UPDATE: How to Blog has MOVED! Please update your bookmarks and feeds! The new address is :
http://www.emilyrobbins.com/how-to-blog/
and all new posts and post updates will be made there! Comments and trackbacks at this location are now closed -- please visit the new How to Blog site in order to add a comment or a trackback and see updates to existing posts as well as all new posts from this point forward!
March 15, 2006
Excerpts of posts from the NEW How to Blog Site
Remember, How to Blog has moved to it's own domain at http://www.emilyrobbins.com/how-to-blog/
In order to stay current with How to Blog's content, you should start bookmark the new location - thanks!
March 15, 2006 in b2evolution, Blogger, blosxom, MovableType, plug-ins, Ramblings, Reviews, SEO, Templates, Themes, TypePad, Weblogs, WordPress | Permalink | Email This Post
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March 01, 2006
March of the Migraines (I mean February...)
http://www.emilyrobbins.com/how-to-blog/march-of-the-migraines-i-mean-february-338.htm
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Sorry that it's been ages since my last post, and I haven't been as good as I'd like about responding to e-mails, but this past month has sucked royally as I've been getting migraines almost every other day (which I'm going to start a separate blog about when time permits...)
The good news is that I saw a neurologist at UCSF and I officially do not have a brain tumor (thank God!)
The bad news is that I do suffer from classic migraines, which have been increasing in frequency and severity lately (grrr) and while my doctor prescribed some preventative migraine medications to try, get this: possible side effects of the preventative migraine medications are... MIGRAINES (I have to laugh about it because otherwise I'll just cry). Needless to say, the first preventative medicine that I tried (Norvasc) was clearly causing me to have more migraines, so I'm now trying preventative medicine number two (Verapamil), but you can only take a half dose for the first 10 days as your system gets used to it (during which time I got plenty of migraines-- Joy), and then you can ramp up to the full effective dose. So far I'm on day 13, and am keeping my fingers crossed (it's been two days without a migraine!!). wish me luck.
More to come later..
Technorati Tags: migraines, headaches, migraine, headache
March 1, 2006 in Ramblings | Permalink | Email This Post | Comments (0)
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January 10, 2006
OFF-TOPIC: Hey Ladies! Now you can carry your laptop around IN STYLE thanks to Mobile Edge
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Pardon me for the off-topic discussion here, but I had to share my excitement over these amazing new stylish laptop cases that are just for women!! I’m not what you’d call a total fashionista by any means – but it sure has been a pain that all of the options for laptop carrying cases were rather masculine, boring and definately not trendy or stylish.
Those days are over!
A company called Mobile Edge has created a line of “designer elegant computer carrying cases that address a woman’s needs. Designed by women for women, these fashionable bags will protect and carry your computer in style.” And they’re not kidding — take a look at some of these beauties:
Mobile Edge The Milano – Large
Mobile Edge Suede Computer Tote
“Superior SafetyCell™ computer protection compartment , dedicated cell phone pocket and zippered interior pocket , detachable cosmetics/accessory pouch, stylish fittings and self-healing zippers, and EZ-Access ticket pocket. Holds notebooks with up to 15" screens”
Mobile Edge Komen Paris Backpack
“This is a truly beautiful and comfortable backpack with computer protection, multiple pockets for organization and it supports a great cause!” 10% of sale is donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. It’s got dedicated safety cell computer protection, a seperate section for files, books, and magazines, AND a removable accessories/cosmetics pouch.
“This stylish design will never be mistaken for a "computer case"! The Mobile Edge designers have outdone themselves by creating an exterior that is a true classic while creating an interior that is pure funtion.” Detachable cosmetics/accessory pouch, zippered interior pocket, stylish fittings and self-healing zippers, durable metal feet, and of course a Dedicated Superior SafetyCell™ computer protection compartment make this tote unbeatable.
You can find Mobile Edge Women's Laptop Bags at discounted prices over at eBags.com (where they even have user reviews for some of the bags, all of which have been rated very highly)
. On top of that, right now they’re having some sales – choose the promotion that provides the better all around deal for you
I’m so psyched – and all of these wonderful bags have lifetime warranties, and ship for free (with a 60 day return policy and FREE return shipping costs, too if you order from eBags - talk about awesome customer service)!!
I’m ordering one of each so I can figure out which one I like the best, looks the most ‘me’ when I see it in person, and is the most comfortable, and then I’m returning the rest. Oh, who am I kidding — I’ll probably keep at least two. Like many other women, I’ve a bit of a purse fetish. A woman’s gotta have options after all (some days I might want to use a gorgeous backpack, others days a stylish over the shoulder tote). OK, so I’ll keep 2 and return the other. Gotta love shopping from home!!
January 10, 2006 in Ramblings | Permalink | Email This Post | Comments (0)
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December 08, 2005
OFF-TOPIC: Exclusive coupons and discount codes for online holiday savings
http://www.emilyrobbins.com/how-to-blog/off-topic-exclusive-coupons-and-discount-codes-for-online-holiday-savings-303.htm
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As an affiliate, I get some private coupons and discounts that aren't made available to the general public (these are deals that you can't get just by going to the companies' websites), so I thought I'd share them with my blog readers as it's that holiday time and it's always good to get some extra savings (most of these coupons are only good through the end of December)!
Ebay coupon codes (only valid if you pay with Paypal)
- C23-GiftGuide $15 off $100+
- C22-GiftGuide $5 off $50+
- C11-GIFTGUIDE 10% off ($25 max discount)
$10 INSTANT REBATE with purchase of $50 or more at Lamps Plus
Save $30 off Purchase of $300 or more at Lamps Plus
Save $50 on orders of $500 or more at Lamps Plus
get 10% off your entire order at overstock.com
$10 off $75 order at cooking.com with coupon C98835
10% off lingerie and sleepwear at Bare Necessities (discount reflected when you add items to your cart)
$25 off $150 + free shipping at beauty.com
10% off $200+ purchases at Cambridge Soundworks
$10 off $175 at Buy.com
save $15 on a $75 purchase at the sharper image
15% off your entire order for all new customers at SmartBargains
$10 off at ClassicCloseouts.com with code CLASF
Save 10% on your first purchase at Brushstrokes Fine Art Code BFA1010
$150 off orders of $700+ w/code VR1121 at rugman.com
$10 off $100 purchase and free shipping at GoCollect.com
Take $10 Off orders over $100. Enter special code 'HOLTEN' at checkout.
Take $20 Off orders over $200, plus FREE Shipping! Enter special code 'HOLTWE' at checkout.
December 8, 2005 in Ramblings | Permalink | Email This Post | Comments (1)
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October 26, 2005
Migraines, neck pain, and puking - oh my!
THIS POST HAS BEEN MOVED TO:
http://www.emilyrobbins.com/how-to-blog/migraines-neck-pain-and-puking-oh-my-299.htm
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I'm sorry that it's been quite some time since I've posted to "How to Blog", but it's not because I haven't wanted to. Rather, I've been having a really difficult couple of weeks filled with more frequent and intense migraines than I've ever had before, which may or may not be related to my RSI (repetetive strain injury from computer overuse - lovely).
To say that things have sucked would be putting it mildly. My eyes have been so sensitive to light that I've speant much of the time laying down in dark rooms and have resorted to wearing sunglasses inside. I'm on a waiting list to see a neurologist at UCSF who specializes in migraines since the prescribed Fioricet that I take doesn't seem to work much for me anymore...wish me luck.
In the meantime, the severity of my headaches has been getting better over the past couple of days, with periods of feeling completely fine, even (thank god!) so hopefully I'll be able to be back blogging (and working) on a more regular basis soon!
October 26, 2005 in Ramblings | Permalink | Email This Post | Comments (8)
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August 24, 2005
Need someone to create a custom template or plugin for your blog? Need help with SEO? Check out Rent A Coder!
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I just found the coolest resource! It’s called Rent A Coder, and you can post any project that you need help with, whether it be as simple as installing WordPress / MovableType / etc for you on your server, or as complex as asking someone to write a custom blogging platform for you. Want a custom template for TypePad or a special WordPress theme and don’t have the time or skills to do it yourself? Just Rent A Coder to do it for you. You can even find people to help you with Search Engine Optimization, people to write content for you, etc.
Once you post the specifics of the project you need help with, coders will then bid on your ‘job’ and you can decide who you want to hire based on their bid, the feedback they received from other users on other projects they’ve completed, etc.
From their website:
Need a coder to help you create the next 'killer app' or answer questions? Just post your program or question here and coders from around the world will email you bids on doing the work.
You can review each bidder's resume and reputation online, and when you're ready to make your decision, you can rent your personal, expert, coder with just a few clicks! Its that simple!
Posting a bid request is free, and you are under no obligation to accept any bids sent to you unless you choose to. Once you accept a bid, you will place your payment into escrow. The money is not released to the coder, till they complete the work according to your original specification. There are no service charges or finders fees for buyers.
On the flip side, got skills? Flaunt ‘em and earn cash!
Looking to earn extra income using your hard-won technical skills? Rent a Coder lets you locate and bid on coding projects and questions from around the world! By completing a free registration, you can publicize your skills on the online resume system and receive emails as new bid requests come in.
So those of you who are creating all those great free themes and plug-ins (which I hope you’ll continue to offer for the sake of the blogging community), you may wanna consider listing your talents at Rent A Coder and earning some extra $$ through freelancing.
August 24, 2005 in b2evolution, Blogger, blosxom, MovableType, plug-ins, Ramblings, Reviews, SEO, Templates, Themes, TypePad, Weblogs, WordPress | Permalink | Email This Post | Comments (6)
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June 05, 2005
OFF-TOPIC: Free Sony PSP and Free Xbox 360 offers turn out to be authentic, but only the ones from Freepay/Gratis Internet - and I actually got a free PSP!
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UPDATE: 2/28/06: I’m only one referral (who has also completed an offer) away from getting my free xbox360!! I’ve sent emails to the people who signed up underneath me and completed an offer so that I can swap out my referral link for theirs as soon as I get my free xbox360. On top of that, Freepay is also giving away FREE Sony Playstation 3’s (which haven’t been released yet, so it would be considered a free preordered Sony PS3)
UPDATE: 11/28/05 Gratis Networks is now also known as FreePay, I'm thoroughly enjoying my free PSP, and am now dying to get a Free Xbox 360 (especially since they're sold out in stores everywhere - not to mention that I can't afford one). FreePay is giving away the premimum edition xbox 360 systems (which has backwards compatability for old xbox games) and I'd appreciate if you signed up using my referral link of http://xbox360s.freepay.com/?r=25124160
UPDATE 7/15/05: MY FREE PSP HAS ARRIVED!!!!! I will update the post to show pictures of the package, tracking info, and the beautiful, sweet, free PSP in my hands as soon as I get a chance. Now I’m shooting for a Free Nintendo DS, a Free MacMini, a Free Xbox (mine just died 
) and an Apple 1GB iPod Shuffle
UPDATE 7/11/05: My FREE Sony PSP is on the way! See bottom of post for details! Free PSP referral links now point to those of this blog's readers
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Everyone who knows me knows I’m a gadget and video game junkie. And since the release of Sony’s PSP, I’ve been drooling over them. But with having just bought a house, the budget’s been more than a little bit tight – so all I’ve been able to is watch with envy from a distance as everyone I knew bought their PSPs.
Like you, I’ve seen the ads all over the place for Free PSPs. And like you, I was pretty darn skeptical. I mean, come on – how can this not be a scam??
Well, it turns out that most of these promotions are scams. But one is actually legit! Yeah, I was shocked when I heard it, too. But you really can get your own brand spanking new Sony PSP for FREE.
OK - so here’s the scoop. The only company that’s running a legit deal on this is called Gratis Internet. There are lots of others out there with their supposed free offers but some quick google searches on those companies (like ExclusiveRewards, MetaReward, IncentiveRewardCenter, etc) as well as a check on Rip-off Report.com quickly show that these are to be avoided. At the bottom of this post, I will link to several articles from well known sources that confirm the validity of this offer – please remember to come back to my site and use my referral link (now someoone elses) ( http://www.FreePSPs.com/?r=19377901 )after checking them out.
Now, supposedly this only works using Internet Explorer, but all you have to do is 1) sign up, 2) complete one of 18 offers from such well known companies as Blockbuster, Columbia House, Citibank, Playstation Magazine, Cheap Trips, eFax, etc. The offers range from free trials to free stuff where you only pay shipping and handling fees, and you’re sure to find one that is of interest to you amongst the offers. If you have popups turned on, you can see details of what you need to do to complete the offer and how fast your account will be credited with having completed the offer. Some offers credit your account instantly, others can take a month or so, so read those popup infos.) 3) Next just refer 5 friends (or bloggers) using your referrral code (again, my referrals’ code is http://www.FreePSPs.com/?r=19377901 ). Once 5 of your referrals have also completed their chosen offer, you’ll be ready for your free psp and you just have to click a link on the ‘Status’ page to start the order process, wherein they’ll review your referrals to make sure they are real and unique individuals, and then they’ll send your free PSP out to you.
So, folks, if this blog has helped you at all in your endeavors to learn how to blog (or in finding WordPress templates, etc) AND you would enjoy receiving a free psp, then please click the referral link and when you’ve finished the process add a comment to this post and include your referral link. When I’ve gotten all 5 of my referrals, I’ll swap out the links on this post to use the referral links you’ve provided in the comments (in the order they were received) so that you can quickly get your five referrals, too.
And if you use my referral link, don’t forget to reply to this post and add your own referral link. Remember, it only takes 5 legit referrals to get the free PSP so once I have my 5, I won’t need any more referrals and I’ll use YOUR code for all the links instead of mine so you can get your free PSP that much faster.
Now, if only I could afford the pimped out bling bling Russell Simmons gold ‘n diamond-encrusted PSP case (it’s only $35,000) (haha – not). Give me a break – does anyone other than the folks on MTV cribs even want one of these cases? Jeez.
Oh yes, and in couse you’re still in doubt that Gratis Networks’offers are for real, check out these articles from Wired News, Engadget.com, this Video clip about freeiPods.com from NBC, NY Sun Article About
freeiPods.com, video clip about freeiPods.com from TheScreenSavers on TechTV . While these articles pertain mostly to the old offer for free ipods, they all prove that the company behind these free offers is for real.
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Update:
7/11/05 – Last thursday I finally got enough valid referrals to request that my account be approved. I clicked that button, and it told me I’d have to wait 7–10 business while they approved my account. I figured they’d use the entire time to drag it out, but not 2 business days later my account was approved and I placed my order for my Free PSP, which is now being processed! Woohoo!!! Thanks to those who signed up underneath me! I’m switching out my Free PSP links to use those who signed up underneath me so you can get yours faster.
June 5, 2005 in Ramblings | Permalink | Email This Post | Comments (43)
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February 10, 2005
Why I haven't posted in a while
http://www.emilyrobbins.com/how-to-blog/why-i-havent-posted-in-a-while-254.htm
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Hi all -
Firstly, I want to thank everyone who has been following my 'How to Blog' blog and/or linking to it :)
I also wanted to apologize for my lack of posting of late - I just bought a house, and have been non-stop busy with with all the details of moving (including no internet access for a while) that I haven't had a moment to even work on the blog.
Rest assured that when I'm a little more settled into the new home, I'll be back posting more tips, tricks, and tutorials about blogging ASAP! In fact, I can't wait to continue to expand this blog much further - so stay tuned and pretty soon the updating shall commence!
Thanks for your patience!
Emily
February 10, 2005 in Ramblings | Permalink | Email This Post | Comments (2)
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