Shhh….I can’t tell you yet, but be sure to check back tomorrow for a special surprise….it’s worth it – I promise!

No matter which side of the stem-cell research "issue" you fall, the advances in medical research and technology are simply amazing!  I, for one, am not against stem-cell research if the cells are from donated cord-blood (I donated Nadya’s after her birth).  The possibilities for treating debilitating diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and MS, just to name a few, are astounding!  We all know of the long waits for organ transplants and the costs of medical treatments while waiting for an organ can be extraordinary… being able to "generate" a specific organ could save many lives and dollars… but again that requires access to stem-cells, which may or may not be readily available. Now, there might be another option (besides cord-blood) for advancing this cutting-edge research.  C’elle, a medical research company, has come up with a way to use menstrual blood – which I know sounds gross initially, but hey if it could be useful for something other than cramps, why not?!?!?  Checkout this news article:

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Taking Control: Future Therapies for a Host of Serious Diseases May Be Found in Women’s Menstrual Blood
July 07, 2008: 01:28 PM EST
OLDSMAR, Fla., July 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — With today’s hectic lifestyle, where most women are juggling careers, family, relationships, and a host of activities, the idea of possibly facing a serious illness in the future is not something that readily comes to mind — especially when a woman is in the prime of her life. But what most women don’t know, is that the key to treating a number of possibly life-threatening diseases that she, a parent, a sibling or even her children may face in later years, such as osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, may be found within her own body — in vital stem cells, which can now be harvested from her own menstrual blood.
Now, thanks to the revolutionary research and technology of C’elle, a service dedicated to providing women with a safe and easy method of collecting and preserving stem cells found in her menstrual fluid each month, even the busiest woman can take control of her future, right in the privacy of her own home. With C’elle’s non-invasive collection process, menstrual cells are processed and cryo-preserved (stored at a very low temperature) for potential cellular therapies that may be used in the future. These self-renewing cells one day may even be used for sports medicine or cosmeceutical treatments, such as anti-aging therapies.
"C’elle enables and empowers a woman to take control of her future health, and possibly of those genetically closest to her, in a fast, painless and stress free way," said Michelle Kay, Marketing and Sales Manager for C’elle. "We live in exciting times, as science and technology are discovering how extremely valuable menstrual blood stem cells really are, and the enormous treatment potential they represent for future therapies. C’elle’s ongoing research is supporting these promising findings."
For more information about C’elle, please call 1-877-892-3553 or visit www.celle.com.

CNNMoney

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So, instead of waiting 9 months and dealing with the required forms, hospital regulations, and possible stigma, we could have the option of providing valuable stem-cells for medical research and advancement every month (at least when you’re not pregnant) from the privacy of our own homes. I must admit the scientist and engineer in me is intrigued and although I’m not sure I’m ready to jump-in just yet, the idea is definitely thought-provoking.

DSO is back and we’re celebrating! We’re having a Grand Opening Sale and you can’t have a good party without party favors!!

Scrap Journal is a stunning collaboration made just for you but you’ll have to go blog-hopping to gather all of the pieces… you will have one heck-of-a party favor when you’re done!  So, my giftie to you is quick pages from some of the other pieces you’ll be collecting and Bracket Templates from Clarissa at CMR Designs…click the preview for the link.  You can find the rest of the pieces by visiting the blogs listed below my preview.  I hope you enjoy your goodies and remember to stop by our new store for some great deals and register in our new gallery and forums too…that way you can enjoy all the eye-candy and inspiration from our members and/or play in our new challenges this month…each with it’s own posting goodie…complete them all and you’ll earn July’s HUGE  mega!  C-Ya there!

1. Andrea Dickinson
2. Beth Long 
3. Boo Silva 
4. Doodle LT 
5. Holey Cow 
6. Kim Broedelet + Jazzy
7. Kuoha Designs Ink 
8. Livia 
9. LJ Crochet 
10. LPand3 Dogs 
11. Luisa Potter 
12. Melanie Ann 
13. Nikki Fabulous 
14. RC Mama 
15. Tina S