Working Online — How Much Technical Knowledge Should You Learn
When people say “anyone can work online”, they really mean anyone who has a computer, an internet connection and a basic knowledge of computer applications. But how basic is basic? Here are some of the tips to learning the fundamental skills so that you can start earning.
Applications That Make Work Easier
Start with what you already know and find stuff that will help you become more efficient at doing what you do. It’s like working with a knob all day and then finding several grooved circular knobs for better efficiency and production. The beauty of technology is that there are so many thinkers out there that have already thought of what you would want to make your work easier. There are upgraded versions of browsers, writing tools and applications that you can download and install.
Technical knowledge comes with finding out how these new implements can help you create faster. Once you’ve mastered these skills, you can stop learning new stuff and making do with how these new skills can help you. For example, a better upgrade to your editor has a built-in spell checker that can support several foreign languages.
Master What You Know
To avoid information overload, you have to learn something then apply it over and over again before you can learn other new stuff. This applies particularly in blogging. If you’ve been blogging on a free platform for a while, it’s probably best to master the nuances of that platform before moving on to other platforms. If you’re a blogger.com user or a blogspot blogger, learning a lot about html editing and how to create a functional blog can start there. You can attempt to learn wordpress, which is another blogging platform, after you’ve mastered blogger.
Tools for Safe Grilling
A grill is a great tool to add to your culinary repertoire. But grill safety is one of the most overlooked aspects of grilling today. And, like most home accidents, it is usually the smallest detail that is overlooked that leads to the biggest disasters.
Without the right tools and techniques, your grilling may not be safe. With this in mind, we will be covering tools to use as well as how to handle your grill to stay safe. By keeping these tips and suggestions in mind before you begin grilling, you will have the most delicious outcome, as well as a great time. Let’s take a look at the tools and rules that make for a safe grilling experience.
You need the right tools to not only create the best grilled meals, but to do so safely. For instance, you want a good pair of long handled tongs that pinch completely closed so you can easily pick up smaller items, like fruit and veggies. You want tongs that are strong so you can turn heavier items like steak and chicken. A nice long handled spatula is good, too. Skip the carving fork for turning meat, because every time you poke a hole in the meat, juices run out. The giant carving fork can be used once the meat is removed and rested.
A long handled basting brush is also a necessary tool so that you can mop the sauce or marinade onto the food while it is on the grill. And don’t forget the grilling gloves! These special gloves will keep you safer when moving food around. Of course, you’ll want to invest in at least one basket and vented tray for smaller foods. Then the sky’s the limit. But, with just these few tools, you will be ready to grill keeping safety as well as success in mind.
Another great tool to have on hand is a set of long grill matches and extra batteries for the grill’s ignition switch. If your ignition switch fails, you can safely light your grill to get your cooking underway. Then, when you have time, replace your ignition battery so you’re ready for tomorrow’s grilling.
Gas Grilling – Be Safe!
- The most important safety tip to keep in mind is to follow your grill manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. Lighting instructions are tedious in gas grills for a reason. If your gas grill doesn’t light, and the instructions say to wait five minutes before attempting to light again, WAIT FIVE MINUTES. That is not a suggestion – it is a rule. And in this case, rules are NOT meant to be broken.
- Never leave the gas valve open between grilling time. If there is a small leak, the gas may converge under the closed cover and be there when you go to light your grill the next time. Very serious mistake. Turn the gas on and off every time you grill. And never move your grill while lit or when the gas valve is open.
- Keep the lid open on a gas grill after cooking for at least 15 minutes to allow the grill to cool down and to let any lingering gas evaporate. When the grill is totally cool, cover it with a good grill cover. Many people skip this part, but this is actually a safety tip. Outdoor debris, sand, and pollen in the air will settle in the gas jets and the dials, eventually leading to clogging, corrosion, or both. This will not end well. I guarantee, if you start covering your gas grill, you’ll be amazed at how fast your cover gets dirty. THAT is the dirt that would have landed in your grill’s working parts. See?
Diversifying Your Skills as a Virtual Assistant
Besides knowing the basics of working at home, like improving your hardware, learning how to reformat hard drive, and finding ways to make the internet a profitable place for you, you should also consider specializing. This means working for clients within specific niches, such as those that only want social media specialists and those that want content marketers (article writers).
How do you specialize? First, decide what services you enjoy doing for your client. It could be website design, social networking, handling personal matters or another area altogether. Many virtual assistants worked in the public or private sector before they became entrepreneurs. Use that knowledge to create a niche for your new business.
The reason you started your virtual assisting business in the first place was to go to work for yourself. Going into business as your own boss shouldn’t be an unhappy proposition. If it’s not a law it should be, wouldn’t you agree? As the person in charge, you have the right to decide what work you do or do not do.
Take your virtual assistant business to the next level with niching. Niching involves tightening your business plan to include one main area of expertise. When you stick to one thing, you become good at it. You can even call yourself an expert in the field. Clients will pay a lot of money to work with someone who knows their stuff. You can be that person.
Travel and Relaxation Ideas for Frugal Moms
You don’t need to head to another country to see something new and exciting, although travelling right now is a breeze. For some of us, a day trip to another location is a great way to experience new things and still be close to home.
Here are some ideas:
- Go to a historical town and learn about its history. This can be an educational trip for the kids. Bring along a camera so that you can document the journey. A small journal to list all the new things you learned is also a good companion.
- Make a list of the places that intrigue you for some reason. Maybe there’s an urban legend centered around the place, or there is a tourist attraction that you’ve always wanted to see. Make this list with your family members so that you can all choose where to go together.
- Encourage your kids to research some nearby places to visit. With the internet on hand, you can easily find some tourist spots around your place, or simply an establishment that you have never gone to before.
Always plan to stay overnight, as you never know whether you would want to stay for a night after you’ve experienced the new place. Some locations just have that kind of appeal.
Whether you’re going with your family or alone, you can keep the costs down and the enjoyment level up. Travel is a good way to do some soul searching and reflecting. So, the next time you have a non-working holiday coming up, relax your mind, light some diptyque candles and reflect on where to spend your day with your family.
Sideline Businesses for Crafty and Creative Moms
There are plenty of businesses out there for moms that love crafting! Here are some of them:
Diary Shop
Journals need not be boring. You can create pretty diaries and journals just by using your good taste when it comes to choosing cover decorations and paper quality. You can even recycle some of the old notebook leaves that your children didn’t use during the school year. The real trick to this business is making sure the covers stand out.
Diaries are secret items that people want to keep from everyone else. You can make a diary look inconspicuous by creating a bag for it, or a small box. Some diary makers even install a lock and key.
Poster Maker
While everything has gone online, there are some things that even the internet world cannot compete with, such as cozy home decor. Why not learn how to take the best photographs of things that you love and turn them into posters. Here is a good resource for this biz: Photography and Special Effects Guide
Santa Letter
When children write letters to Santa Claus, they expect answers, and you can help. You can collaborate with parents and inform them about your plans for a “letter from Santa” business. You need to make each letter authentic and worth keeping for years. Each letter should be priced accordingly, with extras for add-ons. These letters are great additions to Santa’s gifts that the parents will give their kids