Once a month, we leave our kids, husbands and worries behind. We fall off of our diets while eating snacks, appetizers, dinner and a lot of desserts. We drink our favorite wine, beer or drink of the night. But the best part of our girls nights is the conversation.

She just can't do it: One mom befriends another and they have plenty in common--except how they parent. Friendship, ended.

More than half of recent survey respondents say that their main form of communication with their friends is via the Web—Facebook, email, etc. So sad! What has happened to the state of friendship? Here, tips to maintaining those much-needed bonds.

This morning at a coffee shop I saw two women sitting together at the same table with matching scones and lattes, only they weren’t actually at the same table. Each was in her own little world, texting someone else. What part of the troubles today come from people just not being able to talk anymore, with voices and inflection and facial expressions and body language?

Smart phones, PDAs, email, laptops, wireless Internet access - technology makes it easy to stay in touch with anyone, anywhere. But it can also make it difficult to get connected to the people you're closest to - your family.

We asked you to submit the best advice your mom ever gave you. You wrote in with fun tidbits about life and love, as well as some practical advice every girl should know. Here’s your moms guide to living a great life. Bet you can’t resist repeating some to your own kids. Pass it on!

“Going Green” is a popular buzzword that has captured the attention of our culture. Our landfills are bursting at the seams and our environment is suffering from the carbon footprint left by this generation. It makes sense to be aware that there are many steps we can take to support the delicate balance of our world and lessen the negative impact of trash and pollution.

I got pregnant in my mid-twenties. And my boyfriend bailed. I left New York City for the Jersey burbs because I couldn’t afford to live in Manhattan and raise a baby solo. Something told me my roommates—strangers I’d met on Craigslist.org—wouldn’t be keen on 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. feedings, either. 

I try really hard to be a positive person and remind myself of my goals and dreams, but sometimes I fail miserably. I have spent my fair share of time curled up in the fetal position crying and complaining: “why me, why me?” The only thing I have ever gained from these self-indulgent pity parties is a headache and puffy eyes.

If you find yourself back home with your parents, even short-term while trying to find a permanent place, don’t panic. Follow these tips and you, your husband, and your children can get through the experience with some style and grace.