The Gift of Nothing ASIN: 031611488X Binding: Hardcover List price: $14.99 USD Amazon price: $10.19 USD

This is the PURRFECT gift for that friend who already has everything. Great for both children and adults, this is a charming story of friendship that transcends the cat/dog relationship. Even if you are not familiar or already a fan of MUTTS, you'll enjoy this story.

How one mom with a supportive husband self-published her own guide

by Sarah Masterson

After years of graduate school and full-time work as an academic and journalist, my career path drastically changed in one brief instant. It was the moment the "indicator window" on the home pregnancy test turned pink. I would never be the same, and neither would my career.

Do you know What's up with that snowman T-shirt? Didn't think so. Your kids probably do. The good news is now you will too.

It looks like an angry, emodicon snowman. But as CNN.com reports this benign looking snowman graphic actually represents someone who delivers snow, aka a drug dealer delivering cocaine. The shirt originated from rapper Young Jeezy and has taken off as street wear.

"CNN scares me but I still rubber neck it like it's a car wreck on the highway." Judy, MomSoup

For November 2005

Bad news day for parents on CNN. Where are some parents going wrong? Leads us to believe that peers and other people have deep influence over your pre-teen/teen child so lay strong foundations and keep talking and keeping tabs on them. Here's the scoop that will give you heartburn...

It's NOT for Everyone: Evaluating At Home Sales Programs

MomSoup features articles from women who promote direct sales. We're proud to support these women working hard to make their businesses successful. There are a few things we'd like to note about these programs and women in order to help you evaluate whether direct sales is right for you.

The Center for Environmental Health posted a Press Release in August 2005 on their website regarding lead in childrens' lunchboxes at http://www.cehca.org/lunchboxes.htm. The site also contains photos of some lunch boxes that tested positive and asking parents to submit others.

How One Mom Took Direct Sales to the Next Level

by Michelle Stern

When my husband was in graduate school a couple of years ago, I started looking for a part time job opportunity. I had a 3-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son at the time, and wanted to keep them as the focus of how I spent my time. I was a teacher before the kids came along and wanted to do something where I could interact with people and challenge myself. While I loved reading Goodnight Gorilla to my children (over and over again), I needed more mental stimulation!

How One Mom Found Flexibility in Mural Art

by Rebecca Gorden

As long as I can remember, I always knew that I wanted to be a Mom when I grew up. In college, I struggled to find a major because I knew that I would be a stay-at -home mom. Why would I even need a career? I settled on an Art History major.

Virginia and Other State Laws on Breast Feeding

We are more than a little perplexed at how a well known lingerie chain got away with what amounted to soft core mannequin porn at their Tysons Corner, VA re-design but NURSING MOMS are still frequently asked to go feed their children in the restroom. Would anyone go eat their burger and fries or hang out and drink a cup of coffee in the loue? We already hate having to use a public bathroom for what it's intended, let alone nourish a new baby in an often foul environment.

State laws on this are very clear so arm yourself with knowledge and happily nurse away (at least in VA) while ignoring any rude glares!

Straight from La Leche's website, below are VAs laws on public breastfeeding. It will get you out of jury duty too! For other states, visit La Leche League's website at: http://www.lalecheleague.org/LawBills.html.

When my 4 children were little, I was religious about spending an equal amount for each on birthdays, Christmas and other special occasions. In fact when they were really young, I made sure that they had the same NUMBER of gifts also.