Wishing You in 2008...

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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 lu...

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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...

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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...

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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 client...

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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 lu...

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Merry Christmas!

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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 homeA noise-canceling USB headsetCable or DSL high speed Internet accessA recent computer (specific requirements on the site)This is a great company to work for. Good lu...

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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...

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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 PartyIngredients: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...

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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...

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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 lu...

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A Little Dark Christmas Humor

Sorry. I could not resi...

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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 lu...

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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,...

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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. Enj...

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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 servicesRequirements include: * strong writing and excellent communication skills * computer, Internet access, and...

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Blogging for Dollars

This is for all the hardworking fellow bloggers out there. Thanks BLau...

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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 he...

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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 cu...

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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...

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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 o...

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Blast from the Not so Great Past

All I can say is wow, thank God we're not still living in the fifti...

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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 lu...

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Can You Relate?

Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoo...

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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 lu...

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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 n...

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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 me...

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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...

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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!Frugal for Life Fatwallet.com The Thriftshopper.com Clearcheckbook.com The Coupon Mom Hillbilly Housewife SundaySaver.com Frugal Village A Penny Closer The Family CEO...

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Easy Cranberry Walnut Stuffing

An easy variation on plain old stuffing, this recipe sounds yummy.Easy Cranberry Walnut Stuffing 1 1/3 cups water1/3 cup dried cranberries2 tablespoons margarine or butter1 (6 ounce) package Stove Top Stuffing Mix1/2 to 1/3 cup toasted walnut piecesIn a saucepan, bring the cranberries, margarine/butter, and water to a boil. Stir in Stove Top Stuffing Mix, cover, and remove from the burner. Let stand 5 minutes. Yields 8 servin...

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A Little Dark Thanksgiving Humor

Just to get you in the Thanksgiving mo...

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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 lu...

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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...

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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. We...

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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...

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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...

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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. Enj...

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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. Ne...

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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...

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You Know It's Funny

Sorry. I couldn't resi...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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. TG...

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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?Or maybe the interviewer just gives you the silent treatment. CrackInterview covers it all. Check it o...

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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 languageproper grammaran awareness of current events a typing speed of 80 wpmcomputer with Microsoft Worda digital transcribing programThe link above will take you to their employment opportunities page. Good luck and Happy Hallowe...

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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...

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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....

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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.c...

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