10 Tips for Traveling with Your Laptop

I found this useful article on Yahoo News about traveling with your laptop. I recently got a laptop so I can do transcription even when I'm away from home, so I was interested to read it. There are 10 tips from Luke Ford, founder of My Computer Works, "a provider of help desk and computer support services for businesses and consumers."

I realized, upon reading it, that I had recently done 1 of the 10 things Ford advises not to do. The no-no: He advises travelers to "limit confidential information transmission, such as any credit purchases and reservations or anything with a Social Security number. Unfamiliar networks are always potentially dangerous."

During a recent hotel stay, I regularly accessed my bank account via the hotel's network, a network I later found out was unsecured. I won't do that again. Check out the article for yourself. It's great advice for anyone traveling with a laptop.

And the picture? It's my dream office, of course.

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Work at Home as a Math Tutor for Ed2Net.com

Ed2Net.com is looking for math tutors for its teaching program, preferably math teachers with experience in TAKS. Tutors will teach elementary and middle school students.

This is a telecommute position. You must have a computer with high-speed Internet access. Pay is $11 per 45-minute session. Tutoring hours are 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on weekdays or 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon on Saturdays or both. Tutors may choose their own hours, but are expected to teach between 5 and 15 hours per week. Here is the link to their employment page. Click on the link to "latest career openings." Good luck!

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Make Your Own Homemade Baby Food

I was stumbling around the Internet and found this cool site. This is for all the moms with little ones still eating baby food. It's the Wholesome Baby Food Recipes Blog. There are some great recipes on here for homemade baby food, as well as informative articles on child nutrition, allergies, and saving money. Check it out!

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Work From Home for Kaplan Learning Services

Kaplan K12 Learning Services is looking for experienced elementary school teachers and curriculum writers to write curriculum materials for use in urban public school districts. This is a telecommuting position, and part-time work is available.

You must have strong content knowledge. Advanced degrees in math, education, or literacy are a plus. Kaplan also requires 3 to 5 years of teaching experience, excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, and the ability to meet tight deadlines. Organization is key. Certification in gifted education or publishing experience is also a plus.

You can read the craigslist advert here for more details.

If you are interested in applying: Submit your cover letter and resume to: kaplaninc@trm.brassring.com (Attn: JOB CODE 6192BR).

Good luck!

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Work at Home as a Grant Writer for Wildlife Organization

This is a telecommute position I found on craigslist. It is unresearched, so do your own due diligence. A wildlife organization is seeking an "intelligent, articulate, socially and environmentally responsible, successful grant writer." If interested in this position, email your resume and cover letter to: vanishingbreeds@gmail.com. Good luck!

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Betty Crocker Coupons! Don't Miss Out

According to an email I received today, these will only be up for three more days. So don't miss out. You do have to register with the site to print these. But you can use any old email address, and these are some super coupons. I, personally, use just about every one of these products. They can be found here.

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Work at Home: Accolade Support Hiring Full and Part Time

Accolade Support is advertising again for technical support agents. You must have a quiet environment in which to take calls, 1 ghz or higher PC with Windows XP, a high-speed Internet connection, a non-VOIP telephone line with no call waiting or voicemail, and a noise canceling headset.

In addition, you must be 18 years or older, be a legal citizen, and pass a criminal background check. Here is Accolade's website. Good luck!

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Starbucks Closing for Three Hours Today

Coffee lovers alert. Starbucks is closing for three hours today, beginning at 5:30, all across America. They say it's for barista re-training and to energize their employees. I'm thinking it's more likely to incite panic across the nation. How are Americans going to last the whole three hours without a java hit?

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Ranch Buttermilk and Garden Herb Salad Dressing Recipes

One of the easiest ways to save money is to avoid buying bottled condiments and dressings. Instead, make your own. Your family will love them, and you'll feel extra smart and thrifty.

Here are a couple of great homemade salad dressing recipes. Make them ahead and store them in the refrigerator for quick access:

Buttermilk Ranch Salad Dressing

Ingredients:

1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp dried mustard
4 tbsp dried onion flakes
2 tbsp dried parsley flakes
2 tbsp dried green onion flakes or freeze-dried chives
3/4 cup buttermilk
4 large tbsp cottage cheese

Place the buttermilk, cottage cheese, and seasoning in a blender and blend until creamy. Refrigerate.

Garden Herb Salad Dressing

Ingredients:

1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dry mustard
2 tsp dried green onion flakes
1 tsp parsley flakes
2 tsp dried celery flakes
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp dried crushed oregano
2 tsp dried dill

1/4 cup vinegar
2 tbsp water
3//4 cup vegetable oil

Mix dry and wet ingredients. Shake well. Serve.

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Make Money Writing for HubPages

Many work at home moms are finding writing to be a great way to make pocket money, sometimes more. There are many opportunities online to write and get paid, but I came across one today that I haven't seen before. It's HubPages.com.

Basically, you set up a hub page, which according to the HubPages website, "is a rich web page that you write and design." You write the articles, add text, pictures, videos, and links. Each hub page revolves around a certain subject or theme.

Writers make money through Google Adsense, Ebay, and Amazon.com. The website claims many of HubPage's authors make hundreds of dollars per month - some thousands. At any rate, it might translate into some needed extra income. Check it out!

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Work from Home Customer Support for ImproveLife.com

Here's a great opportunity in customer service on craigslist. ImproveLife.com is hiring customer support people to respond to customer emails and phone calls, process orders, and handle billing issues.

Qualifications include knowledge in DME/medical supplies, but they may be flexible in allowing you to learn about their products. You must have strong communication and typing skills, and be familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Internet Explorer. A high school diploma is preferred, along with some customer service experience.

The pay starts at $10 per hour, but is negotiable, based upon experience.

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Make Money Fast in a Pinch

So often when I'm reading some of the mom message boards I frequent, someone will post that due to an unforeseen emergency, they need to make some money fast. Now a yard sale will make you some quick cash if you have a week or so. But if you need the money T-O-D-A-Y, then you'll have to be a bit more creative.

One way that I make quick cash, on occasion, is by gathering up the books I've already read and taking them to a local used bookstore. There are about four dealers just in my area that will buy used books and pay cash. Now I'm not talking about big money. I'm talking about a quick $40 to $75, if you have some good condition books the dealer can resell.

I have always done better with nonfiction, especially history and science. But if you have some very recent fiction, that does well also. Box them up, call around to your local used bookstores, and ask if they purchase used books. They have to get them somewhere. And while you won't get rich doing this, you can make some quick grocery or gas money.

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Firefox Themes Slowing My Browser Down?

A week or so ago, I blogged about Mozilla's theme add-ons for your browser. There are numerous themes, many catering to different interests or hobbies. I added the theme with the cats.

Well, for the last week or so, I've noticed my browser is incredibly slow. It's taking minutes to load a page, post in a forum, etc. And after removing the theme, I've come to the conclusion that it was what was slowing my browser down.

I had also downloaded the theme on my laptop, and I was having the same difficulty navigating the Internet on it. So heads up. If you downloaded a Mozilla theme, and you suddenly find your Web surfing is like wading through molasses, remove the theme and see if it makes a difference.

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American Airlines Work at Home Reservations

This is a great opportunity recently posted on CareerBuilder.com. You must be at least 18, have your high school diploma, and be available to work a variety of shifts. You also must have the ability to read, write, and speak English fluently.

In addition, you must be within 50 miles of a local American Airlines reservations office, have a high-speed Internet connection, and a locked file cabinet or drawer for confidential and proprietary materials.

Some onsite training and meetings are required. American Airlines is a great company. Good luck!

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Crock Pot Lemon Chicken Recipe

If you love the ease of crock pot cooking, you'll love this Easy Lemon Crock Pot Chicken recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 broiler-fryer,cut up, or about 3 1/2 pounds
• 1 teaspoon crumbled dry leaf oregano
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup dry wine, sherry
  
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

PREPARATION:

Wash chicken, and pat it dry. Salt and pepper. Sprinkle half of garlic and oregano on chicken. Melt butter in frying pan. Brown chicken on all sides. Put it in the crock pot.

Sprinkle on the remaining garlic and oregano. Add the wine or sherry. Stir to loosen any bits. Pour it all into cooker. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours. Add the lemon juice during the last hour of cooking. Skim off fat. This recipe serves four.

Enjoy! (And yes, I know the bird pictured above is not a chicken, but a duck. But chickens aren't as cute.)

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A Fast Food Doggie Funny Just for You

Sorry. Couldn't resist sharing.

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Work at Home Transcription Opportunity with VERBATIM

This looks like a great opportunity for someone with little or no experience to break into transcription. It was posted on the MTJobs.com Board.

It is with VERBATIM World Wide Dictation Service. This is general transcription transcribing non-medical insurance claims. You must be able to complete one hour of audio per day, and you must have an Infinity foot pedal, high-speed Internet service, and MS Word.

You can check out the listing by clicking on the link above. Here is the contact information:

Contact: Morris Coleman
410 Saw Mill River Road
Ardsley, New York 10502
mtjobs@wwdhq.com
Telephone: 914-964-8500

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Getting Listed Is The First Goal In Google Optimization

Getting listed in Search Engine is the first choice of people and part of Google Optimization Process. Google has indexed more than 8 billion pages and now it has become a bit slower. It is believed that now it takes 4-6 weeks for you to get indexed in search results. But waiting for such a long period requires a lot of patience when there are time constrains to promote a website.

It means a lot to rank high in major search engines. Around 40% of the search engine traffic comes from Google. The question that may come in your mind is that if it is there any way to get listed more quickly despite hearing a lot about sandbox. Well it is possible to get listed in short period of time if you take care of certain basics. Among the many ways of getting listed quickly is the best known method and that is to make the Sitemap. Other method is to increase the inbound links to your website.

This is created by programmers that help people to get their site listed in much faster way. This informs Google what your site is all about and what it is related to, how many pages are there in your website and which updates are done in the website on regular basis.

Try to build the inbound links of your website. This can be done through article submissions, directory submissions and link exchange etc. All this will help in indexing your site faster. These links will also help you to rank higher in search engines. You can simply visit the http://www.xml-sitemaps.com and this website lets you create free sitemap for your website. Just follow the guidelines and submit the sitemap.

Apart from being the biggest search engine, Google is fast and simple to use. In less than a second you are able to find the most results. They also show the cached version of the web page. It provides results with information and links related to your query. This helps to make and quickly find what you are searching for.


Rajeev Guglani writes articles for SEO. He has vast exposure in writing for Search Engine marketing. He is working for NDDW. For Google Marketing, Get Listed in Google and Google Optimization visit www.nddw.com

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Work at Home as a Web Designer

Came across this on craigslist. A small computer firm is looking for a part-time web designer. They are looking for a "web design consultant who can produce limited websites with some 'flash.'"

It is a telecommuting opportunity, and would be perfect for someone just getting started in web design. It is unresearched, so do your own due diligence. Good luck!

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Free Coffee-mate Creamer: Get Yours Now

Freebie alert! Nestle is giving away a coupon for a free bottle of Coffee-mate creamer. This is a $4.50 value. Go here and get yours today.

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Earn Extra Money Blogging for Card Company

This looks like a great way to make some extra spending money. It's only $100 a month, but has the potential to turn into more. You will be creating monthly blog entries of 200 to 500 words.

Requirements are a background in PR marketing/writing, creative writing, or journalism, excellent writing and grammar skills, and a familiarity with AP style. You will also need to be able to meet at least once a month (not sure if this is possible online or over the phone) to discuss/edit the piece. This listing is in the San Diego area. It is unresearched, so do your own due diligence. Good luck!

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Great Gift Idea: Marble Magnets

I'm out of town with my daughter at a swim meet, but couldn't leave you hanging without a post. So when I ran across this neat craft idea today, I had to blog about it. These marble magnets are absolutely adorable, and make a great gift packaged in those little Altoid hinged boxes (Start saving them now). For instructions and supply information, check out NotMartha.com. Have fun!

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Happy Valentine's Day

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Free Download Suze Orman's Women and Money

Alert: From now until 8/7 Central on February 14th, you can download a free copy of Suze Orman's book Women and Money: Owning the Power to Control Your Destiny off Oprah.com. This is a great opportunity. It's available in English and Spanish. Right click on the link and select download. If you try to open it on the site, your browser will freeze up. Enjoy! I got mine. Go get yours!

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Work at Home with Ikano Customer Support

This looks like a great opportunity for those who live in Utah. It includes benefits after 90 days. Training is paid, and there are advancement opportunities. You will be resolving customer service and technical support calls. Compensation is $9 to $10 an hour. Here's IKANO's website.

It appears there may be on-site training, followed by the opportunity to telecommute. You must be computer literate with an interest in computer networking. Strong customer service skills are required. If interested, fax or email your resume to:

Fax or Email your resume to:
Company: IKANO Communications
Email: hrmanager@ikano.com
Fax: 801-924-1092
Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Work at Home as a Bargain Editor for LogicBUY.com

This looks like a great part time opportunity for someone. You are basically searching out tech deals, entries, and coupons from online retailers and publishing them to LogicBUY.com's website. You will submit a minimum of ten deals a day, seven days a week, and be compensated $200 a month. You can do this remotely from anywhere. Here's the LogicBUY.com website. Good luck!

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Work as a T-shirt Designer for TenBills.com

Here's an exciting work at home opportunity for you creative types. TenBills.com is looking for one or two new artists to design T-shirts for them. If you haven't checked out their site, it's great. This is a telecommute opportunity. Fore more information, check out their ad on craigslist. Or go straight to their online application. Wish I was artsy! Good luck!

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Entrepreneurial Mom Starts Online Toy Rental Business

Saw this and had to post it. It's a great idea. This mom hated to see the toys her children had outgrown just sitting in the closet. So she started her own online toy rental business. Think NetFlix with toys. It's a great idea. Enjoy!

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Work at Home for Marine Depot Customer Service

This looks like a great opportunity. MarineDepot.com is hiring customer service agents to assist customers with orders and technical support. You are required to have:

1. A modern computer.
2. A fast Internet connection, such as a DSL or cable modem.
3. A recent computer operating system release, such as the latest
version of Microsoft Windows.
4. Recent releases of Internet and email applications, such as Internet
Explorer.
5. A phone line dedicated to your home-based call center, with
unlimited long-distance dialing.
6. Good to excellent "people skills" to properly deal with customers.
7. College degree.

Pay is $10 to $12 an hour, based upon experience.

Hours are Monday through Friday 10 to 6 p.m.

Here is a list of required skills and abilities:

1. 2 years of Customer Service experience
2. PC Literacy (Microsoft Office Suite)
3. Hands-on approach to management
4. Type at least 25 WPM
5. High School diploma with 5 years experience or College Degree
6. Possess a valid driver's license with a good driving record
7. Possess excellent communication skills (both verbal and written)
8. Able to learn and operate a computerized ordering system
9. Possess exceptional interpersonal skills
10. Be able to anticipate needs of others in a fast paced environment

This is a telecommute position. Here is the craigslist posting and here is Marine Depot's employment page. Good luck!

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Valentine's Day Activities to Share with Kids

Valentine's Day is only six days away, so a quick link to Work From Home Momma, who's got a great article: Twenty-six Valentine's Day Activities and Puzzles for Kids. This is a great resource! Brings back fond memories of my own elementary school years. Enjoy!

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Work at Home Blogging about Yummy Food

I know it's my favorite subject. What about you? DailyPixel Network is looking for a food blogger, someone who is passionate about "cooking, baking, and all things in the kitchen." This is a paid position. Experience with food photography is a plus.

Interested? Contact: bloggers@dailypixel.com with 2-3 sample posts tailored to a food-focused blog and any URLs of blogs you currently write. Here's the link to the job posting.

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Valentine's Day Cookie Recipe: Chocolate Kiss Cookies

Here's a great recipe for Valentine's Day. It's even simple enough to do with your kids. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1-2/3 cups unsifted all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa
• 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
• confectioner's sugar
• 1 9-oz. pkg Hershey Kisses, unwrapped

Directions:


Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cream butter, sugar and vanilla in large mixing bowl, combining the flour and cocoa first, then blending that into the butter. Add walnuts, and beat on low until thoroughly blended. Chill one hour until firm.

Shape the mixture into balls. Press a Hershey's Kiss into the middle of each ball, and place these on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes. Cool. Roll in confectioner's sugar.

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Don't Forget Your Sunscreen

It's unusually warm here, and I just thought this was too funny.

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Free Writing Courses Online

I love it when I find something free to share, especially when it's free education. And Education Portal has an article posted today that I'm excited to check out myself. It's 10 Universities Offering Free Writing Courses Online.

I've always dreamt of writing a novel, so I'm thinking of taking one of the fiction writing classes. There are also courses in proofreading, poetry, and screen writing. Check it out!

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Work at Home for Telehammers.com

This job is for work at home appointment setters. Telehammers' motto is: "Need appointments? We nail 'em." Appointment setters work 20 to 25 hours per week making B2B phone calls on behalf of Telehammer.com clients. Qualified candidates should send a resume and cover letter to careers@telehammers.com. Check it out!

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Work at Home Transcriptionist for eTranscription Solutions

This looks like a good opportunity for an experienced transcriber. You must be able to type 80 wpm and have experience transcribing multiple voices. You also need to be Internet and computer savvy, particularly in relation to research. eTranscription Solutions uses the Start/Stop Foot Pedal. You can read about the job opportunity on the eTranscription Solutions Job Opportunities page. Good luck!

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Swimming Mom Timeout and a Request

Today is my daughter's regional swim meet, so this will probably be the extent of my posting today. I'm so proud of her. She's made regionals in the Fly and Breast. She's worked so hard to get there, and against a lot of odds. (We've had a tough year with her asthma).

A special request: if you're seeing this, send up a special prayer that she does well today. And I'll owe you a big one.

There's a pic above of her swimming fly.

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