HubPages Writing Challenge

100 Hubs - The Ups The Downs The Learnings

2012-08-16T12:54:00.000+10:00

Well here we are. 100 Hubs. My personal challenge complete. I cannot believe I made it. Yes, it was not done in the timeframe as I had intended but life has a way of getting priority at times and unfortunately in my case it kept shoving me aside. But the most important thing is that I am here.

With the wonderful support of PlanBig, my Facebook followers and the HubPages community I have arrived at my destination.

I decided that my 100th Hub was going to be a summary of all of the hints and tips that I have learnt along the way over the last 5 months. Hopefully those who join HubPages after me, or because of me (that would be lovely) will be able to use this as a stepping stone to success.

I have enjoyed this journey so much that I have established my official website called 'Life's Write Now' where I will continue to document all of the writings I publish online. I plan to expand my wings and move elsewhere from HubPages for a while.

I would love it if you can follow me on my extended journey and if I have inspired you I'd love to know.

So without further ado, here it is, hub number 100!

Find It Games

2012-08-16T12:46:00.000+10:00

If you love a good scavenger hunt and are looking for a way to entertain the kids (or yourself) take a look at these incredible hand held games.

Find it games are like a scavenger hunt in the palm of your hands. They come in a huge range of themes and will suit all ages. And there is a hidden penny inside every game but can you find it...in time?

What is Blogpinner?

2012-08-16T12:42:00.001+10:00

Ok...so we all know about Pinterest, and the more recently launched Clipix. If neither of those are your cup of tea, but you are into blogs, reading blogs, blogging yourself and like to network then take a look at Blogpinner.
As it's name suggests, Blogpinner is a virtual pinboard for blogs. Yes, blog posts. Only blogs. No pretty pictures. No fashion. Just blogs. It's free. It's easy. It's new and it's addictive. Blogpinner!

Clipix - like Pinterest but with a difference

2012-08-16T12:38:00.001+10:00

Have you heard of Clipix?

If you like the concept of Pinterest but want a bit of privacy then Clipix is what you need. I have pulled together all of the features from both of these social media sites and compared them so provide you at a high level just why one will be better than the other; depending on your needs.

Clipix really is a clever idea. Worth taking a look.

Save For Later - New Facebook Feature

2012-08-16T12:33:00.002+10:00

Unlike the facebook, 'Mail A Postcard' feature which is undergoing testing at the moment, this new feature called 'Save For Later' is here and here now. And best of all it is FREE.
Liken it to a bookmarking function, this will allow you to save articles and status updates on Facebook to read at a later point in time. Brilliant for those with so much coming through their news feeds.

Here is all the details on how to access it from your mobile, iPad, computer and iPhones.

Mail A Postcard - New Facebook Feature

2012-08-16T12:30:00.000+10:00

In testing phase at the moment is a proposed new feature on Facebook called 'Mail A Postcard'.
How it is proposed to work and integrate with snail mail is very interesting. Would you pay to mail a postcard via Facebook?

Great storage container ideas

2012-08-16T11:35:00.001+10:00

There are a hundred ways to store food. There is no doubt about that. I have documented what I believe are not only efficient ways to store left overs, frozen foods and dry products, but ways to ensure they retain their freshness for longer!

Here are my storage ideas. How to choose the best storage containers - food preservation and food safety

When does bread become toast?

2012-08-16T11:31:00.000+10:00

When does bread become toast?

Surprisingly this is not such a silly question. Yes we put bread into a toaster or under a griller, and out it comes as toast, but at what point does the transition occur?

The answer lies within....when does bread become toast?

Why are manhole covers round?

2012-08-16T11:28:00.001+10:00

So just why are manhole covers round?

Guess what...there is actually an answer to this bizarre question.

Is Mondayisit Real?

2012-08-16T11:26:00.000+10:00

When Monday rolls around how do you feel? Does your mood start to take a downward turn late Sunday afternoons or do you wake up on a Monday morning full of beans ready to start the new week.

Here is some interesting evidence to suggest that Monday-itis is actually very much real!

New iPhone 5 Nothing is Compatible

2012-08-16T11:19:00.003+10:00

Were you aware that the new iPhone 5 is rumoured to be designed with such significant changes that not only will your screen covers and cases not fit, but all docks, recharger cords and even adapters inbuilt into cars will not be compatible.

5 tips for ebay listing titles

2012-08-16T11:16:00.000+10:00

Did you know that the title line for each and every eBay listing is only 80 characters long? This means that you have 80 characters to not only sell your product, make it stand out, but also have enough 'power' to be picked up by search engines.

This article will give you 5 essential tips to ensure you write the best title possible!

How to spot a fake Gucci Handbag

2012-08-15T16:00:00.003+10:00

If you are ever on the market for a Gucci handbag, and are looking for the ultimate bargain, make sure that you do not get fooled into unknowingly buying a fake.

There would be nothing worse than finding out that it was not genuine.

Here is my essential guide to how to spot a fake Gucci handbag. If you are looking at Prada maybe (should you be so lucky!) take a look at this guide too. It might just save you. How to spot a fake Prada Handbag.

How to spot a fake Prada Handbag

2012-08-15T15:55:00.001+10:00

Now, it is probably not a commonly asked question, but it should be common knowledge. Why? Well simply because if you do come across a very good looking, legitimate appearing Prada Handbag, and decide that it fits your price range, you may decide to splurge and buy it.

There would be nothing worse, then, than finding out that it was not genuine. You'd feel robbed! I know I would. Selling on eBay, as I do often, I see them all too regularly.

Here is my essential guide to spotting a fake Prada Handbag. I have also written a how to spot a fake Gucci handbag also so take a look at that too if you are interested.

How to have a successful Garage Sale

2012-08-15T15:50:00.002+10:00

Over the years, I have participated in, being a party-to and visited many garage sales. Some are just an awful mess and others are so well production-ised you'd swear you walked into a professional shop.

I have decided to share the most often seen do's and don'ts. If you are planning a garage sale soon, or know someone who is, they hopefully can benefit from this guide.

My 10 tips for a successful garage sale.

10 Inspirational Cookbooks

2012-08-10T15:54:00.000+10:00

Whether you spend every spare moment in the kitchen cooking up a storm or are a seasonal creator of bits and pieces, there is no doubt that one cookbook has the most marks, stains and much loved food spillage on it.
Well it does in my household.

In fact I have a few that are truly inspiring.

Some do not always see the light of day but I know that they are there when I need to look up an odd spice or vegetable and some are so well worn that I can almost smell the creation from within their pages.

These are my influential and inspiring cookbooks. My top 10, that have so much merit they deserve to be recognised. I hope you enjoy.

What are your most influential and inspiring cookbooks?

20 Creative Ways To Use QR Codes

2012-08-10T11:51:00.001+10:00

If you have fallen for QR Codes and want to use the in your business there are almost an endless number of ways you can. Each day we are seeing those with super creative minds coming up with new solutions.

Because they are free to generate, it means that almost anyone with a computer (or even a smartphone) and a little confidence can make them. Once that is done, the sky is the limit on what you can do with them.

If you are looking for a little inspiration, here are 20 creative ideas. If you are still a little confused about the whole QR code thing, take a look at this easy to understand explanation about the barcode-looking black squares.

What are QR Quick Response Codes?

2012-08-10T11:49:00.001+10:00

Have you ever seen those black square barcode-looking things and wondered what they were? Well they are QR Codes, or Quick Response Codes.

Why so named? Well they are designed for a quick interaction between a business and a new or potential consumer and can offer users with smartphones (and other devices) a gateway into a whole new world.
So just what are QR Codes and how do they work?

Facebook Profile Viewer is FAKE

2012-08-09T13:27:00.001+10:00

Are you aware of the app on Facebook that promises to show you who has viewed your profile picture? It is called Facebook Profile Viewer (funnily enough).
What if I told you it was a hoax! Purely designed to access your private information. If you have clicked it or know someone who has, there are 3 simple steps to follow to revoke their access. Do it NOW!

How to poach an egg perfectly every time

2012-08-01T08:00:00.000+10:00

How many times have you poached an egg in your life? Too many times to remember? Do they always turn out perfectly? What would you say if this guide would give you the heads up on how to poach an egg perfectly each and every time!

When is the best time of the day to publish?

2012-07-31T14:18:00.000+10:00

Have you ever considered just when the best time of the day it is to publish a blog post, an article or a hub on HubPages to get the maximum readers? Does it really matter in the long term? This could just be the answer you are looking for!

Get free traffic to your website with Best Reviewer

2012-07-31T14:15:00.000+10:00

If you are looking for a simple and quick way to generate great backlinks and drive traffic to your blog or website, you should seriously consider Best Reviewer.

Authentic Chanel Handbag! WIN! Enter Today!

2012-07-24T19:42:00.004+10:00

Welcome to Our Grand Finale of

"Win This Bag"

Sponsored by: HipSwap

Hosted by: Sidetracked Mom’s Blog

It's finally here! The Grand Finale of the Win This Bag series of giveaways is here!!

We've combined weeks 5 and 6 into a two-week long giveaway giving you the double the opportunity to increase your odds of winning by completing the daily bonus entries!

You'll have from 7/24/12 through 8/6/12 to claim as many entries as you possibly can!
If you can remember to revisit your favorite blog to claim your daily bonus entries, you’ll have a huge advantage (2 weeks worth!) over the rest of the competition!

But before we announce the Grand Finale bag, here are a few words about our sponsor who made this entire 6 weeks worth of giveaways possible!

HipSwap is a mobile and web marketplace that connects buyers and sellers locally and nationally. It enables people to discover what’s inside the most fabulous closets, homes, and shops in neighborhoods and cities across America. HipSwap currently offers delivery service in Los Angeles and New York with its iconic pink delivery van. Also, be sure to swing by the HipSwap blog to check out their ever popular post on how to spot a fake Louis Vuitton bag! So far HipSwap has generously supplied us with a Fendi Spy Bag, a Louis Vuitton bag, a white leather Tod’s handbag and a Gucci Hobo Bag! Are you ready for the brand that will be featured in our Grand Finale?!

This week, you have the chance to
win an authentic Chanel tote worth $1,300!

This beige quilted leather Chanel tote is a one-of-a-kind find.
It features a black leather trim and large "CC" on side to make it easily distinguishable as the one of the world’s most prestige designer brands.

Dimensions: 11" x 10" x 5" with 7" straps. Estimated Value: $1300

This beautiful handbag was provided by the amazing
DoubleTake Consignment Boutique of New Jersey.

The DoubleTake Consignment Boutique first opened its doors in Short Hills, New Jersey in 1992. From day one the store has been packed with women who understand the advantages and value of consignment shopping. DoubleTake only accepts the highest quality & current designer clothing and accessories and has been recognized as a unique clothing boutique where huge savings can be realized.

How to gain entries in this giveaway:

There is only one mandatory entry option; and that is to create a free HipSwap account. However, by entering on this blog through the Giveaway Tools widget below, you have the opportunity to gain a large number of bonus entries! You can complete as many or as few bonus entries as you’d like but remember, the more you do, the better your odds of winning! Plus, once you are following all of your hosts, entering each subsequent weekly Win This Bag Giveaway will be even faster & easier! As promised, you’ll find additional bonus entries to claim for having entered our previous weekly Win This Bag Giveaways!

Good luck!

Giveaway begins on 7/24/12 at 12:01am EST & ends on 8/6/12 at 11:59pm EST.

Open worldwide.

The Giveaway Tools Widget will load below this line. For those of you not familiar with Giveaway Tools, it is VERY similar to Rafflecopter but has been said to be a faster & easier way to enter giveaways. Let me know what you think! As always, thank you for visiting my blog and entering our giveaways! Good luck to you!

Javascript must be enabled to enter this giveaway. Learn how to activate Javascript by clicking here.

Loading Entry-Form

This giveaway is open to entrants worldwide 18 years of age or older, except where prohibited by law. No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. This promotion is no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook and is Facebook-compliant. To qualify to win, you must complete, at minimum, the mandatory entry on the Giveaway Tools form. All entries will be forwarded to our sponsor for the purpose of randomly selecting a winner. Winners will be notified by email from a HipSwap representative. Winners will have 72 hours to respond or risk forfeiting their prize. Prize may re-awarded solely by the Sponsor’s discretion. Prize fulfillment is the sole responsibility of the sponsor. This blog may not be held liable for Sponsors who do not fulfill prize shipments. The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. We reserve the right to publicly publish winners’ names and/or likeness. By entering this giveaway, you are agreeing to these terms and conditions.

My New Blog "Life's Write Now"

2012-07-23T16:00:00.000+10:00

Have you visited my new website yet?

If not, why not pop over to Life's Write Now.

It is my new website where I plan to house all of the work that I publish online.

This blog that you are currently on was set up as a temporary home for my 100 Hub Challenge and I never really gave much thought to what would happen after that ended.

However, it seems that the writing bug has caught me.

I am not only thoroughly enjoying writing, and learning all about it, but the bonus of it starting to earn me money (as I had always secretly hoped) is also happening. So this is a win win for me!

So what does this mean? Well it means that I have registered a domain name and set up 'shop'. I have my first official home which will be the central point to all the articles I write and publish online.

If you would like to join me and follow my journey please visit me at Life's Write Now.

From there you will be able to link to all of my other online connections.
If you do follow me, please pop back here and let me know.

or alternatively submit your email over on my website and be notified via email when I publish a new article.http://www.twitter.com/lifeswritenow

How to create word clouds online for free

2012-07-12T09:19:00.000+10:00

I love when I find out a way to do something that I once thought was impossible.

Have you ever seen word clouds? Or tag clouds?
I thought you needed to be a designer to do these but after research I found that there are some amazing free online generators around to help create these masterpieces.

Here are my top 8 free and simple ways to create word clouds. Have a play around with them today.