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The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter
Feature Article - Is COBRA Coverage the Way to Go?
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Guest Article - A Blowing Bubble Activity that will Blow the Kids Away!
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Ok, so we didn't move this week. It's next week, that being how my husband's schedule worked out. Let me tell you, it feels good to know that we'll be in a nicer place to live soon. Of course, this seemed like a nice place when we chose it, but sometimes appearances are deceiving. With everything from a gas leak by the dryer to the power going out if both the microwave and computer are on at the same time, plus many other basic maintenance issues, this place has been quite the challenge.
Do you have a home business and do advertising on Google AdWords? If so, you received the email on the new rules. I understand a lot of people are worried about how these new rules will hurt their businesses, but I'm looking at it as an opportunity, and with a little work these changes can make online life even better for any affilate, in my opinion. I could be wrong, of course, but I think it is realistic to use this change to improve your sales. Take a look at my blog for my early thoughts on the matter, and stay tuned for more ideas.
Don't forget, you can contribute your articles or tips anytime for consideration. Just use the contact form.
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When job changes come along, you often have to decide what do about health coverage. Married couples may or may not be able to switch to coverage with a spouse’s company, but in many cases only one has coverage. In that case, COBRA coverage, finding other health coverage on your own or buying a discount plan becomes necessary.
There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these. COBRA is, of course, typically quite expensive. However, your coverage can be continued for a long time, and you don’t have to worry about pre-existing conditions or anything else that might either prevent you from getting other health coverage for a decent price or make paying your share of medical costs through a discount plan too expensive. However, you should also be prepared to pay a large amount up front. COBRA coverage may require up to the first three months’ coverage paid in the first payment, depending on when the payment is due, and this can be a serious hardship. At the very least, the first two months will need to be paid immediately. After that, fortunately, coverage costs are simply month to month.
Finding coverage for your family through another provider, such as Blue Cross, or whichever state you live in , may be cheaper than COBRA in many cases, and you can decide how much coverage you need. However, if you or anyone you need to cover in your family has a pre-existing condition this can be quite expensive or you may simply not qualify. You will want to check especially on areas that may be relevant or become relevant during the time you require that coverage, particularly for pregnancy or chronic conditions.
Finally, there are plans offered by companies such as AmeriPlan, which give you a discount on medical services. For people in generally good health, this can be a very good way to go. You can save up to 80% of medical, dental, etc. (medical coverage available only in CA, TX, OK, and GA as of this writing, but should expand nationwide eventually) costs with this kind of plan with no concern about pre-existing conditions or number of visits. One representative tells me the typical savings is about 50%.
How do you decide between these options? First take a look at the basic monthly costs of each and what you get from each. Next think about how you will cope with expenses with each of these should someone in your family require major medical care or hospitalization. Also look at how long you are going to need coverage.
Be honest with yourself about any conditions which may increase your health care costs. Some individual plans may not cover things such as pregnancy if they occur within a certain time period from the start date, and will quite simply not take on an existing pregnancy.
Stephanie Foster is the owner of Home with the Kids, a resource that knows that there's more to staying home with your family than just business. From money saving tips to parenting and marriage tips, to work at home jobs and businesses, you can get information and support here. You can visit the site at http://www.homewiththekids.com.
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I bet you haven't given this blowing bubble activity any thought as a child party activity?
I'm not talking about little kids blowing little bubbles from those little containers - no, I'm talking about blowing HUGE bubbles. I bet you didn't even know that it was possible? Yes, your bigger kids and their friends can have a lot of fun with this blowing bubble activity and what's more, it's inexpensive too... especially if you know how to make the right bubble solution and tools.
I'll give you a few recipes to try out and also a couple of tool ideas. You can have lots of fun experimenting with the mixtures and creating your own original bubble making tools.
Bubble Tools
There are so many things around you that can be used to make bubbles. Wire hangers bent into different shapes, empty milk containers, string, plastic bowls, or even your bare hands held in the right position. Make a circle with your thumb and index finger or make an even bigger circle using both hands' thumbs and index fingers.
Bubble Solution
The really big bubbles need lots of solution which can get quite expensive. It's therefor a lot more economical to mix your own.
The best detergents to use are Joy and Dawn detergents but you need to experiment to see what works best for you.
You also need either glycerine or white Karo Syrup. This ensures colorful, sturdy bubbles. Glycerine can be bought from most drug stores, but it is expensive. Karo Syrup is available at the grocery store and is less expensive.
Amazingly enough, not any water is suitable! Hard water does not work whereas soft water does. Try using your tap water, but if you fail to get good bubbles, try using distilled water.
Solution 1:
1 Part Dawn Ultra/Joy Ultra : 15 parts distilled/soft water : 0.25 part glycerine/white Karo Syrup
Solution 2:
1 Part Regular Dawn /Regular Joy : 10 parts distilled/soft water : 0.25 part glycerine/white Karo Syrup
Solution 3:
2 Parts Regular Dawn /Regular Joy : 4 parts glycerine : 1 part white Karo Syrup
Most importantly - just have FUN!
Anne-Marie Killer is a mother of two teenagers and a toddler. She is the webmaster and owner of http://www.Perfect-Party-Ideas.com
Read her blog where she documents the process of setting up http://www.Perfect-Party-Ideas.com at http://www.perfect-party-ideas.blogspot.com
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