BloggingOffers

Promotion

2011-11-07T14:59:00.001-04:00

Guest post written by Rolf Tate

Lately I’ve been worried about starting my new job. Even though I have worked extremely hard with this company I did not think a promotion would come as quickly as it did. Once I was called into my boss’s office I assumed I might have done something wrong and the next thing I know he is telling me that I’m getting a promotion and the company is going to want me to move. A promotion was great news to both me and my wife but I know we were both a little bummed out that we were going to have to make a move. A friend of mine in the office recently sent me an email giving me some advice about the moving process. The best piece of advice he gave me was switching my basic cable provider to satellite TV and referred me to Satellite 911 deals Now at least I know one thing will be for sure when I end up making my move.

New England U

2011-09-12T08:10:00.001-04:00

Post contributed by Leonard Phelps

I am a professor in Biddeford, Maine. I have always loved being around university towns. There is something that is always young, cultural, and fresh about living in a university town. Usually, there is good music, great food, and worldly theatre performances. I have lived in college towns since I graduated high school. I liked them so much that I decided to get a doctorate so that I could live in one forever. When August roles around, and classes are about to start the scene at the University of New England is the same as it across all college campuses. The dorms are buzzing with new students, parents, and Biddeford Directv by expertsatellite installation trucks. Each new student is getting ready to start the journey of adulthood. It always amazes me how young the freshman look. I am also amazed by how the student age in the short four (or five) years they spend in college. If you loved college, I suggest visiting ( or moving) to a college town! They are the best places to live in the world!

Testing Gutenblog

2010-02-02T14:08:00.001-04:00

If you're reading this, it's because my test of Gutenblog has worked. It looks like a sort of Friendfeed or Posterous replacement, and I'm anxious to see how it works out.

Posted with GutenBlog.net.

Tap Tap

2008-08-01T17:38:00.000-04:00

I once wrote a poem about kitchen faucets . It was called Dripping, Tripping, Slipping. I had a lot of fun with it. When we started construction on our home, we had to think about faucets for the first time ever. One faucet is definitely not like another. We ended up with the ones that have a pull out shower head attachment – and we've actually used it.

Handmade With Care

2008-07-25T15:52:00.000-04:00

I don't think I own a single piece of handcrafted jewelry , though I have bought plenty of pieces as gifts for my mother, sister and girlfriends. I like the fact that each piece is unique and special and the materials chosen are often very different from those used for regular jewelry. It's amazing how good a bracelet made of seeds can look with a little bit of care.

Mesothelioma Mystery

2008-07-25T15:47:00.000-04:00

I first heard of mesothelioma some years ago and I had no idea what it was. All I knew was that someone thought they could make a lot of money by writing posts about it. I said good luck to them and left them to it, moving on to do other things with my own blog. Now here I am with this health related assignment. Ironic, isn't it?

Candle Story

2008-07-16T17:36:00.001-04:00

Once upon a time, there was a little girl who loved to play with candles . But she didn't realise that the flame could burn her. One day she held her fingers a bit too close to the flame and she burnt herself. Luckily her fairy godmother saved the day. Her fingers shrunk because she didn't listen to her mother. Then her fairy godmother waved her wand and put the girl's fingers back.

(This was written with my five year old)

Baby Labels

2008-07-05T07:45:00.000-04:00

Would you buy personalized baby clothes ? There's something to be said for having your new baby's name plastered everywhere, but there's also the question of practicality. Babies grow fast, so you have to be prepared to get several sets of clothing. I never went the personalized route, but I can see how it might appeal to some. Have you ever done it?

Memory Talk

2008-07-05T07:44:00.002-04:00

When I purchased my first PC, everyone was obsessed with ram . How much you had was a great indicator of how the PC would perform. Now, although that is still true, you don't hear as much talk about it. Maybe that's because PCs are so speedy now that it doesn't matter. The entry level has moved to way past the top spec back then. I have no idea what the RAM is on my laptop.

Weight Loss Pills

2008-07-05T07:44:00.001-04:00

I have often flirted with the idea of weight loss pills , because I have tended to yo-yo. In fact, I have tried a number of detox diets that include pills and potions and they all work for a while. The trouble is that you have to change you eating habits to get the most from them, and that's the hard part.

Do You Need A Lawyer?

2008-06-27T16:33:00.001-04:00

Legal specialities are always a mystery to me. One person could focus on property, another on tax and yet another could be a truck accident lawyer . Even though I love to debate, it's not a profession that's ever appealed to me. Perhaps it's the thought of having to make my case in front of all those people. What's your ideal job?

Patio Furniture

2008-06-19T14:22:00.001-04:00

We could really do with some new patio furniture . After a long ago incident with some yacht paint that didn't work, our wooden furniture is peeling. It would be good to replace it with something that looks great and is comfy too. My favorite thing is a swing chair but it would also be great to get a dining table and some chairs so we could eat outside.

Mopping With Microfiber

2008-06-13T16:23:00.000-04:00

I'm intrigued by the idea of a microfiber mop. I had a microfiber coat once and it repelled all the water, kept me warm and was very light. I wonder whether a microfiber mop soaks up lots of water without getting heavt. It would be interesting to find out, though too much interest might get me a job doing more housework.

Dealing With Foreclosure

2008-06-13T16:22:00.000-04:00

Dealing with foreclosure isn't the easiest thing in the world, but more and more people are facing it with the recession and the credit crunch. Although it's the last thing you want, banks look to reduce their exposure to bad debts, even if they have insurance to cover these many times over. I hope I never have to face that situation.

Caribbean Villa

2008-06-12T15:03:00.000-04:00

The other day I went to a kids' party – not just any party, but a party on the beach. I don't know where my friends got the house, but it was lovely, and proof that Caribbean villa rentals can fix you up with some very nice property indeed. The best feature was the ability to walk right out onto the beach, but the barbecue area and enclosed garden also scored.

Looking For Chicago Jobs

2008-06-06T17:03:00.001-04:00

Where do you go when you’re looking for Chicago jobs and jobs in other places? There are a large number of jobs boards where you can find jobs in any city or state and of any type. Most of the jobs I look for have to do with writing and blogging. Where do you find the best places to look for jobs?

What Kind Of Jewelry Are You?

2008-06-06T16:41:00.000-04:00

I don't often have to get men's jewelry because my DH wears nothing more than a wedding ring. But there's some fine stuff about which is masculine and tasteful. If I had to describe myself as a piece of jewelry, it would be a plain gold band – what you see is what you get. How would you describe yourself as a piece of jewelry?

Ready For A Workout

2008-06-01T19:23:00.001-04:00

What exercise equipment do you have lying around unused in your home? I have gone through quite a bit of home exercise equipment, including one of those seven in one exercise machines. I used it for a while, but after a bit the effort became too much. Then I switched to an air walker, then a stepper, not forgetting something to work on the abs. Finally I settled on a bike, and I do use that from time to time.

Silk Decorations

2008-06-01T19:14:00.000-04:00

My mother decorates with silk flowers. She started this for my sister's wedding some time ago, then did mine, then started a business. Her flower arrangements have appeared in large and small offices, on exhibition stands and have been used as gifts for special occasions. She's a true artist when it comes to silk flower decoration and she likes everything just so.

A Mommy Blogger Review

2008-05-23T13:24:00.000-04:00

Life as a stay at home mom has ups and downs. I'm always interested to find others who are sharing this experience. One of those is the person behind the Mom2Two blog. She lives in the Pacific Northwest and covers such diverse topics as animals, cooking, decorating and growing up.

One of the sections I like best is the Mommy Time section, where she details how she carves out some time for herself. There's also plenty of drama in her life, and the story of a Saturday night out is worth a read. This is a relatively new blog, but I am sure it's worth watching.

Looking Our Best For Summer

2008-05-22T16:01:00.001-04:00

Summer is upon us. In fact some of us have already had blistering summer temperatures. It's at this time that our thoughts turn to summer holidays and sexy swimwear. Let's face it; we all want to look our best when we hit the beach. Even if we're not interested in new relationships, our ego wants others to find us attractive.

Bloodstone Castle Site

2008-05-22T15:53:00.000-04:00

I've been checking out a new blog recently. It's an author site for a forthcoming novel called Bloodstone Castle. It's set in Genoa, and the site has a lot of information about the history of the city and some of the locations used in the book.

I especially like the post about pesto sauce. The site is still growing, but it's one to watch. Check out the on-site profiles of some of the leading characters. It's a great place to get some ideas for how to promote your book with a site.

I'd like to see slightly more information there, but I realise that it's a work in progress. I'll stop by to check it out again.

Time To Replace My Laptop?

2008-05-16T14:30:00.000-04:00

My laptop is slowly grinding to a halt. I know I'm going to have to sort it out soon, but I've been procrastinating. In fact, sometimes I think I would rather buy a new laptop than fix this one up. It's not just wiping and reloading the OS, but all the other essentials I need. It's about finding all the passwords I've stored for everything and serial numbers. In short, it's a pain. Better to buy a new one and transfer stuff at leisure.

Wine Racks

2008-05-16T14:26:00.000-04:00

It's amazing how much variety there is in wine racks. I've had a few. One wine rack fitted into my fridge and could hold three bottles, tilted upwards. That was more than enough for an evening's entertainment. Another one was made of wood and metal and sat on the floor. A third kept the bottles at exactly the same angle as they would be when ageing.

Ostrich Feathers

2008-05-08T14:21:00.000-04:00

What could you do with ostrich feathers? Stuff a pillow? Make a feather boa? This sounds like an exotic item and you would want to do something really special with them. Mind you, they must be huge. Given the size on an ostrich you would only need a few feathers to make something marvellous. What would you make if you had a few ostrich feathers?

Cutting Down

2008-05-08T14:17:00.000-04:00

I wonder whether the alcohol rehab places are better these days? Someone I knew checked into one, but he still had to rely on willpower to kick the habit. I guess it's a question of putting you on the right road so that you build up new habits and ways of doing things. I'm trying that at the moment with food and it's working.

Discount Meds

2008-05-08T14:13:00.000-04:00

I'm not much for prescription medicines but like anyone else I like to get things at a good price. I did that recently with a modem, saving $50 (but that's another story. Do you ever have those ads appear for things like cheap Phentermine? I suppose if you needed that product then a discount place would be a great idea.

Making The Move

2008-04-29T14:31:00.001-04:00

I am an expert on moving boxes. I can look at any box and instantly assess whether it's strong enough to use, whether it will break my back if I fill it or whether it will fall apart when over stuffed. That's because I have moved so many times and have used so many types of boxes. I like the strong boxes, the sturdy ones that are used for packing books. They never fall apart.

Pool Floats

2008-04-25T14:42:00.000-04:00

We've got some great pool floats in our pool. A couple of big tires which we have fun trying to steal off each other. Three of us and two of them makes for some riotous pool games. Then we've got a boat that should float but often sinks, as well as some toys to go with it. The best one is a little diver with all the gear.

Exploring Nature

2008-04-17T19:53:00.001-04:00

If you're playing a game of exploration with your toddler, magnifying glasses make a great addition to the game. It's wonderful to look at insects and leaves up close and to see what's hiding under rocks. You can see how different things look up close and far away and imagine how the ants must feel when they see you approaching.

To Sleep, Perchance To Dream

2008-04-17T19:51:00.000-04:00

There's nothing better than a beautiful sleeping arrangement. No, take your mind from the gutter. I'm not talking about a ménage a trios (or any other number), but about having a great bed. Adjustable beds mean that you can have the bed at the angle you want which is great. A memory foam mattress is another fine addition to any bed.

Going Retro

2008-04-17T19:48:00.000-04:00

These days, if you want a retro look, you need to visit the shops that specialise in vintage stuff. It's not just the clothes, but vintage sunglasses and other accessories to complete the look. As for me, I'm anchored firmly in the 21st century, though I must confess to admiring some of the gowns worn in period dramas. What about you?

Don't Know Much About …

2008-04-17T19:46:00.000-04:00

On one of the sites I blogged on someone kept an entire blog on mesothelioma. It was a bit of an experiment to see how the Adsense money would rack up. At the time, this was one of the highest paying keywords, resulting in some nice pocket change. I never really learned much about the condition, though, so I'm none the wiser.

Wind Chimes

2008-04-12T09:24:00.001-04:00

About three years ago I went into a shop and heard the most beautiful wind chimes. The tinkle and timbre were just right, bringing feelings of peace and tranquility. I don't know why I didn't buy them on the spot, but I didn't, and I've been looking for something similar ever since. One day I hope to find the same sound again, and when I do, I'll be buying it.

Magic Beans

2008-04-12T09:22:00.001-04:00

What lengths would you go to in order to lose weight? Some people try everything – changing the diet, getting a personal trainer, hypnosis, fasting. Wouldn't it be nice if there were some magic formula that helped people to do this easily. I often think of Jack and the Beanstalk and the magic beans. Magic beans for weight loss would be wonderful.

Choosing Bathroom Vanities

2008-04-04T16:44:00.000-04:00

Choosing the right bathroom vanities for your house is a major decision. One key factor is how you are going to use the bathroom. Will you need his and hers sinks or will it be a private sanctuary? Do you need lots of storage or is the minimalist look better? Answering these questions will help you choose a suitable unit.

Insurance Question

2008-04-03T17:33:00.000-04:00

A recent experience left me wishing that I had insurance for my blog. We have car insurance, home insurance and all kinds of insurance, but what do we do if we are professional bloggers and our blog disappears? Going into panic mode is not helpful, you just need to take action to bring it back. That's what I did, but I'd have felt more secure with a little insurance.

Keeping Stuff Safe

2008-03-27T19:55:00.000-04:00

If you want to make sure that what is in stays in and what is out stays out, then perhaps you need to check out TSA locks. Have you ever seen those dinky suitcase locks – the kind you can prise open with a strong fingernail? Well, these locks aren't like that. They are good strong locks that others can't tamper with, so your stuff will be safe.

Apple-licious Branson

2008-03-14T20:06:00.001-04:00

It's a hot spot for US tourism. Branson Missouri has a lot going for it – a lot of apples, that is. Actually, there's other stuff as well, but if you love apples then check out the annual festival. There are a whole lot of other events built around it as well as year round fun and lots to look at. Applelicious.

Calling A Lawyer

2008-03-14T19:49:00.001-04:00

Sometimes assault can be closer to home than you think. A close friend of mine recently had a tussle with someone that left her battered, bruised and somewhat shaken. I wasn't sure quite what help to offer, but maybe I should have suggested a Scranton personal injury lawyer. There's no excuse for beating up on people, so this would be the ideal way to get some recompense.

Need Some Cheap Glasses?

2008-03-14T19:30:00.000-04:00

I bought some cheap glasses frames from a shop in Florida. They are rectangular and black and I think they look great, though I had some opposition from my shopping partner. In the end she agreed that they were the best choice. Now, if only I had got the right lenses. Oh well, it will soon be time for another eye test.

Making Vacation Plans

2008-03-07T17:40:00.000-04:00

It's time to start looking for vacation deals. Even though last year I said I wanted to go back to Orlando, I've changed my mind and am thinking of England. It will need to be a good deal as there are three of us to travel, and we need a good luggage allowance as well. I'd also like to visit my sister in Jersey and take a closer look at Fort Lauderdale.

Starting Over With Patio Furniture

2008-03-05T13:21:00.000-04:00

Our patio furniture is a bit of a disappointment. That's not because of the style. In fact the big wooden benches and chairs and the swing seat are just the style I like. What's disappointing is that the lovely yacht paint finish I put on has worn off and it now looks very weathered. That would be great on a beach, but somehow I know that sooner or later I will have to sand it down and start all over again.

Cold Desert, Warm Feeling

2008-03-05T13:17:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine has just come back from Las Vegas. If you are looking for a hotel in Vegas, then maybe she could give some tips. The trip didn't start so well, as it was freezing when she got there (those desert nights are not warm) but she was much happier once she'd secured a sweater, scarf, hat and coat. She described the place as eye opening, unlike anything you've ever seen. It made me want to visit as well, though I will wait for spring or autumn.

Super Weight Loss?

2008-03-03T11:11:00.001-04:00

A super weight loss product sounds too good to be true, but could Orovo be for real? It's got a combination of ingredients that on their own have been proven to assist weight loss, so what might happen if you combine them? There's also the chance to buy the products direct from the site at a reduced price, so this could be a good offer if you want to try something new.

Wine Clubs

2008-03-03T11:06:00.000-04:00

Have you ever looked into joining wine clubs? One of our national papers in the UK used to run one. It's a great chance to try different wines and to buy cases of wine at a good price. We've discovered some great wines as a result, and it's even more rewarding for connoisseurs. What's your favourite wine? I'm leading towards Zinfandel types at the moment.

Treading On Treadmills

2008-02-19T13:32:00.000-04:00

I went to the gym this morning and checked out the treadmills. The last time I was on it, I overdid it a bit and strained my legs. However, there's no denying that treadmills are a great way to make sure you get a walk whatever the weather. It's good exercise for the heart and muscles without causing stress – who can argue with that?

Brighten Up The Bathroom

2008-02-19T13:30:00.000-04:00

When it comes to bathroom lights, brighter is better, in my opinion. I know all about mood lighting and avoiding harsh lighting, but what good is that if you can't see to put on your makeup? Some of the best bathroom lighting I ever had featured halogen bulbs. It felt a bit like being interrogated, but at least I could see. :)

Cabinet Hardware

2008-02-19T13:09:00.000-04:00

One way to dress up a room is with some new cabinet hardware. It can be difficult to choose the right cabinet for a particular spot. Sometimes you need to fit a cabinet into a particular corner, or have things on display high up. Whichever you go for, choosing the right hardware will dress up your room and add luster to your décor.

Renting A Laptop

2008-02-15T19:16:00.000-04:00

I rely on my laptop to keep my business going. If it dies, I might have to consider a laptop rental to keep things ticking over while a technician makes repairs. Of course, not any old replacement laptop will do. I need WiFi, Word and a couple of other tools up and running so that I'm ready to go. What would your rental laptop have.

Inside Out Cleansing

2008-02-15T19:14:00.000-04:00

I've done a colon cleanse a couple of times before. I am not going to go into details. If you've done one, you know already. If you haven't, then there's plenty of info out there. What I will say, though, is that you need to put vitamins and nourishment back after you do a cleanse. If you don't you could be dehydrated and washed out.

Finding A Franchise

2008-02-15T19:11:00.000-04:00

I've thought about signing up for a franchise before, but it has always been at the wrong time. I believe in making an investment in my own future, but I need to have the cash to do it. That's why although I knew the market was ripe for a PDA franchise in my area just before they hit the UK, I missed out due to lack of funding.

Budget Software

2008-02-15T19:05:00.000-04:00

Is there anyone who doesn't like budget software? Let's face it; we would all get something for nothing if we could. I've been on the look out for some cheapies or freebies for my daughter's computer, but I haven't had much luck so far. In some cases, you have to be in the right location even to get a chance of trying them

Check Please

2008-02-04T13:36:00.000-04:00

How many checking accountsdo you have? It's easy to stack them up as you move from place to place. Before the advent of internet banking and ATMs you needed an account wherever you needed to get money. In one place I worked, I had an account that existed just so I could do some lunchtime shopping, while my main account was elsewhere.

Bed In A Box?

2008-02-01T14:54:00.000-04:00

Would you believe it – there are three foam mattresssuppliers in my neighbourhood? There's no excuse for not getting a good night's sleep. You can even get the beds to go with the mattresses. When I was looking for a new bed for my daughter, I saw some very cool bunk beds with space for a desk underneath – and the mattresses were funky, too.

Funny Tees

2008-01-24T15:11:00.000-04:00

What do you think of funny t-shirts? Do you wear them, or would the embarrassment be too much? I must admit, I tend to go for plain, unadorned numbers. No slogans of any kind. However, I also enjoy reading the messages on other people's tees. Some of them really are quite hysterical. They draw you in, insult you and leave you laughing.

Trading In Commodities

2008-01-20T09:39:00.000-04:00

Commodity brokers – there's a term I haven't had to think about in a while. When I worked for a metals industry magazine, that was where the action was. We published a newsletter that had updates on the latest buying and selling trends on everything from aluminium to zinc. It was exciting stuff – for some people at least. As for me, I was happy to have the experience then move on to another topic – education.

Battery Life

2008-01-11T19:06:00.000-04:00

I had to change the battery on my phone the other day. Somehow the difference in the electrical system seems to take a toll on battery life. I don't really understand why, but it got to the point where it was draining within a day or so. So I found a source for nimh batteries online and there's been a slight improvement.

The Next Type Of Rehab

2008-01-11T19:03:00.000-04:00

I read today about a new kind of drug rehab. It had to do with gene therapy. According to Michael Crichton in his latest paperback, Next, finding the gene for maturity would get rid of the behaviour. Of course, Crichton writes fiction, but wouldn't it be interesting if it really worked? In the meantime, people will just have to check into a clinic.

Dress Up Your Chrysler

2008-01-05T07:00:00.000-04:00

There's always a temptation to do more with your car. Whether it's a classic model or hot off the production lines, we can't resist the temptation to customize. For example, if you've got a Chrysler 300 accessory shopping might concentrate on fixing up the wood ash grain that gives it its distinctive look. Or you might get other add-ons depending on your tastes.

Environmental Study

2008-01-05T06:59:00.000-04:00

Environmental laws are getting tougher, so it's wise to get the experts in to make sure you meet all the compliance requirements. A phase 1 environmentalstudy is the way to go if you have any concerns about the environmental implications of your next project. All you need to do is call in the experts and you'll soon be well on the way to meeting your legal requirements.

Flipping Property

2008-01-04T16:28:00.000-04:00

There's a lot said these days about real estate flipping - buying and selling property to make a quick profit. I guess it can be a bit of a gamble, but it's a great way to make big money. Get the calculation right and the profit can be tens or hundreds of thousands. Have you ever profited from flipping a property?

Will Santa Bring An LCD TV?

2007-12-21T12:24:00.000-04:00

The buzz words around my house these days are LCD TV. Someone in my house wants a big screen – big enough so that the whole neighbourhood can watch TV at our house without leaving home. I'm not saying who it is, but he's been talking about it for a while. I can see the advantage – who wouldn't want to watch movies at a larger than life size? We've even got the right wall for it. I wonder if Santa will bring it?

Diamond Rings

2007-12-15T18:15:00.000-04:00

Diamonds are a recurring obsession. Ian Fleming wrote that Diamonds Are Forever, spawning a bestselling song, Prince wrote about Diamonds and Pearls and even Shania Twain sang about lots of diamond rings in her song Kaching. What is it about these cold pieces of jewellery that excites us so? I still haven't figured it out, though I've got a couple of diamonds of my own.

Subtitle Issues

2007-12-10T11:29:00.000-04:00

When you think about it a dvd subtitle company has a lot of work to do. It can't be easy having to translate a single DVD to multiple languages. In fact, when you speak another language you realize just how difficult a task is. Because in many cases foreign language translation does not exactly match the English original. It can make for another good source of humor.

Car Angels

2007-12-10T11:23:00.000-04:00

At Christmas some people pull out all the stops to be generous to those less fortunate. They give generous donations to churches, youth groups and other deserving institutions. The well off may even give a car donations to be offered as a prize in a raffle for a charitable cause. I can't help trying to win one of these cars. Even if I don't drive it I can sell it and the money would come in very handy. A company called, Car Angel uses car donations to make videos for kids and teens. So far they have given away more than 2 million videos. You can see an example here.

Dressing Up For You

2007-11-28T20:08:00.000-04:00

The other day I read a book called Mama Gena's Guide To The Womanly Arts. In it she suggested several ways to spice up your life, including getting sexy costumes. Her point was that this was not for your partner but for you, so that you would feel great and sashay about the place. The book had plenty of examples of women who had followed her advice with amazing results.

Pondering Pearls

2007-11-28T20:06:00.000-04:00

Do you own a pearl necklace? Whenever I think about pearls I am reminded that they grow up around a speck of dirt. When you say: 'it takes dirt to make a pearl', it's a reminder that something good can come from something bad. Even if you think it's not a great experience, maybe you can learn something from it.

Movie Time

2007-11-28T20:03:00.000-04:00

Once we've got the system installed then we may need some plasma lifts. This is getting a bit on the techie side for me, so I'll leave that side of things to my hubby or some other qualified individual. Instead, I'll concentrate on the movie selection and may even sneak a bit of popcorn on the side. See you at the movies.

Bose Time

2007-11-28T20:01:00.000-04:00

My hubby would love to have a Bose home theater system. He's been talking about the setup for years. The cinema seats, the flat screen, the surround sound – everything but the popcorn, which he hates. I must admit it would be fun to have the big screen experience in my own home, and I'm all for gadgets, so maybe one day we'll actually get it.

Fit Not Flab

2007-11-28T19:58:00.000-04:00

My sister was visiting recently and came with me to our local gym to test out the fitness equipment. She does a circuit that works out the upper body, the abs and the legs and thighs and is starting to look much fitter because of it. I've been thinking that it's time to add some strength work to my cardio routines and thin down the flab.

To Horse, To Horse

2007-11-28T19:56:00.000-04:00

Still on the subject of my daughter, she's also interested in horses. The riding school appeals to her, with all those girls in horse riding apparel. She's quite keen on doing that one day. As for me, I prefer to steer clear of large animals with small brains, so I won't be taking up equestrian sports any time soon. My daughter now, that's another matter.

Best Pets

2007-11-28T19:53:00.000-04:00

My daughter has suddenly developed an interest in pets. Not chia pets, but regular household pets. This week, her focus is on kittens who are cute when young. I pointed out that she'd have to miss TV to care for them. She loftily told me that cats love TV. Only 5 and already she can outargue me. I can see that we will have to invest in a pet one day soon.

Shopping For Shirts

2007-11-28T19:51:00.000-04:00

It can be very difficult to buy shirts for a man. For a start, the sizing is completely different from women's blouses. You have to know the size of his collar – who goes around measuring men's necks, I ask you? – and sometimes the size of his chest. I don't think hugging the salesman is the best way to compare. It's a tricky business.

Land For Sale

2007-11-28T19:49:00.000-04:00

I keep looking around at land for sale. There's a lovely lot near my home which overlooks both a golf course and the sea and it's big enough to hold a small palace – or a tiny palace with a large pool. I suppose I look because there's always the chance of spotting a bargain and finding a plot on which to build my dream home.

Thinking Back To Baby Days

2007-11-26T18:15:00.001-04:00

My daughter's just turned five and it's hard to think back to when she was still teeny tiny and wearing baby clothes. I knew she would have her own opinions when I watched her trying to suck her thumb at only a few weeks old. She got quite irate when it didn't work out and persisted until it did. That dedication is still evident today.

Considering Vegas

2007-11-26T18:10:00.001-04:00

Have you ever been to Vegas? I find these desert places fascinating. I like arid landscapes with oases rising out of them – and you won't find bigger, brighter, more opulent oases than in Vegas. I don't know if I'd like the place, but it still holds a strange fascination and it would be worth visiting just for the experience. Have you been there? What did you think?

Choosing Term Cover

2007-11-26T18:00:00.001-04:00

So, still on the subject of term life insurance, how do you decide what level of cover to get? One way to think about it is considering what income you need to replace. This may not just be your income, but your spouse's as the surviving partner often has to cut down on working hours to look after the family.

Time To Lounge

2007-11-26T17:53:00.000-04:00

Where do you go to get your discount furniture? I am on the lookout for a few new pieces. Something comfy that I can lounge on. I saw a fabulous four poster day bed with rattan posts as thick as my arm for a cool grand this morning. It wasn't quite the right piece of furniture, though. Something longer and wider for me.

Talking Term

2007-11-26T17:51:00.000-04:00

If you've been thinking about it, maybe now's the time to get a term life insurance quote. You can never be too careful. I read the other day that about a third of us don't think it's important at all, at least, not until something goes wrong. It's also not abous us, but about those we leave behind. The right policy will make sure that they are taken care of.

Maximise That Light

2007-11-23T15:20:00.001-04:00

I talked before about some of our lighting issues. In our living room, the central fan light just doesn’t spread the light far enough, so unless you're in the corner with the reading lamp, you just have to do without reading (or get eyestrain). I'm not sure how to solve the problem as we don't have many power points there either. However, checking out some Maxim lighting would be a step in the right direction.

Weighing It Up

2007-11-23T15:13:00.000-04:00

We find it hard to travel light in our family. We get the biggest suitcases and bags we can find, made by someone like Travelpro and then cram as much into them as we possibly can. Of course, that means we may have a problem with the weight of our bags. So we have learned how to use an ordinary bathroom scale to weigh them before we travel. It's an art, as you need to balance the bag long enough for the scale to take a reading and tip it off before the display goes dark.

Svelte, Here I Come

2007-11-21T17:33:00.000-04:00

I heard recently about some amazing diet pills. They really do work. I've seen the evidence myself in a close family member who has literally dropped a couple of sizes in a couple of months. She works out, she's healthy and she looks fantastic! I'm itching to know how I can get my hands on some of those because I would love to release the inner svelte me.

A Real Gem

2007-11-17T08:18:00.000-04:00

I'm lucky. Where I live there are two major suppliers of gemstone jewelry. Whether you want diamonds, emeralds or other stones there is a wealth of choice, which is just as well, because it can be so difficult to choose. I tend to go for something plain, with an inset gemstone, but some people I know favour rocks that weigh down their hands.

Bedroom Theatre

2007-11-05T19:01:00.000-04:00

We had bunk beds in my room when I was a kid. It was great, because not only could you sleep in them but they could be transformed into the scenes for all kinds of play. For example, all you needed to do was hang a curtain to make a room, a tent, or the backdrop to a theatre. The ladder to get to the top could go almost anywhere – the only limit was our imagination.

Bedroom Decorations

2007-11-03T06:53:00.001-04:00

There are so many ways to decorate a bedroom these days. Of course, the centrepiece is the bed. You can have four poster beds, modern platform beds, water beds, sleigh beds and almost infinite variety. You can also have your bed set into a surround which has lighting, and space for books and ornaments. Really, there's no end to the decorative possibilities. What's your ideal kind of bed?

The House I Nearly Built

2007-11-02T15:09:00.000-04:00

I spend a lot of time writing about real estateand finance. I got interested in real estate when I started thinking about building my own house. I visited my neighbourhood to look at new houses, then went further afield to look at both land and houses. I got lots of ideas and got quite close to buying a plot, but the sale fell through and it never happened. I've still got that ideas file, though.

Solving Customers' Problems

2007-10-29T11:32:00.000-04:00

Technology is revolutionising the mortgage business, just like it is changing many others. One example of this is direct marketing company Red Clay Media. This company will allow brokers to stay one step ahead of the game by providing marketing intelligence that will lead them to qualified customers. This direct mail company can help brokers with customer targeting. As it points out on its blog, there are many people who struggle to get a mortgage and who only achieve this thanks to the help of a broker. However, once they've got it, they may struggle to make ends meet. This doesn't mean that they turn into problem customers. Instead, as the blog points out, they are customers with a problem who are motivated to solve that problem.

The problem for brokers is where to find these highly motivated individuals, and that's where getting the right market information is useful. Instead of having people end up with unsafe mortgages which will hurt them in the long run, you can direct the right people to the right deals with the market information you get. It's a winning situation for everyone – no one ends up with a home they can't afford and there's no struggle to meet payments.

Real Estate Dreams

2007-10-23T09:26:00.001-04:00

Some of the work I do is writing about real estate – anything from Arizona real estate to Dubai real estate. I find those jobs interesting, because I love looking at property – the research lets me look at lots of property without spending a dime. While I look, I collect a list of features that I might one day use in my dream home – everything from wrap around balconies to Olympic sized swimming pools. What would be in your dream house?

Wicked Tickets

2007-10-23T09:09:00.000-04:00

I wrote a poem the other day about Wicked tickets. I was quite pleased with the effort. It discussed when the word wicked had come to mean good and lots of people weighed in with their thoughts. Do you have any ideas on the matter? One of the great joys of the English language is how every word has multiple meanings. Can you think of any more examples?

Sitting At The Movies

2007-10-23T08:25:00.000-04:00

My hubby would love to have a home theater. The question is, how to kit it out. At least we know that we can get hold of some discount home theater seating, but then we will also need a big screen and some kicking speakers. We've already got a huge collection of DVDs, so showing the movies won't be a problem.

Pro360 Review

2007-10-23T08:17:00.000-04:00

Having a flutter online is all the rage, but how do you know where to place your bets? It's simple - just go to Pro360.com which has been reviewing online casinos for the last 10 years.

The front page of the site gives you an at a glance snapshot of the best places to play, with a table that lists the current top 50. Some sites accept US players, some don't and you can also find out about bonuses on this table.

For many players, when it comes to finding a casino online, what they want to know is the overall rating - and they've got two to choose from. Each site is rated by the editors and also by the players, making it easy to see whether a particular site will suit you. There's also a link to a full review to help you make the final decision on where to go for a flutter.

Hot Tub Heaven

2007-10-22T20:19:00.000-04:00

Hot tubs – gotta love them. I had a great time on my last holiday in Florida. There was the hottest, best hot tub I have ever sat in and we had it all to ourselves. Bliss! We spent the afternoons going between the hot tub and the pool and had the time of our lives before tottering round the corner for a meal at Olive Garden – scrummy.

Going Green

2007-10-20T06:38:00.000-04:00

Do you use eco friendly products? We've always recycled and have tried to teach out daughter to do the same – in fact, she could separate paper from plastic around the time she learned to talk. But sometimes you need help to live a greener life.

If you need help with finding eco friendly products, then consider trying Green and More. The company has hundreds of eco friendly products available and what's more, it lives the green lifestyle. That means that on site, it uses recycled cardboard boxes, office supplies, kitchen goods and absolutely no plasticware. It's something to aspire to, isn't it?

If you want to find out more about going green, you can read their Going Green blog which is jointly maintained by staff and the public. Lots of inspirational, eco friendly stories there. Or visit their learning center, which has great info from national organisations.

To help us with a greener lifestyle, Green and More is offering a 10% discount when you order green products until the end of the year (just use coupon code GREEN10). Sometimes help like this is just what you need to get started. In the meantime, we're doing our bit for the ozone layer by having a single family car.

The Best Backup Method

2007-10-19T15:08:00.000-04:00

Last year I bought an external hard drive and I'm so glad I did. It is one of the most useful computer accessories I have ever bought. Now I can back up my data daily or weekly and if my laptop ever dies I can be up and running on a new computer in seconds. I don't even mind giving up a USB port to keep it permanently plugged in - that means I can backup anytime I leave the computer. What's your favourite backup solution?

Poetic Challenge

2007-10-17T15:02:00.000-04:00

There are lots of ways to tackle the issue of rehab, but as I'm a writer, I try, when I can to take a creative approach. I've done one haiku on this theme - here's another:

Drug rehab brings me
Back from the clouds; I can see
Without a white veil

What do you think? It's a bit of a departure for this blog, but I like to stir things up from time to time.

Ashop Shopping Cart

2007-10-14T15:17:00.000-04:00

A few months ago, I had to write an article on shopping cart software. When you see a shopping cart on a website, that simple icon hides a whole lot of background database action. There are lots of things you want your shopping cart to do:

it needs to process payments from a wide variety of credit cards and online payment processors
it needs to tell people when they have successfully completed a transaction
it needs to integrate with your site so that you can do your bit in supplying the goods.

It's essential to find the right solution. One contender is Ashop Commerce, a hosted shopping cart software solution that you can use without having to install anything. This is a plus, since configuration can be a big headache for some website owners.

Ashop is a turnkey solution that starts at $69 a month and you can even have a free trial of the starter edition to see if you like it. There are all sorts of features you can have, such as affiliate programs and more and all versions have built in statistics and sales reporting.

Magical Mailboxes

2007-10-12T17:16:00.000-04:00

I like the mystery and possibility of mailboxes. There's always the chance that a letter will be waiting and that it will have good news. Even though half the time I get junk mail, I am still happy when our postman roars up to the gate on his motorbike and drops something in the mailbox. Let's face it, it could be a bill, but it could also be an invitation or a letter from a friend.

Tune In To Penn State

2007-10-05T21:47:00.000-04:00

Penn State football – are you tuning in? I watch a variety of sports, including soccer, gymnastics and athletics. What sports catch you eye and make you keep watching? My daughter is currently into dance and gymnastics, with a side order of swimming. She even combines them sometimes, doing rolls and turns under water. It looks like she will take after her dad in the sporting stakes. Although I looked the part for years, I was never much good at playing. I'm an ace spectator, though.

A Time Of Joy

2007-10-05T21:44:00.000-04:00

I remember when I got my first watch. I was eight and it was pretty basic by today's standards. It had an hour hand and a minute hand and you had to wind it every day. That was it. I was over the moon and I treasured that watch, wearing it every day till it was replaced in my late teens. No Skagen watches have ever matched that joy.