Does your state have a heroine? Do you know who she is? I recently spent the day visiting the former home of my state’s heroine, the courageous Prudence Crandall.

What would you say if I told you that a high number of baby products contain toxic chemicals? What if I told you those toxic chemicals were in the form of flame retardants that are used in things like nursing pillows, car seats, changing pads and bassinet pads? And what if I said there is currently nothing in the law protecting us from these harmful toxins?

An article in today’s New York Times, “Aid for Child Care Drops When It Is Needed Most,” highlights one of the most important problems for all working moms – without high-quality, affordable child care, it’s difficult to work at all, and it’s impossible to devote the time and energy that’s required to turn a job into a meaningful career.

Nasty bosses and mean co-workers can make work a living hell, and working moms are often targets. Working Mother shows what employees and companies need to know about bullying—and how to fight it.

It’s tough out there. Millions of us already feel uncertain about our jobs, our finances, even our futures. But for 54 million people — or 35 percent of all adult workers — there’s even been more trouble out there: the workplace bully.

Contributed By Fran Durekas, Founder, CCLC (Children's Creative Learning Centers)

A few years ago I started to learn about the utter lack of regulation by the FDA of many of the products used by women and children. Did you know that most of the ingredients in your body lotion, shampoo, baby shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream, perfume, tooth paste and other similar items are unregulated?

OK, so here I am, a thirty-something year old mother of two, who, up until I became a mom was sure I wanted to work full time outside the home and come home at night to tuck my little ones into their own beds, then enjoy some quality time with my hubby.  Because what could possibly be more satisfying in life than a thrilling career?  I worked hard to become a registered nurse.  An angel of mercy, have you.  Saving lives, bringing home the (vegan) bacon, and enjoying a little family time on the side.  

I'm not a big proponent of the Occupy Wall Street movement. I generally support their cause, but, quite frankly, I don't have time for a new cause right now and I sure as heck don't have time to sleep in a park.

But today, my interests are completely overlapping with those of Occupy.  And if you don't really "get" what the Occupy movement is all about, this is a perfect demonstration.

This time of year is my favorite. The leaves are changing and it’s gotten cooler outside. And the cold weather starts me thinking about the upcoming holidays. Can you believe October is near its end? I can’t. It feels like yesterday that school was just starting. Oh, those hectic days.