I was purchasing some essential oils from a local source, but their selection is very limited, and seems to becoming more so. Do you have a favorite online retailer who sells high quality essential oils?

IMO, the problem would lie with "young men" who would judge the kind of girl someone is based on what she wears.

There are so many stories coming out of Japan just like this one. It's just devastating to see these people go through this.

Charity Navigator rates various charities and suggests some to donate to for the Japan crises. I ended up going with Save the Children. I also like and have donated to AmeriCares---a high percentage of donated money goes for relief.

I really like the Lifeway Kefir products. My kids do, too. We haven't tried the new BioKefir shots, though---in fact, I haven't seen them yet in my local stores.

Unbelievably shocking.

Ok, this combo is more for teens, and is especially great when studying the Industrial revolution: Elizabeth Gaskill's North and South, and the wonderful BBC movie North and South. Richard Armitage, who plays Thornton, is soooo awesome in this role.

Thanks, Negin! My kids and I have enjoyed several other biographies by Stanley and Vennema. I hadn't seen this one before.

That's awesome! Congratulations to him!

I read Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. Dickens was a master at capturing the bleakness, corruption, and horror of the mean streets of London in the 1800s. And, it's conveyed with both humor and pathos. I loved this book, as I have all of the Dickens I've read so far. Not sure what's up next. I have The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins and Heresy by S.J. Parris sitting in front of me---so, probably one of those :)

Prayers and well-wishes for your sweet daughter :grouphug:

Question for Wendi, Perry, or anyone else who feels qualified to chime in ;): I've been reading the blogs, articles, etc., that have been linked here (and other places on the net today) wherein some of them recommend Americans take iodine now. Do you feel this is overkill? Not necessary? Erring on the side of caution, or what?

The funny thing is, I'm not a fantasy fan, either. Not my thing. BUT, I read the entire Harry Potter series last summer for the first time after going to Universal's Wizarding World. I LOVED it :001_smile: I didn't expect to become so engrossed in the books, but was pleasantly surprised. In fact, I can't wait to read them again! As far as kids: My eldest never read them at all---no interest, my son read them for the first time at age 11 (last summer along with me), and my youngest has read the first two. I do feel they become quite dark after 3. I'll let her tackle books 4 and up when both she and I feel she's ready.

I have stayed at both OKW and Saratoga springs. They are both lovely resorts, but I prefer OKW for the following reasons: The rooms are larger than Saratoga Springs' rooms, you can park right in front of your villa at OKW (you mentioned having a car), the pool area is nicer, imo, and I love the "feel" of OKW---Keys-y, bright, and relaxed. Both resorts have full kitchens in 1 br and up, both have washers and dryers, both are near Downtown Disney---Saratoga is just a short stroll away, and OKW just a boat ride (or longer stroll) away. One potential minus for OKW---not all villa buildings have elevators. Truly, I would be happy at either of them, but my first pick would be Old Key West.

My teen has been drinking coffee on a semi-regular basis (about 3 times a week) since she was close to 13. She drinks it black and unsweetened, usually on ice, but sometimes hot with a bit of unsweetened cocoa powder in it. As far as coffee stunting growth, it is an old wives' tale---there are no documented studies that prove this.

We love this Kale and white bean soup . I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Glad all is well!

Congratulations! And, welcome, to your new little one!

I absolutely love the Don Juan climbing rose. Very fragrant, easy to grow as far as roses go, and lovely on a trellis.

Feel better soon, Molly!

My daughter really wants to stay at The Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, AR. We have visited and had lunch at The Crescent. It's a gorgeous, historical building (built in 1886) and it's purported to be haunted. In fact, that's one of the reasons my teen wants to stay there :001_smile: Me? I don't really believe in ghosts. I would probably stay there. The Crescent seems to be a favorite of many and is highly rated. And it has spectacular views.

No, I"ve never read any of his work. I keep hearing good things about his writing and I'm looking forward to picking up a book or two of his.

Very nice! And, I love the piano.

You're welcome! It really is quite amazing as far as theme parks go. Very immersive and so much fun.

Here's the link to Universal's Harry Potter site.