I Won A Contest - HomeCast.com

Recently TheHomeCast.com Blog had a contest, you needed to send an email for a topic suggestion. I sent one and guess what? I won! The prize is a beautiful 3 ring binder, covered with linen-like fabric, and 3-dimensional stickers. The binder has pocket divders for great organization. (check out the picture)

I'm sure I'll put it to good use.

National Waffle Day - March 25

One of my favorite wedding gifts was a Beligan Wafflemaker from Williams-Sonoma. This appliance makes terrific waffles. I love making waffles for breakfast with strawberries and powdered sugar every weekend. Yummy.

Visit Taste of Home website for some waffle recipes today. You'll find that waffles are now served for lunch, dinner and dessert.

Strawberry Topped Waffles

Blueberry Waffles

Bacon and Chive Waffles

Buttermilk Waffles

Do You Have Customer Service Call Center Experience? Consider Working From Home

When I was informed by my doctors, that I wouldn't be able to return to my customer service postion, after a work related injury, I figured I would never work again. My husband was the one that encouraged me to search for a work-at-home customer service position. With my customer service and sales background, in call centers, I had no shortage of company responses.

I have been working a Virtual Customer Service Rep for a little over a year. And I love it. I have the flexibility of my schedule and receive a paycheck bi-weekly.

Read more about virtual call center opportunities, through this article.

Home Office Splurges - 'The Parents Home Office'

I finished and e-filed our federal and state tax returns on Monday. Good news is that we're getting a refund. Now, what will we spend some of that money on? How about some home office equipment and improvements?

I've been wanting to add a gig to my computer, have it cleaned, and cleared of viruses. A new corded phone and desk lamp will round out my list.

Stop by 'The Parents Home Office' website and read the article, 'Home Office Splurges'. Perhaps you have a wish list already or maybe the article will give you some ideas.

San Diego County Educational Technology Fair - Science Club Field Trip

The San Diego County Educational Technology Fair was sponsored by the San Diego Science Alliance, the San Diego County Office of Education, and San Diego City Schools.

The primary goal of the Tech Fair is to get high school students excited about math and science and encourage them in that direction as they pursue their education goals beyond high school.

Our Science Club attended the event yesterday. We found that many local medical, computer and science companies and colleges were represented this year. There were many hands on displays, representatives were eagered to answer questions of the students, teachers and parents.

My favorite was the Apple Computer display. They had their latest consumer products on display for the kids to try out. I found a new desktop system that our family fell in love with. The screen is wide, clear and images appear with shadowing. Wow. Our teen, who uses Garage Band at the school computer lab echoed several approvals. The retail price is around $1300 so it's definitely doable.

It was a fun time for all. Even my husband had a terrific time.

It's Grilling Time - Stop By Sears.com

In San Diego county, it's grilling time year round. But for other parts of the country, the snow is melting and warmer temps are coming. Maybe you and your husband are thinking about purchasing a portable grill. They're great because of the convenience,size and lower prices.

The Weber Q100 Portable Grill offers you power, push button ignition, porcelain coated cast iron cooking grate. It's only $129.98 plus shipping/handling and tax. Visit Sears.com for more information and other grills.

Country Bunny Bath & Body Oatmeal Milk & Honey Soap

One of our teenager's favorite Country Bunny Bath & Body products is the Oatmeal Milk & Honey soap. This glycerin based soap gently cleans the skin without stripping away essential oils. It also keeps his teenage skin clear of acne breakouts.

Visit my online store to order a bar for $5.25 plus shipping and handling. We accept Visa, MasterCard and PayPal.

Cost Effective Reasons for Growth in Virtual Call Centers

In USAToday.com, there is an article boasting of the reasons that companies are and will be increasing the growth of virtual call centers. Many of the reasons are obvious, such as the lower cost for training and overhead per employee and increase gas prices.

If you are currently working in a call center, make a copy and present it to your call management department. Who knows, maybe you'll be able to join the growing numbers of Virtual Customer Service Reps.

Click here to read the article.

This Week on WAHM Talk Radio Show

This week, on WAHM Talk Radio Show, meet two more of our awesome WAHM MVP Nominees. Jill Hart, owner of
Christian Work at Home Mom and Melissa Khalinsky, owner of Business Mums.

Visit the MVP Page, on the website, to learn more about all of our nominees and place your vote! You have just under two weeks left.

If you work from home this should be a must listen to. It's available 24 hours, 7 days a week. You can even download to your MP3 player and take it with you.

This Week on '24' - Visit the Official Website

Man, last week we saw Tony pass away in Jack's arms, while Jack slowly started to breakdown. Tonight, at 8pm, we in store for another rough and bumpy ride.

After the show, consider visiting the '24' Official website for poll questions, episode guide, online video interviews, and much more.

Don't forget to stop by the message board. My husband and I have a great time reading the fans opinions of Monday night's show.

'Stepfamily Talk Radio Show' has Partnered With Mom's Radio Network

In today's email, from Kelly McCausey, she announced that she has a new Internet Talk Radio Show that has partnered with Mom's Radio Network. 'Step Family Talk Radio' is hosted by Lisa Cohn and Jann Blackstone-Ford. The show debuted in January 2006. The show provides important information for divorced, separated parents and stepfamilies.

On the shows, Lisa and Jann interview divorce and stepfamily experts who provide listeners with helpful advice. They will also be speaking with real people about the challenges and joys of divorce and remarriage.

Visit the website to listen to this week's show, "How Divorced Dads Can Stay in Touch With Their Kids". You can also select from previous telecasts.

To submit a question that you’d like addressed on the show or to offer a show idea, email jannandlisa@stepfamilytalkradio.com.

'Dine Without Whine" - Online Weekly Menu Planning Service

I originally posted about about 'Dine Without Whine', online weekly menu planning service in August 2005. The subscription price of $4.50 a month will be increasing as of May 2006. Stop by the website and review some sample recipes. I'm sure you'll agree that this is a service you won't want to go without!
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My husband and son love to ask me, "What's for dinner?" I heard about a menu planning service called "Dine Without Whine" on July 20, 2005, "Hot Summer Series for Moms" teleconference, at Wahm Talk Radio.com. Kelly McCausey, host, spoke to Christine Steendahl about her recipes, menu planning service and including it your home.

It really appealed to me. I immediately went to the website and reviewed the sample menu. The recipes are easy to make and include ingredients that are readily available at the grocery store. There are even desserts, low calorie and breakfast recipes.

For $4.50 a month, you will receive recipes and shopping list, for a week, via your email address. Please stop by the website, for more information and to sign up. It has saved me time and money.