2007
New Work at Home Opportunity in Customer Service
This looks like a great opportunity. Time Communications has work-at-home opportunities for people who "demonstrate a high level of customer satisfaction and professionalism." It is a customer service/call center job.
What's really exciting is that they offer medical, dental, retirement, and holiday pay to fulltime employees. They also have a generous paid personal time off plan. Check them out now!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Dress Up Your Online Look!
One of the most difficult things about starting a home business is developing an online presence. I know some people who have paid thousands of dollars for a business or personal website, only to find themselves still waiting a year later for the website to be completed.
If you're looking for a really fun template design at an affordable price, try Twisted Templates. The sample templates there have a decidedly feminine flare, and I love the "happily ever after" attitude. Go there. You'll see what I mean.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Warm Socks and Windshield Wipers
Another Thanksgiving has passed, and today I was thinking about all that I'm thankful for. Number one on my list, of course, is my family. Without them, my life would be meaningless.But as I get older, there are items cropping up on my "things I'm thankful for" list that I never imagined, when I was younger, would be so important to me.
For example, I never thought I'd be so thankful for sleep. Just a few hours of uninterrupted sleep makes all the difference in how I feel during the day. And who knew I'd be so grateful to go a whole day without an ache, pain, or swollen joint? Not my 18-year-old self, I'll tell ya.
I never knew how much an hour of free time would mean to me one day, an hour to pursue something I'm interested in, as opposed to filling out paperwork, making phone calls, and putting out fires. I never envisioned that I would look forward so much to an hour at bedtime to read a good book or watch a favorite television show.
I never dreamt that I'd be thankful one day to simply have a roof over my head, be warm in winter, and have a car with tread on the tires and working windshield wipers. I never imagined that I would take such pleasure in a sweater or a warm pair of socks.
But I do appreciate all these things and more - little things that most people take for granted. It's a knowledge that was hard won. And I'm thankful for it also.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
10 Money Saving Sites You Need to Know
Just in time for Black Friday and the holiday shopping season, here are ten of my favorite frugal living/simple living/money saving websites. Enjoy!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Easy Cranberry Walnut Stuffing
An easy variation on plain old stuffing, this recipe sounds yummy.
Easy Cranberry Walnut Stuffing
- 1 1/3 cups water
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons margarine or butter
- 1 (6 ounce) package Stove Top Stuffing Mix
- 1/2 to 1/3 cup toasted walnut pieces
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Work at Home as an Online Tutor
This company is in beta right now and preparing for launch. But they are asking those interested in tutoring for the company to email their resumes to this email address. The company is InfiLearn.com. There is a great article about the genesis of the company at the Seattle Post- Intelligencer: Venture Capital Notebook.
Good luck!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Work at Home Opportunity: OnPoint@Home Hiring
Sorry I haven't posted in a couple of days. But it's been hectic around here, and I'm worn out.
On a more positive note, OnPoint@Home is hiring advocacy coordinators right now. The requirements are:
* A Windows-based PC (Windows 2000 or newer) with Internet Explorer, land line phone, and high-speed Internet connection such as DSL or cable.
Advocacy coordinators are paid $12 an hour. You will be an independent contractor.
This job is on a project-by-project basis. Most projects last between 2 and 12 weeks.
At the end of each project, current advocacy coordinators will have the opportunity to sign up for new projects. This is on a case-by-case basis.
You set your own schedule between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
A minimum of 25 hours per week is requested.
Good luck!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Great Tool for Bloggers
Social Bookmarks is a great plug-in for bloggers using WordPress. It adds all the most popular social bookmarking links to the end of your posts, so that your readers can easily submit them to the social bookmarking sites.
Too bad it doesn't work with Blogger. Weep. Weep.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Life Happens: What are You Going to Do?
Sometimes you read something that resonates with you, personally, because it touches on some of the dilemmas/struggles that are going on in your life. That's how I felt about blogger Caroline Middlebrook's recent post: The Importance of Flexible Goals and Plans.I could definitely identify with the concept of a blog taking over your life. I find I spend way too much time on this blog, when I should be working on my real day job that makes actual money. But it's addictive. Part of it is that it's creative. You're making something new every day and putting it out there for the whole world to see (Even if your whole world is your measly 92 subscribers and 65 to 100 visitors a day).
But what really struck me about her post is how true it is, that plans change. You think things are going to go in one direction, and then they take a totally different and unexpected turn. And that's what makes life interesting, I guess.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
What Kind of Work at Home Job is Right for You?
Sometimes the most difficult thing about finding a job is knowing what kind of job you're most suited to. Are you a people person? Do you like talking with people on the phone? Or are you the type of person who is horrified at the prospect of picking up the phone and dialing up complete strangers? I know if my life depended on it, I could not work a customer service job over the phone. I loathe talking on the phone and do as little of it as possible.
Similarly, some people are very deadline oriented, more comfortable having a clear plan, while others do better where there's flexibility. As an independent contractor, I can take as little or as much work as I can handle. I know when it's due, and I space my workload accordingly. Some people would rather clock in at a certain time every day, knowing that when they clock out, the day's work is over.
Whatever your preferences, it helps to have a clear view of what kind of job might best suit you. And that's where a site like Careerpath.com can be very useful. There are a variety of tests on Careerpath to help you narrow down your best fit. And that's the first step in finding your dream job.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Are Blogs Changing the World?
This TED video of Mena Trott's talk about the evolution, increasing importance, and influence of blogs is just great. I wanted to share. Enjoy!
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Always Know Where the Salad Fork Goes
If you're socially challenged when it comes to entertaining, as I am, you'll find this tool very helpful. It's part of Bright Settings, a home decor web site. With May I Set Your Table?, you check the boxes beside the items you will be serving, press the Set the Table button, and it generates a place setting map for you. You'll never guess where the salad fork goes again. Neat!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Are Gas Prices Eating You Alive?
It's that time again. Gas prices have been steadily climbing this week. Currently they're just over $3 a gallon where I live. But I know in some parts of the country, the prices are much higher.I recently saw a drop in my gasoline spending, as one of my 16-year-old daughters got her driver's license and is now experiencing the joy of paying for her own gas. (Big smile).
Nevertheless, there's no point in throwing away money. So here are a few tips to lessen your trips to the pump:
- Keep your engine tuned up. Keep your tires inflated.
- Don't make sudden stops or turns. Drive at a steady speed.
- Use cash instead of credit cards at stations that charge more for credit card use.
- Map out your trips for maximum efficiency.
- Make sure your gas cap is on securely, so gas doesn't evaporate.
- Try to avoid using the air conditioning when possible.
- Clean out your trunk. Get rid of stuff that's weighing down your car. The more weight you pull, the more gas you'll use.
- If you're going to be sitting still for longer than 30 seconds, it's less expensive to turn the car off.
- Do what you can to avoid traffic lights. While you're idling, you're burning gas.
- And last, but certainly not least, walk whenever possible. It's free, and it's good for you.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Monday, November 5, 2007
5 Can't Live Without Web Sites
I surf and Stumble a lot, so when I come across sites I think will be useful to my readers, I bookmark them. Here are some sites I've found in the last week that will definitely enhance your life:
Big Oven. It's a recipe sharing/social networking site that's unlike any I've seen online.
Google Translate. This is neat. Just type in the text you want translated, then choose what language it's in and what language you want it in, and it provides the translation.
Simple Help. This site, for beginning to intermediate computer users, explains how to do just about anything with your computer.
Guerrilla Mail. Temporary email address that expires after 15 minutes. Useful for joining membership sites, when you don't want them to have your real email address.
Fix-It Club. The name says it all. Learn how to fix just about anything yourself.
See? Your life just got better.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Are You the CEO of Your Life?
I was reading an article on LifeOrganizers.com, which basically asks the question: are you CEO of your own life? The thrust of it was: if your life was a company, would it be a Google or Microsoft? Or would it be a struggling airline or discount department store?As is true of any good company, the first step to success is a vision. Do you have one? What do you want your life to look like? What are your hopes for the future? Have you set goals 5, 10, 15 years into the future? What's most important to you?
If you can't answer those questions, the first step in becoming the CEO of your own life is to create a vision. The article, Becoming CEO (of Your Own Life), suggests sitting down and writing out the story of your future. "Resist the urge to limit your vision with thoughts of what is or isn't possible," it says -- "Focus on what COULD BE."
Then get to work. Map out a strategy. Yes, real life will get in the way at times. But stick to the plan, and one day your life could be as big as any Fortune 500 company.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Write a Novel in 27 Days
It's NaNoWriMo time! That's National Novel Writing Month! I know. I'm letting you know three days into the month. You'll already be getting a late start. But better late than never. Right? You've still got 27 days of good writing time left.What's NaNoWriMo all about? It's an annual event where thousands of people from all over the world commit to writing a 50,000-word novel in 30 days. The idea is not only just to get it down on paper, it's all about achieving the goal of writing a novel. With a 30-day deadline, there's no time to stress, over think, or procrastinate.
According to Wikipedia, "Nearly 80,000 participants registered in 2006, with almost 13,000 winners verifying their novels as meeting the goal. The cumulative word total for all participants in 2006 was 982,564,701." The best part? In 2004, 2005, and 2006, 50% of the proceeds from the sale of NaNoWriMo t-shirts and mugs were used to build libraries for children in Southeast Asia.
Be patient if you are unable to access the website the first time you try. As has happened in years past, the site is very busy. Just keep trying. So get started! You're only three days behind!
Friday, November 2, 2007
The End is Nigh
Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.
Yes, here it is Friday afternoon. And as usual, I'm on a tight deadline which is leaving me feeling like I'm on the edge of nervous collapse. TGIF.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Do You Want to Ace that Interview?
I stumbled across a great site for job seekers. It's CrackInterview.info. Their 64 Interview Answers You Need to Know covers everything you might be asked in a job interview, and coaches you on how best to answer them. For example, questions like:
- What good books have you read lately?
- What was the toughest challenge you've ever faced?
- What would you say to your boss if he's crazy about an idea, but you think it stinks?
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Work at Home Opportunity in Transcription
This is a transcription opportunity with Caset Associates, Ltd. They are a recording and transcription service in Fairfax, Virginia. This is an at-home position, full or part-time, which requires:
- some college and a good command of the English language
- proper grammar
- an awareness of current events
- a typing speed of 80 wpm
- computer with Microsoft Word
- a digital transcribing program
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
My Babies are Sweet Sixteen!
I remember when I found out I was having twins. I was excited, but afraid. I wanted them both so much, and everywhere I turned, I heard horror stories about how difficult a twin pregnancy could be. But right at 37 weeks, there they were, so tiny they could fit into the palm of your hand. I was scared to death to take them home.
And now it's 16 years later. They're both beautiful, smart, and sweet. But in other ways, they're exact opposites. One's carefree, happy-go-lucky, and unpredictable. The other is serious, devoted to her interests, and loves routine. One has brown hair and hazel eyes. The other has blonde hair and blue eyes.
Today, the oldest of the two (by one minute) got her driver's license. Time went by so fast. Wish I could hit the rewind button. Happy Birthday Babies.
Monday, October 29, 2007
10 Steps for Reducing Stress
I've been really burnt out lately, which is evidenced by the fact that I'm just not as productive as I was a year ago. I feel like I'm working just as hard. Maybe I am. But the results aren't the same.Doing the same task day in and day out is just one of the things that can lead to stress. And as a transcriptionist, my job is somewhat repetitive. Also, since I work from home, I'm isolated. No water cooler gossip going on here at home.
So I've been reading about stress and how to counteract its effects. And here are some of the things I've found:
1. Plan ahead. If you have somewhere to be early in the morning, lay everything out the night before. Use a calendar to map out your month. Knowing that a bill is coming due will help you plan your finances accordingly.
2. Be realistic. No one is perfect, and no one can do everything. Give yourself a break every now and then.
3. Think positive. Worrying about what might happen will only add to your stress.
4. Forgive others who have wronged you. Holding a grudge wears away at your soul. Do it for you.
5. Find a relaxing hobby. Make time for fun. If you work at home, take the weekends off. Don't be a slave to your computer.
6. Get some exercise. A daily walk is a great way to clear your mind.
7. Stop comparing yourself to others. There will always be someone smarter, skinnier, and richer. Save yourself a lot of grief by accepting that simple truth.
8. Make sure you have a support system. It's been proven that people who have close friends or family are healthier.
9. Try to envision a positive future. Plan a trip. Go back to college. Write a book.
10. Finally, sometimes you just need to talk to someone, an unbiased third party. Don't be afraid to reach out for professional help if necessary.
As for myself, I'm going to start getting more sleep. I'm also going to try to get my work done during the week, so I can have weekends off. I'll let you know how that goes.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Share Your Craftiness With the World
For those of you who enjoy crafting as a hobby or business, I found a great site with lots of how-tos and a forum where people share information, and pictures of their latest creations. It's Craftster.
There's also an Opportunities for Crafters Board, where stores seeking to purchase handmade goods, and magazines looking for craft projects can advertise. Check it out!
Check out Bilingual Jobs at LatPro.com.