Great post on general info

This post has so much great information on items like when to buy stuff year round, how long to store frozen foods, etc....

Mocktail Recipes



Would love to throw a party with these yummy sounding mock-cocktails...sound delicious!

Paperwhites

I love the look and scent of paperwhites, and especially that they can be forced to bloom in the winter! I bought some bulbs recently down in Portland and am going to see if I can get them to bloom this holiday season.

Here is a great link to an article from Design Sponge for a great how-to...

My new table

(not sure where to put it or where I would make it, but I totally want it)

And it seems like it would be do-able, might take a while, but seems do-able. Guess I have to store this one away for my after-test-taking-life...

via Re-Nest

Fun Idea for a Party!

Design Sponge has the funnest ideas, and this one is no different. Love the idea of a simple designed and decorated theme with simple colors with a big pop!

Email from Senator Cantwell (D-Washington)

I emailed my Senators (Sen. Maria Cantwell and Sen. Patty Murry) earlier this week to let them know about my concerns about the recent passage of the House Bill that passed the Health Care overhaul, but included a bill that would restrict women from getting abortions if they are receive coverage from the public option (which is funded with both federal funds and private insurance premiums).

I received a letter back from Sen. Cantwell and I thought I would share it because it was a good letter to lay out her stance about these issues. I am proud to be a constituent of Maria Cantwell's!

Dear Mrs. Duris,

Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns about the inclusion of abortion services in a government funded health insurance option. I believe every American deserves access to quality health care. I also support a woman's right to choose, as well as efforts to strengthen family planning.

In 1973 the U.S. Supreme Court held that women have a constitutional right to an abortion. That decision- Roe v. Wade- was carefully crafted to be both balanced and responsible while holding the rights of women in America paramount in reproductive decision. States can ban abortions as long as they allow exceptions for cases in which a woman's life or health is endangered. It is important that as we overhaul our health care system, we do not lose sight of our Constitutional rights.

Under current law, amendments known as "Hyde Amendments" prevent the use of federal dollars for the funding of abortion services by placing restrictions on appropriations bills. These Hyde Amendments will still be in place regardless of our reform of the health care system. Moreover, "provider consciousness" regulations which require health care entities that receive federal funding to certify in writing that none of their employees are required to administer medical services they find objectionable will also still be applicable.

I believe we can achieve quality affordable health care while still protecting a woman's right to choose. Women must be able to receive quality affordable health care and also retain their right to reproductive service choices. Unfortunately, the cost of health care in America is skyrocketing at more than twice the rate of general inflation and millions of Americans can no longer afford adequate coverage. More than 47 million Americans live without any health insurance and millions more are underinsured. Uninsured adults are four times as likely as the insured to delay or forego needed care, and uninsured children are six times as likely to do so. Forcing Americans to go without basic health care puts millions of people at risk and adds inefficiency and undue strain to emergency rooms and other elements of our health care system. These factors have contributed to out-of-control inflation in our health care industry, making quality care increasingly unaffordable for more and more Americans.

As you may know, I serve on the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over health care reform in the U.S. Senate. I am working with my colleagues on the committee to expand coverage to the uninsured, while improving the care available to those that already have coverage today. The proposals I am considering would let people choose between keeping the coverage they have now or transitioning to new coverage provided through a health insurance exchange. The health insurance exchange would be an insurance marketplace designed to foster competition between private plans and allow for the inclusion of important consumer protections, such as guaranteeing coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. Assistance would be provided to lower-income Americans, making coverage more affordable for all.

I also strongly support a public option that will benefit Washington State residents. I believe an effective public option will help improve access to high quality care, while bringing down costs through expanded choice and competition in the health care industry. To achieve an effective public health insurance option we must also take full advantage of this historic opportunity to overhaul America's health care system and fix the flaws that exist in the current health care programs like Medicare.

Like most Americans, I believe that we must work to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies. Preventing unintended pregnancies through education and family planning will also reduce the health, economic and emotional struggles that can accompany them. It is vital that we repair our broken health care system and provide quality care to all Americans, and please be assured I will keep your thoughts in mind as I consider how reproductive services will be a part of this health care reform.

Thank you again for contacting me to share your thoughts on this matter. You may also be interested in signing up for periodic updates for Washington State residents. If you are interested in subscribing to this update, please visit my website at http://cantwell.senate.gov. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I can be of further assistance.

Sincerely, Maria Cantwell United States Senator

Drool worthy post over at Design Sponge

and tons of great resources for amazing furniture!

Centurymodern.com

Collegeclassics.com

Thisisnotikea.com

AmericanFurnishings.com

Geneology and Family Trees

I have always wanted to have a good family tree of my Mom's side of the family. I think family history is such a cool thing, especially when my Mom has 12 brothers and sisters. This company had a cool idea for new modern versions and I might try and DIY for christmas...

http://www.mytreeandme.com/

Old stuff found on the web

http://www.sheaff-ephemera.com/

Industrial Supplier - Cool stuff

These people have everything from stools to works benches and much more.

http://www.chdist.com/shop-equipment/shop-seating/d-421-678-769

Natural Cleaning DIY

Love this and will have to try some of them soon!

http://www.younghouselove.com/2009/10/clean-up-your-act-all-natural-homemade-cleaners/