Travel Guide; Oregon Coast Newport

The Oregon coastline boasts several unique attributes-one important one being that all beaches are publicly owned. If you are searching for a fun place to go for spring break, consider visiting Newport, which is located about 130 miles from Portland and is on the central coastline.
Click here to get inside information on where to go, what to see and some of the best places to grab a bite to eat in Newport, Oregon

New Oregon Gold Rush?

As the economy continues to weaken and Americans are feeling the pinch of a tighter economy, millions of people across the US are searching for new ways to make money. Gold prices are surging and are now at an all time high of $1,000 per ounce. It turns out that we only needed to dust off our old history books for an answer. Some are calling it the gold rush revisited.

In Jackson County, Oregon the 1850's were a boon to the local economy. Jacksonville was the largest city between Portland and Sacramento. In 1851 the first gold was discovered in what was called Jackson Creek. Now local gold panning companies are reporting that they are seeing an ever-growing increase in people looking for gold panning supplies and say that there is new interest in finding gold in Oregon. They are trying to keep up with a windfall of sales.

What else is happening? Click here to keep reading...

Who's Dennis Miller & Which One of us has Amnesia?

Click here to read about Dennis Miller's new show...
Up until the late 1990's, I used to like Dennis Miller. I thought that his no-nonsense, free for all rants were funny and I even secretly thought he was sort of good looking. When he was a cast member of Saturday Night Live (1985-1991), his "Weekend Updates" were full of witty cross references to pop culture mixed in with equal disdain for both major US political parties. He was funny because he did not take sides. Nobody was safe from Dennis, so it was interesting to hear what he had been thinking about.

Now, I don't want to get off on a rant here, but I believe that one of his ex-fans must have come up with the name for his new game show on NBC, Amnesia. Why on earth would you go along with that name Dennis? I think you were hoping that we all had it and forgot that you had crossed over to the dark side in a move that reminded me of the loyalty between Siegfried & Roy, you embraced the Republican Empire. Remember that?

How to Write Your Own Obituary

How do you write your own obituary?

Talent Oregon Kids Poisoned by Wild Hemlock

Several children in Talent, Oregon recently discovered something the ancient Greeks knew. Hemlock is poisonous. A small group of elementary and middle school aged kids were playing at the Talent Middle School on Monday evening when a high school aged brother of one of the children said that the hemlock they found growing on the middle school campus was safe to eat. He called it "wild parsley" and several children followed his lead and ingested some of the plants. The children had been discussing whether or not it was possible to hallucinate or get a "high" from eating hemlock, but were unaware of the real danger involved.
What happened to them?

Disgruntled Homeowners Trash Foreclosed Homes

In a new spin on the fairy tale "The Three Little Pigs", a Clackamas, Oregon, man is said to have left three live pigs in his home when it was just days away from going into foreclosure. Neighbors say that the man was distraught and angry and hoped that the animals would trash the home. Perhaps the mortgage company was the "Big Bad Wolf?"

This is just one example of something that real estate agents say is becoming increasingly common as the lists of foreclosed homes grow and more Americans feel the flush of desperation. Bargain Network report that foreclosures in Oregon are up 23%, which makes Oregon in the top five states with the most foreclosures.
Find out what is happening here...

In Memory of Bennett Tanner, Ashland Oregon Homeless Man

It's fitting that on the last day of the Unite For Peace Conference in Ashland, a group of people gathered on a small hill facing US Forest Service land towards the back of Lithia Park to pay respects for a local homeless man, Bennett Tanner. It is presumed that Bennett was the victim of a fire that burned up a homeless camp in the watershed sometime in December 2007. A hiker found burned remains in mid February. We are still waiting for the results of a toxicology report.

Being homeless and dying in a fire means that there aren't a lot of physical trappings that remain of Bennett's life, but the circle of people who stood on that hillside this afternoon, reflected a lifetime of teaching. Bennett's gentle manner and sweet nature taught us all about what it means to live a peaceful life. One by one, friends told stories about Bennett and shared what they would remember most about him. In almost every reflection, the words "peaceful, gentle, sweet", were repeated. Friends played music, laughed at some funny tales that revealed how smart he was and paid our respect to a comedienne who left an imprint in our community. We listened to part of a radio show that featured one of Bennett's comedy routines. He called himself a "professional optimist".

Read more about Bennett here...

Walgreens Oil Of Olay: A Consumer Loss

When I discovered a Walgreen's was moving into to our community, I was so excited! I had heard many good things about the company over the years and I looked forward to using their sales to find some great deals. I knew they offered monthly rebates, which is a big plus for someone like me who looks for such things. Over the years, I had heard some moans and groans about how they were often out of merchandise even when sales began, but I didn't think much about that. We were getting a Walgreen's and I could not wait!

So I pay attention to online "savings" groups and when I heard about an upcoming Walgreen's Olay of Olay soap deal, I gathered my coupons and was ready to shop as soon as the store opened on Sunday morning. In fact, I was the second person in the store. The first was an old man who I was relieved to see, headed to the vitamin aisle. No competition for me at all!

And then something happened...

Raising Kids Without Spending Lots of Money

Living in an affluent community, I often have the opportunity to see how some fairly wealthy kids are raised and compare that to the opposite of the spectrum with kids who are living below the federal poverty line. It is always interesting to compare and contrast the lives of these children.

While money certainly buys healthier food and access to safer housing, neither an overabundance, or lack of it, does not directly impact the bond that is a family. Strong families are built on a foundation of love with a whole lot of time and attention thrown in for good measure, which is something money cannot buy. Which is why I am always fascinated to read reports on how much it costs to raise a child. Using Babycenter.com's drop down menu, I was able to calculate that our youngest daughter is apt to cost us more than $212,000.

That is an astonishing number and one that I would argue is high. I can offer some valuable ideas on how to cut some corners and "parent on the cheap".
Keep reading to discover how...

India's Latest Outsourcing: Surrogacy

Some call it surrogacy, or reproductive tourism. In what might be one of the oddest forms of outsourcing, families are choosing to travel overseas to find surrogates in order to complete their dreams of procreation.

A brief look at Surrogacy in the United States

The roots of commercial surrogacy in the United States began in the late 1970's when a Michigan lawyer began the first surrogacy agency and set out to change the laws to make surrogacy legal. Although surrogacy in the US is legal in all but a handful of states, laws vary from state to state. According to surromomsonline.com, the average surrogacy fee given to a surrogate is $10,000-18,000 and that does not include what is paid for as "expenses" (medical, travel, mileage, lost wages, childcare and housekeeping). Infertile couples typically pay anywhere from $60,000-100,000 for a US surrogacy through an agency.

Click here to read more about surrogacy and how some people are going to India to concieve babies...

Surviving the Flu-- A Guide to See You Through!

As I sat down to write something today, I realized that it was already noon and I was in the middle of my fourth load of laundry. It has been "one of those weeks" around here as one-by-one, most of my family succumbed to the flu.

Our bout with the flu began six days ago and started with our two-year-old daughter, who began vomiting late Friday night. I will spare you most of the details, but need to add that this was not dainty-it was violent. As she was throwing up, I was keeping track. After number 13, I stopped counting. As the hours dragged on, I tried to offer small drinks of water, a Popsicle, even nursing since she isn't fully weaned yet. Unfortunately nothing stayed down. She couldn't sleep for more than a few minutes at a time, so we sat on the couch together and watched cartoons. Sometime around six am Saturday morning, we both fell asleep and managed to sleep for a few hours before she woke me up and let me know that she was still feeling awful. This went on until Sunday morning when she seemed to be feeling a bit better. By Sunday afternoon, her eight-year-old sister was going through the same thing. The next day my husband began showing symptoms and the two year old relapsed. We are all sort of low on sleep around here, but I now consider myself pretty much an expert on how to minimize flu symptoms and can offer some suggestions on how you can help your family feel better if the flu strikes.

Click here to read more about how to survive the flu...

Real Estate Repo Tour: Broken Dreams at a Bargain

Bill Dwyer, a Medford Oregon realtor wants to show you the latest foreclosed homes in the Rogue Valley. In California, they are calling them "Repo Tours", but Bill chose a softer name, "The Tour of Hot Deals". On specified weekends he fills up a tour bus with prospective buyers or "repo tourists", feeds them lunch and shows them several homes with loans that are priced below market value. The tour lasts several hours.

He says there is no pressure. "We want everybody to kick back and have a good time."

It is becoming a growing trend as the real estate market has plummeted. On one hand foreclosures and the downward drag on real estate prices is bringing affordability back into the housing market, but the other side of that coin are the people losing their homes due to job losses, and a repressed economy.

Wondering what other people think of this? Click here to read more!

Food Review; Green Giant Frozen Veggie Bites Corn

When I saw Green Giant Veggie Bites in the supermarket, I was drawn to them largely because (1) they were on sale and (2) each package in the freezer case had a "peel off" coupon to save $1 when you buy one package. There are few things in life more appetizing to me than cheap vegetables, so I grabbed one and added it to my grocery cart. I have to admit being sort of intrigued by them, they were little bite sized pieces of "vegetables" with a baked coating that slightly resembled tatar tots. I had never noticed them before and figured they must be a new product.

I like to try new products and think that as a parent, one of my jobs is to offer new things to eat, although my family often balks at these attempts.
Click here and find out what we thought of them!

Two Adjacent Oregon Cammunities Handle Homelessness Differently

Central Point Oregon's "Homeless Sweep" and Ashland's Forum on Homelessness Held Same Week

During the Week of February 17, 2008, two adjacent Oregon cities handled the problem of homelessness in contrasting ways.

On February 19, 2008, Central Point Oregon police teamed up with Jackson County Sheriffs Department to begin their annual "Homeless Sweep". Local law enforcement agencies got a head start this year; normally they wait until March or April to rouse the homeless off public lands.
Click here to read about what happened next and see how Ashland Oregon confronted homelessness that same week!

Art Review: Izis Isreal Bidermanas Merry Go Round Photography

In the 1950's photography was just beginning to gain notice in the art world. Izis (Israel Bidermanas), was a respected Lithuanian photographer who worked for Paris Match for several decades. In 1947 when his photo Jardin des Tuilleries (Merry Go Round), was taken, Izis captured some of the essence of Paris in the mid twentieth century.

Want to see a photo of one of Izis's incredible pictures? Follow this link to see it and to read more:

Is Gortons Frozen Fish Safe After a Food Recall?

On Friday February 29, 2008, Gorton's Frozen Fish (gortons.com) issued a product recall that involved 11.4 oz packages of 6 Crispy Battered Fish Fillets, as they may contain foreign material. This is one of a slew of product recalls consumers have been dealing with this year. When I heard about this latest recall, it felt personal. We have several packages of Gorton's fish in our freezer and have eaten several packages in the last few weeks. I am particularly concerned because most of my family is just getting over a terrible strain of the flu and have weakened immune systems. The recall does not include products that were shipped to my state, but still. As a mom, I worry. Is Gorton's frozen fish safe?
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/634545/is_gortons_frozen_fish_safe_after_a.html

Humor Parenting From the Trenches: The True Story of Cocoa Girl and her Sidekick I did Not SEE her Do THAT

Some kids require a lot of attention. So much that you can pick their mom's out of a crowd. They are the ones who are watching everything around them, taking notes on the tiniest little details because "in the trench" parenting will do that to a person. Your guard goes down and the result will become family lore.

Today was one of those days.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/616567/parenting_from_the_trenches.html

Snack Review: Cheerios Snack Mix Cheddar

You know those Cheerio commercials where the Grandma is giving the adorable little baby her first Cheerios and baby is just learning hand/eye coordination and is having a fabulous time just trying to pick them up off her high chair tray? The message is that some things are universal-- life lessons and that appreciating the little things are important? I love that commercial, but I truly have a hard time getting excited about Cheerios in general, in fact I would venture a guess and say that the last time I really enjoyed eating Cheerios was probably about thirty years ago. They're just... okay.
But the snack mix? You have to hear what I thought about it...
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/614899/cheerios_cheddar_snack_mix_review.html

5 Fun Places to Take Kids in Ashland Oregon

Just about 14 miles past the California border, Ashland is nestled in the Rogue Valley. This charming little city is home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, numerous stores and art galleries. Not everything in town is directed at grown-ups, Ashland is a wonderful place to bring kids. Here are some places you can explore with kids of any age.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/611239/5_fun_places_to_take_kids_in_ashland.html

The Most Kid Friendly Restaurants in Ashland Oregon

Ashland Oregon is nestled in the Rogue Valley and is a lovely place to visit. Whether you are taking in a play at the Shakespeare Festival, or visiting one of our many parks or art galleries, you will probably build up an appetite. There are so many restaurant choices-- where should you go, especially if you are bringing kids?
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/610333/the_most_kid_friendly_restaurants_in.html

Survival 101: The Benefits of Bartering

In 1852 when Jacksonville, Oregon was quickly becoming the largest city between Portland and Sacramento and the sights and sounds of the gold rush flourished, locals were busy trading goods and services. From barn raising's to trading at the mercantile, the Rogue Valley was built on the system of barter and the tradition holds strong to this day.
Is bartering still popular in Oregon?
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/609287/survival_101_the_benefits_of_bartering.html

The Gift of Healing From Grief

The first Christmas after my son died, I remember making a list of "wishes" with my then four-year old daughter. Her long list included barbies, games, books and yogi bear. My list was much shorter and yet also impossible. I just wanted my son back. I remember being surrounded by family during the holidays that first year and yet I also know that it was the loneliest I have ever been.

Grief is like that.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/607491/the_gift_of_healing_from_grief.html

Singer Peggy Rose Living With Memory Loss Dementia

For most of her lifetime, Ms. Peggy Rose of Ashland Oregon has performed Jazz throughout the west and the mid-west. She is also living with memory loss. Although this can be frustrating sometimes, she does not consider her dementia to be a struggle but chooses to simply accept this as the way things are. "When I get up in the morning and get out of bed, I am just so glad to be alive and I just work with it," she says.

She is not alone.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/607483/singer_peggy_rose_lives_with_memory.html

Friendship Grows Stronger Over the Pacific Coast Trail (PCT)

In 1994 four local woman began a journey that would take a decade to complete. One that would encompass the entire Oregon section of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and would see them through personal hardships and loss and strengthen their friendship. In early August, Marge Bernard, Mary Gardiner, Tanya Dadaos and Margy Plein will hike from Mount Hood to Bridge of the Gods. There will likely be laughter as these plucky women complete their adventure. Together.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/607471/friendship_grows_stronger_over_the.html

One Womans Struggle and Triumph Over Debt

Her story is a familiar one; a mother of two who found herself in a marriage that was crumbling. By the time the divorce papers were signed, she discovered she was $17,000 in debt and her house was in foreclosure. Scared and alone, Nola Shaw of Medford, Oregon, found herself making an appointment with Consumer Credit Counseling Services. The first advice they gave her was bleak. Go get another part time job and come back in six months, they said. This was her lowest point.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/607459/one_womans_struggle_and_triumph_over.html

Busy Mom's Guide to Manners

Let's face it, life is hectic. As parents, we all try to do the best we can, but between careers, homework, and numerous after school activities, sometimes the best we can manage is fast food served in the back seat of the car on the way to soccer practice or any number of other events that seem to be the norm in our children's lives. In the middle of this day to day "stuff" that makes up our lives, we also need to be teaching our kids basic manners. This does not have to be overwhelming, in fact the heart of good manners is similar to the heart of good parenting-- listening, caring and teaching. Including your child at the adult table this holiday season can be an important first step to a lifetime of good manners.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/607449/the_busy_moms_guide_to_table_manners.html

Making Your New Years Resolutions Stick

Many women in the Rogue Valley in Oregon are making New Year's resolutions that revolve around money in some way or another, whether it be saving for a vacation, planning for retirement, or buying a new home. Making those resolutions "stick" can be a whole other matter. Two local women discussed their options and looked at what they can do to achieve their financial goals. Although different ages, the two had some things in common. Both are looking for ways to manage money better and to improve the quality of their lives. Kathleen Salzar, a financial planner offered some sound advice on improving their finances.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/607433/making_your_new_years_money_resolutions.html

Northwest Spine and Outlook Therapy in Ashland Oregon

If you, or someone you care about is experiencing ongoing pain, you may not know who to turn to. Often people in pain are "shuffled around" from specialist to specialist, at a time when they are at their most vulnerable. The doctors and physical therapists at Northwest Spine and Pain and Outlook Physical Therapy are committed to changing that. They will listen to you, help diagnose your problem and help you find relief from pain. If you are suffering from headaches, spine fractures, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, or a host of other ailments, they can help you get your independent life back.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/607421/northwest_spine_and_outlook_therapy.html

Emotional Planning for Your Retirement Years

We all know the importance of financial planning for retirement, but many of us do not stop and consider that we also need to figure out what we want to do with our time. Oh, we imagine that trip to Hawaii and how much more organized our lives will be, but we often neglect to make long term plans that will keep us active. Understanding that our emotional needs will change during our retirement years can save us from some of the problems seniors face such as loneliness and boredom.
How can you get your "emotional ducks" in a row?

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/607361/emotional_planning_for_your_retirement.html

Nestle Hot Pockets Part of California Beef Recall

Nestle is recalling Hot Pockets!
See story here:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/625371/attention_families_and_food_banks_beef.html

How to Host an Eco-friendly Abundance Swap (Recycling)

Eco-friendly is in! Whether you call it recycling, or re-gifting, hosting an abundance swap is an excellent way to promote reusing quality goods while keeping things out of the landfill. As an added benefit, you just might walk away with an incredible find.

What is an abundance swap and how can you host one? Just click the link to discover what you've been missing!
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/609549/how_to_host_an_ecofriendly_abundance.html

Siskiyou Eye Center's Focus is on Quality in Ashland Oregon

We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful town and we all want to savor the many sights throughout Ashland. Our lives are rich with colors and shapes. For those who are living with vision problems, the message is one of hope--that help is right here in our neighborhood.

At Siskiyou Eye Center, you can have everything from a simple eye exam to cataract surgery (and much more) all done at the same location. Their focus is on quality and from the time you place your first phone call to them, you will realize their entire staffs commitment to your care, health and well being. You matter and they care about your health. Visit David, Pat and the rest of their fabulous staff and observe what a difference this can make.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/607073/siskiyou_eye_centers_focus_is_on_quality.html

Net Inks: Central Point Oregon Remanufactured and Recycled Print Cartridges

Sue Roberts of Net Inks in Central Point Oregon, wants you to know that not all re-manufactured ink cartridges are created equal.

"Many people refill ink cartridges themselves. They don't know that most cartridges have a foam pad which needs to be cleaned or replaced. They don't realize that it's like changing the oil in your car and putting the dirty filter back on."

What is an eco-caring person to do?
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/607069/net_inks_central_point_oregons_remanufactured.html

Ashland Oregon City Utilities Disfavors Working Poor

In a city of about 20,000 residents Ashland Oregon's city budget is about 94 million dollars a year and yet low income working people must pay a 25% utility tax. Read more about this regressive tax here...
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/607063/ashland_oregon_utility_tax_disfavors.html

Burned Body Found in Ashland Oregon's Lithia Park

Burned Body Found in Ashland, Oregon's Lithia Park

In a picturesque park in Ashland, Oregon a hiker discovered a body near the old quarry in what is a popular place for homeless campers. The body is believed to be Bennett Tanner, a local puppeteer and community volunteer. We knew Bennett and liked him and want to make sure that this was an accident and not a crime scene. Here is some more information...
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/607055/burned_body_found_at_lithia_park_in.html

Safeway Savings Rally: Free Groceries, Free Gas!

Who else wants free or super cheap groceries this week? Read about how you can stretch your food dollars at Safeway...
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/612669/safeway_savings_rally_free_groceries.html

The Talent Cafe in Talent Oregon: New Ownership

When Denise O'Brien first moved to Talent in December 2005, she would often stop at the Talent Cafe for breakfast. She moved here from Hawaii and had owned a nail salon there, so she assumed she would get a license to practice Cosmetology in Oregon and open up another salon here. As it so often happens when we think we have our lives all mapped out, plans changed. Somehow a paperwork snafu occurred about the same time that The Talent Cafe was being offered for sale and her life took a different course when she decided to buy the Cafe.
What happened next?
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/598631/the_talent_cafe_in_talent_oregon_gains.html

Monte's Computers in Medford Oregon, Unique and Upscale Custom Built Computers

Before seeing what Monte Maddox has been up to, I had no idea that computers could be so visually appealing. His custom built systems make me think of race cars-- shiny quick machines that are top of the line and built to last. Monte has lived in Medford Oregon, in the heart of the Rogue Valley for the past twenty years and in 1998 he started out designing computer software for small businesses. He began putting together computer systems and discovered that building computers made him happy. "I liked creating software, but building systems is something I really enjoy doing", he says.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/598611/montes_computers_in_medford_oregon.html

Legends Furniture: Quality Imports in Medford Oregon

Perhaps you've reached a point in life when you start to take a look around your home. Do you see mismatched chairs and a sofa you detest? Are most of your furniture still remnants from your college days? Maybe your kids are going off to college soon and you are just now realizing that the last time you bought a living room chair was at a yard sale when they were small? Before heading out to a "big-box" store, stop in at Legends Furniture in Medford, Oregon and you will find beautiful, luxury items at affordable prices.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/598597/legends_furniture_in_medford_oregon.html

Medford Oregon Panhandlers Face Tough Penalties

According to the Medford Mail Tribune, beginning January 1, 2008 some types of panhandling became illegal in Medford. While a new city ordinance won't prohibit someone from holding a sign asking for help, it will make it illegal for him or her to accept help. In other words if I hand a homeless person an orange, she could face a $1,000 fine and up to a year in jail.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/598465/medford_oregon_panhandlers_face_tough.html

Freedom From Debt-- One College Student's Story

Just like many college students, Jenni Reed of Ashland was bombarded with "pre-approved" credit cards, before she began school last year. "It was exciting. I got a Visa and a Master card and then a few store cards too. My limits didn't seem all that high, so I didn't really think about what it was adding up to, I just knew that I was still "under the limit" on each card, so I kept using them. I remember buying things that I didn't really need, like clothes that I haven't even worn much, books and CD's and things like that. It was fun at the time. Buying things made me feel better."

Euphoria ended fairly quickly when reality started arriving in the mailbox in the form of bills from those credit card companies. Find out what happened here:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/598509/freedom_from_debt.html

Ashland Oregon's Rock 'N Roll Dentist?

Dr. Kempf just might be the only Ashland dentist who devotes some of his spare time to playing guitar in a traveling Jesus rock and roll band. Aside from having fun and being an interesting person to talk to, he is also a well-established and respected man who has been practicing dentistry since 1978.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/598487/ashland_oregons_rock_n_roll_dentist.html

The Lion's Knees Shook: Point of View in Writing Fiction

Dwight Bennett is the author of more than 70 western novels. He also spent several years in Hollywood writing for shows like Wagin Train. Here he discusses how he learned "point of view" and gives new writers some good tips on writing.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/594533/the_lions_knees_were_shaking_point.html

Six Ways to Make A Good Marriage Even Better

So you went and got married? Congratulations. Now you are beginning to realize that the elaborate wedding was great and all, but living with someone else is not a party. You just might be ready for a primer on how to sustain a healthy relationship.

Click here to discover ways to make your marriage stronger! http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/593765/six_ways_to_make_a_good_marriage_even.html

The Hollywood Writers Strike is Over?

Michael Eisner, the former CEO of Walt Disney, has announced that the Hollywood Writers Strike is ending.

"It's over!" Eisner said while being interviewed on CNBC's "Fast Money". "They made the deal. They shook hands on the deal. It's going on Saturday to the writers in general."
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/593263/is_the_hollywood_writers_strike_is.html

Refunding Makes Cents-- A Sign of the Times?

As the economy seems to worsen and people all over the United States are pulling the proverbial belt a little bit tighter, it seems likely that more people than ever are looking to learn how to save money and stretch their family budgets. After all you can't reduce your mortgage or decide to pay less for your utilities or phone bill and one of the few parts of a family budget that can be trimmed is money spent on food and other household goods. The good news is that you do not have to lessen your quality of life just to stay within your means and Refunding Makes Cents can help you get started.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/588337/refunding_makes_cents_a_sign_of_the.html

Delta Burke Checks Into Psychiatric Hospital

What do Delta Burke, Britney Spears and Justin Chambers have in common?

Delta Burke, who is perhaps best known for her role as Suzanne Sugarbaker on Designing Women, has voluntarily checked herself into an undisclosed psychiatric hospital.

Burke has a history of depression.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/587527/delta_burke_checks_into_psychiatric.html

Pipons Old World Mexico Flavors Ashland Plaza

Growing up in Mexico, Jorge Oliva remembers many meals that were shared with his family and how food and family centered those days. His mother and grandmother were always cooking and he learned how to make authentic Mexican food by watching them. He discovered that he enjoyed cooking and in the back of his mind he always knew that someday he would own a restaurant.

Pipon's Cocina y Cantina is Jorge's dream realized.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/580497/pipons_old_world_mexico_flavors_ashland.html

Native Imports: Native and South American Decor For Your Home in Ashland Oregon

When Jeffrey Smith and Alice Drysdale went hiking a few years ago, they started talking about creating a business that might bridge some of the challenges low-income artists in Mexico and Central America face. Just a few months ago they opened up their new store, Native Imports in the Claycomb's Plaza Mall in Ashland, Oregon. They specialize in hand crafted home decor and art with an emphasis on discovering brand new artists. "Many import stores have the goal of buying cheap to sell high," says Jeffrey. "We see the importance of promoting fair trade between the artists and our store. We see ourselves as a marketing and distribution tool for artists. Our goal is to continue to travel to rural villages and meet individual artists and give them the chance and materials to promote what they make," he says.

Native Imports offers exciting products. See what else they are doing.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/580483/native_imports_native_and_south_american.html

Home Comfort: Warming the Community, One Home at a Time

Walk down any neighborhood street and you will see signs that Fall is beginning to blanket the Rogue Valley with color. Leaves are falling off trees and there is a chill in the early morning air. It happens every year and somehow it still catches some of us off guard. Fall means baked apples and back to school. It's also time to think about staying warm this winter. As the days grow shorter and nights grow colder, you might be thinking about investing in a wood stove or a gas fireplace, but you are hesitating. Maybe you aren't quite sure what would be best for your home, or you just want to get a quality product at a fair price? Drop by Home Comfort Hearth and Patio in Phoenix and talk to Mike Kohn and his friendly staff. With more than twenty years of experience, Mike can help you decide which wood, gas, pellet or electric fireplace or stove will fill your aesthetic and practical needs .

What else can you find at Home Comfort?
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/580475/home_comfort_warming_the_community.html

Rogue Design: Unique and Stylish Homes

In a perfect world, we would all do what we most love to do and people like Geoff Hiatt of Rogue Design Center would be the norm rather than the exception. Talk to Geoff for just a few minutes and you immediately get the sense that he is happiest when he is designing a new home or office building.

For thirty five years Geoff has been providing excellent customer service and a creative flair. See what else he can do for you:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/579003/unique_and_stylish_homes.html

Furniture Depot Quality Furniture Made in the Northwest

In Ashland's earliest days, when the railroad came through providing a link to cities like Sacramento and San Francisco, the heart of our city grew up around our railroad district. Locals still cherish this old neighborhood and if Main Street is now the center of town, "the district" is where we converge to meet with old friends. For more than twenty years, The Furniture Depot has been providing excellent service and contemporary furniture in Ashland with ties to our railroad district. The store derives its name from its original location near the old train depot.

See what Sheryl and Loren Clear have been up to;
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/578991/furniture_depot_quality_furniture_made.html

Edward Jones: Let Your Money Work For You

Doug Turner of Edward Jones wants to help you learn some ways to protect your financial future. Learn how he can help you build a better future.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/578951/edward_jones_let_your_money_work_for.html

The Comfort Zone Boutique

Our lives are rich with the beauty we see in the stars at night, friends who help us stand up when we are knocked down and even the adversity we face. We're always learning, even when some of those lessons are painful and problems we would not wish on anyone, even cancer. John Diamond said, "Cancer is a word, not a sentence." If someone you love is fighting cancer, she needs allies and people who are as generous with hope as they are with their time. When someone you love has cancer, it can be hard to know what to do for her-how can we help? Sometimes hope can come in the form of "comfort items", things we might not normally think of as being a big deal, but when they are given to someone who is fighting a disease, they can be tangible hope.

In 2005, Gail Ropel opened up a specialty store in Medford Oregon called Comfort Zone, which caters to women who are fighting breast cancer as well as other diseases.

To read more about the Comfort Zone please see:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/578633/the_comfort_zone_boutique.html

Creekhouse Patisserie: Special Desserts for All Occasions

Louise Ingver has been creating some fabulous desserts in her Ashland based business. She sometimes offers classes at Allyson's and her truffles and fine chocolates can be found at Market of Choice, Shop N Kart and Allyson's. Give Louise a call and she can handle special orders as well.

See what she has been up to:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/578657/creekhouse_parisserie_truffles_and.html

Animal House: Grooming and Boarding in Talent Oregon

Collette Williams of Talent offers grooing and boarding for your pets. She is well qualified, having recieved training in "t-touch" and hand scissoring.

"Dogs pick their owners and they also pick their groomer," she says. "I want the dogs that come in here to know me and they do. We enjoy every minute we spend with them and we keep it fun." She grooms all breeds, from mutts to champion dogs of all sizes and she specializes in hand scissoring rather than clipping. "Hand scissoring is an art form and technique I learned in school," she says.

Read more about Animal House at:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/578457/animal_house_caring_for_all_breeds.html

Valentine's Day Recipes

The lazy mom's guide to planning a Valentine's day dinner or how to make Valentines Day special on a tight budget.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/536425/valentines_day_recipes_how_to_make.html

Counting Our Losses: Born Still but Stillborn

How many stillborn babies die in the United States annually?

There is no set protocol, no national standards and we are not counting babies. The best we have are guesses. I kept seeing "one in every hundred births" and sometimes I read "26,000 babies a year". Just speculation.

"My eyes start to open and I am blinded by white light. I see a faint outline of several people standing around me and I try to speak. My words are like the lopsided drawings my four year old often gifts me. My speech is at first indecipherable and I try again and again until finally I am able to pierce two words together as a question, "My son?" My eyes search the faces of the nurses and I am struck with the icy realization that nobody in the room will make eye contact with me."

To read more, please follow this link:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/537043/counting_our_losses_born_still_but.html

Learning to Love Herself Again: One Woman's 300 Pound Weight Loss Journey

Three hundred pounds lighter, a Medford, Oregon woman, is learning to love herself again.

Three years ago Kathy underwent gastric bypass surgery, which proved a life-saving decision. Before surgery, she weighed 480 pounds and has now lost close to 300 pounds. As her weight dropped, she learned to understand herself along the way. "Life is good," she says. "It's always been good, but when I weighed more I had to make adjustments. I'd go to one of my son's games and I couldn't sit on the bleachers. I had to bring my own chair. Or I'd go into a restaurant and have to know which booth had a table that could be moved. Even seat belts were a problem. I don't have to worry about any of those things anymore."

To read more of Kathy's story, please follow this link...
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/550699/learning_to_love_herself_again_one.html

Where to get Federal and State Tax Forms in the Rogue Valley

Looking for tax forms? If you live in the Rogue Valley (Ashland, Talent, Phoenix, Medford or Central Point), in Oregon here is a list of places where you can get them.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/577601/where_to_get_federal_and_state_tax.html