When I heard about the recent study on the health risks of "third-hand" smoke, I admit I was puzzled. I've heard of second-hand smoke, but what exactly is third-hand smoke?

Every year 5 million pets are killed simply because they are "unwanted". If the dogs and cats in shelters could talk, they would tell you they once had a family and a warm bed to sleep in. 

When I was a kid growing up in Minnesota we made "snow cones" with the fluffy white stuff and ate them. That is, until my seventh grade science teacher ruined all the fun. In science class we did a snow project with microscopes. When I  saw for myself all the "crud" swimming around in a droplet of melting snow, my snow cones no longer seemed so delicious.

I have a sweet tooth. This time of year I can't resist a piece of fudge--especially homemade fudge.

As my kids grow up even the traditional holiday gift for the teacher changes. A class gift for elementary school teachers, bookstore gift cards, Starbucks cards all seem like a fun and festive treat for a teacher. What should you do when your kids are in middle school? My daughter has 13 teachers and aides. Many of her classes are co-taught. Trying to find an appropriate way to show how much you appreciate a diverse group of teachers is not always easy.