Catherine Gigante-Brown

Even though there’s no shortage of condoms in the Netherlands, it’s easier if you have your own birth control. Even if your trip isn’t a booty call, you never know! And if desire hits, you’ll be ready with your favorite type of BC and brand.

Alas, I am the lone female in a house full of men. Only two men, but they take up a lot of space.

herbalist. shiatsu practitioner. healer.

"Bring over a meal—and leave. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, from soup to nuts. And coffee. Plenty of coffee."

My husband and I agreed: raising a child with an independent spirit who made decisions for himself was a good thing.

I realized my father was from a generation that never said those three little words. He was saying he loved me without them. But I didn't realize it then.

" Sure enough, the doorbell rang one early June day and there she was: curvy, seductive body, smooth black skin, bright blue eyes."

When David was about 12, he told me that he wanted to take the train to school alone. My gut reaction was, “No way in hell!” I mean, we live in a safe neighborhood and all, but David has ADHD and was easily distracted. What if he missed his stop? What if someone messed with him?

You learn a lot about people when you live in their home. The Taylors seemed to lead a joyless, Spartan existence.

8. Educate, don’t fixate.