Remember playing video games when you were younger? Chances are your children enjoy video games just as much as you did. But, did you ever consider getting the entire family involved in playing video games together? Why not? Thanks to the Nintendo Wii, everyone can enjoy video games. Even the Xbox 360 allows up to four players. This week, let's discuss how you turn those expensive gaming consoles you purchased at the holidays into family fun.

There are a variety of different video games for families to enjoy. If your family enjoys board games, there's always Monopoly. If you'd like to get the family into an exercise program, EA Sports for the Nintendo Wii is a wonderful option. You can even enjoy classic games that you played as a child. If you're worried about investing in a game your family won't like, don't be. There are ways to try the games before you buy them and score really good deals.

First of all, never purchase a video game without trying it out first. Many department stores have the latest games setup so that you can try before you buy. This is especially true for gaming bundles, such as EA Sports and Wii Fit. You can also rent games from companies like GameFly. Both of these options allow the family to try out the game and determine if it's a good choice for them.

If you're still worried about price, which can reach over $100 for some bundles, don't be. You must think about how much money you'll save over the long run. Think of how many nights you and your family can spend at home playing the new game. Of course, you may also consider pawn shops and yard sales, which are a wonderful place to score great deals on gaming systems and games.

Thanks to the new video games that are available, everyone can enjoy this activity. Whether it's board games, sports, or even taking the lead in a rock band, you're bound to find a game you and your family will love.

Staying stylish during the dog days of summer when you're expecting can be challenging, especially if you're in your third trimester and are experiencing the aches and pains of pregnancy. It's very important for the mom-to-be to stay cool and relaxed under the summer sun, so choosing the right type of clothing is a top priority. Since you want to be stylish too, here are some of the best clothes to add to your summer collection:

1. The maxi dress. Super soft and lightweight materials make the maxi-dress a definite yes for the season. You can relax in these long, loose, flowing dresses designed with tropical prints or a Grecian-inspired cut for a romantic look. Add a pair of gladiator flats or kitten-heel sandals for a complete ensemble.

2. Maternity capris. 'Tis the season to show off those gams, so don't hide in drawstring pants or jeans this summer! Wear some capris for casual days at the office and weekends, so you can work up a tan on those legs. Maternity capris made with stretch material are comfortable and stylish.

3. Relaxed button-down shirts. Loose and flowing clothing is the best match for a mom-to-be, especially on days when you're feeling bloated and tired. A loose-fitting button-down shirt will help you stay relaxed and comfortable all day long. Choose a light-colored shirt to help you beat the heat this season, without compromising on style.

4. Loose skirts. This season's frock-style skirt trend is at the top of the must-have list, which makes it a necessary addition to your maternity wardrobe. These ultra-feminine and playful skirts are a great way to show off your baby bump in style!

5. Peasant tops. Catch the Bohemian wave this season and enjoy a splash of color with a peasant top. Maternity peasant tops and blouses are designed with extra fabric and tend to flare out at the waist and sleeves. This is a great cut for moms-to-be, and can be especially flattering if you've gained some weight.

Staying cool and comfortable in the heat can be a challenge in itself, and you can multiply the effects of the heat by ten when you're pregnant. Pick up any of these stylish summer must-haves so you can enjoy the best of the season!

Do you ever wish you had something to do with all the odds and ends in your refrigerator and freezer? You may think that a ½ cup of sour cream, some leftover chicken, and a handful of vegetables aren't good for anything, but think again! In fact, these few ingredients are the perfect beginning to a delicious casserole. Casseroles are not only a wonderful way to use up leftover ingredients, but they can save you a lot of money in the kitchen as well. This week, let's discuss turning those ingredients you would normally throw away into a delicious meal.

Anytime you prepare a whole chicken, roast, turkey breast, or even a ham, there's usually leftovers. You may not think there are enough left to do anything with, but just a few cups of chopped up meat are perfect for casseroles. The same goes for vegetables and other side dishes. The truth is that just about any type of leftovers can be turned into a delicious casserole. Take Mexican, for example.

Mexican Shepherd's Pie
Serves 4

4 large tortillas
2 cups of leftover taco meat
2 cups of leftover beans
2 cups of leftover Spanish rice
1 cup of salsa
1 cup of nacho cheese
1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese

1. Line an 8 inch nonstick baking dish with two of the large tortillas.
2. In a large bowl, mix the meat, beans, rice, salsa, and nacho cheese until well combined.
3. Top with remaining tortillas and shredded cheese.
4. Bake at 350 degrees until the tortillas start to brown and the filling is hot, about 30 minutes.

It's just that simple. All you have to do is be creative. Instead of throwing away useful ingredients or serving your family the same meal two nights in a row, you can turn leftovers into something new and delicious. This is the perfect way to use up holiday leftovers, but why wait for the holidays? Open your fridge and freezer and see what's waiting to be used. Who knows, you may create a new family favorite.

Most kids love to build things. They also like to participate in contests. This summer outdoor activity combines both and is simple and fun. Building their own sailboat and then watching their creation in action can make a child feel good about him or herself. It also is fun, provides fitness, and exercises creativity and thinking skills.

Toy sailboats can be designed by the child and parent. Another choice is to search the internet for free toy boat building instructions. Many hobby and toy stores also sell ready-made kits that simply need to be assembled. Judging by the child's age and experience, parents can decide which is best.

For more fun, the project can be made into an event with family and friends. Set up a building area in the local park or your own backyard. Each child should have the necessary supplies to complete his or her boat building project. Parents can decide whether all the kids will do the same project or whether they will each choose their own way to build their boats. Be sure to have snacks and refreshments, as the kids will be working hard.

Once the boats are built, they can be taken to a local pond, creek, or stream where the kids are allowed to race the boats. Determine a starting and finishing point. Be sure to watch which way the water current is flowing. That is the direction the boats will need to go. Determine a signal to start. When the kids see or hear that signal, they must drop their boats into the water at the starting point.

The kids will enjoy running alongside the water bank to keep up with their boats. Don't forget that kids should have appropriate footwear when running. You may see them cheering on their on boat, hoping it will beat the rest to the finish line. This provides great exercise and healthy competition. One or more kids may get disappointed if they don't win. It's all part of learning and growing. Prizes or award ribbons can be given to the winners for first, second, and third place.

Do you love to take your family out for steaks on Friday night, but feel your budget getting tighter and tighter? Then why not fix steaks at home? With the wonderful warm weather, right now is the perfect time to enjoy family night at home. You can break out the grill and create a delicious steak dinner that costs a fraction of what you would pay at the steakhouse. This week, we'll discuss how you and your family can enjoy a delicious steak dinner in the comfort of your own home.

The typical trip to a steakhouse for a family of four can really add up. In fact, even eating at a steakhouse chain can be quite expensive.

4 sirloin steak dinner $48
4 drinks $8
4 desserts $12

Total $$68

That's quite a large total when you're trying to live on a budget and even a buffet restaurant costs around $48 for a family of four. Thankfully, you can prepare a delicious, high quality meal for a much smaller price.

4 (8 ounce) sirloin steaks $10
4 baking potatoes $4
Sour Cream and Butter $4
Salad Mix $4
Salad Dressing $3
Rolls $4
Bakery dessert $6

Total: $31

The truth is you could even afford to serve rib eye steaks if you wanted. You'll always save money when you prepare your own meals. If you want to save even more money, consider stocking up when steaks go on sale and stashing them in the freezer.

You can make this a special meal by cooking and eating outside or even incorporating other family night activities into the evening. You could play music, have a movie marathon, or even break out some fun games. The fun part apart about having family night at home is being able to be with your family. You can be as loud as you want and do what you want. Best of all, you don't have to a leave a tip.

Summer's right around the corner, which means you and the gals are probably planning to hit the beach in the near future. Finding the right maternity swimsuit and beach gear isn't as hard as it seems, so you can look forward to dozens of designer-inspired styles to put together an eye-catching outfit. From printed sarongs to oversized straw tote bags, here's how you can be a beach babe during any trimester!

First, pick out a bright and bold tankini. Tankinis are perfect for moms-to-be, and you don't need to settle for a one-color swim ensemble either. Pick up a cute two-piece halter tankini in a leopard print or printed flower designs, or go for a ring halter and bikini for a classy touch. Two-piece suits provide plenty of comfort for your day of lounging on the beach and wading in the water.

Ready to hit the boardwalk? Don't do it without picking up a sarong for some extra coverage. Sarongs and wrap skirts are a great complement to your tankini, and they do double duty as a casual skirt when you're shopping, relaxing at the café or just want to stay dry when the rain comes. Since you can adjust the waist, you will always be super comfortable.

Pregnancy days can wear on you, especially during your second and third trimester. Carrying extra weight will take its toll on your knees and legs, which is why a pair of cushioned thong sandalsfit the bill for days of trekking across the beach and boardwalk. Look for sandals that have at least an inch of cushioning so that your feet have plenty of support; save the wedges and heels for your post-baby days, so you stay comfortable and protect yourself from strain and soreness.

No trip to the beach is complete without a straw tote for stashing your beauty mags, sunglasses, beach towel and snacks for the day. Pick up a lightweight straw tote with bamboo handles for a fashionable and sassy look for the beach. A matching straw hat will finish your ensemble and keep you looking sharp and stylish on the beach, and all summer long!

Did you ever think that a big meal could save you money in the kitchen? Well, it's true. A large meal, such as a turkey or ham dinner allows you to stretch your dollar by giving you enough food for several days. Not to mention that these large meals can also save you time. This week, let's discuss tips for preparing meals that will save you money and time. As always, you'll also find a couple delicious recipes.

Obviously, a large meal shouldn't be prepared on a work day. There simply isn't enough time to devote to preparing such a large meal. The perfect day is Sunday. Not only do you get to enjoy a large family style meal, but the leftovers can be used throughout the beginning of the week to prepare quick meals.

Let's get on to the recipes. First, let's start with a recipe that transforms leftover turkey into a delicious and quick lunch.

Turkey Bacon Sandwiches
Serves 4

4 hoagie rolls
Butter
8 slices of bacon, cooked and drained
1 pound of leftover turkey breast
Romaine lettuce, chopped
Tomatoes, sliced
Mayonnaise
8 slices of sharp cheddar cheese

1. Spray a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat buttered hoagie rolls over medium heat until golden brown.
2. Top the hoagie rolls with bacon, turkey, vegetables, mayonnaise, and cheese slices.
3. Serve with potato chips or French fries.

If a ham dinner is more your style, why not try this delicious recipe?

Bacon Infused Green Beans with Red Potatoes
Serves 4

2 pound of fresh green beans, strung and broke into 1 inch pieces
8 small red potatoes
½ cup water
1 pound bacon, cooked and grease reserved

1. Boil the green beans for 5 minutes, drain, and transfer to a warm 5 quart slow cooker.
2. Add the potatoes and stir.
3. Add water.
4. Pour half the bacon grease over the beans and potatoes and stir.
5. Cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours.
6. Reheat bacon and crumble over the top.
7. Serve with reheated ham and dinner rolls.

Though I wish I could make every trip to the grocery store on my own, it isn't always possible. If you have to load up the car with the kids before you can fill it with groceries, going into the store prepared can help you curb spending and keep everyone in the family in high spirits.

Go with a list
Make a list before you leave the house. If you are constantly bombarded by "Mommy, can we get this?" when you get to the store, include your children in the list writing process. Let each child add one healthy snack to the list, or get their input on the week's meals. Letting your children feel involved in the grocery shopping process helps them have a sense of ownership and may curb the gimmes once you hit the store.

Shop on a full stomach
Heading with hungry children to the grocery store can be as disastrous as going with no list. Not only does a hungry mommy spend more and go off the list with more frequency, but hungry kids are likely to spend the entire shopping trip asking for snacks or whining to leave and get something to eat. If you don't have time to eat a meal before you go to the grocery store, bring along a few snacks and a drink in a snack bag.

Assign tasks to your spouse and older children
Send your husband to handle the meat and produce, and let older children take a portion of the list to complete. Giving everyone a job at the grocery store means less complaining and a shorter trip.

Small incentives go a long way
Though you don't need to bribe your children into good behavior, an occasional incentive or reward can go a long way towards a happy shopping trip. A lollipop in the car ride home for little kids who are good helpers in the store, or thirty minutes of TV time to say thanks for thirty minutes of "helping mom" time are great ways to show your children that you appreciate their help. Don't make a habit of this—but reserve it as a special treat for successful grocery shopping trips with great behavior and no whining or begging.

If you head to the grocery store with your family, going prepared can mean a cheaper, happier and faster trip that everyone can enjoy!

It’s that time of year when you begin to plan your Fourth of July celebration, and you want to include the kids in the fun too, of course! Check below for easy, budget-friendly ways to make the Fourth of July full of family fun!

Decorations:

• Instead of filling vases with flowers, fill them with blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. This is yummy and festive looking. Guests can scoop the berries out and add whipped cream for a truly red, white, and blue treat!
• Use different-shaped vases to hold dips and chips as well. These make great centerpieces as well as unique serving dishes.
• Mix and match red, white, and blue solid paper ware. Cloth napkins in the same colors would also add an elegant touch.
• Roll butcher paper out onto your party table. Scatter red, white, and blue crayons across the table for the kids to color with while eating.
• Fill balloons with red, white, and blue crinkled paper. Have the kids pop the balloons for festive explosions of color.
• Using pop-cork place mats and attach the kids’ names to the pop corks for easy seating arrangements. The kids can take their pop cork home along with their tags, so use red, white, and blue colors to make them festive.
• Sprinkle red, white, and blue confetti and candies around the table.

Activities:

• Have the kids make small US flags and place them into red, white, and blue sand pails that have sand filler at the bottom! Turn this decoration into a game. Divide the kids into two teams and have them run, grab a flag, and quickly walk back to the team line, where the next person must do the same. The team that has all of the flags in hand most quickly wins! Let the kids take the flags home as a goody!
• The kids can make a sidewalk chalk mural. Have red, white, and blue sidewalk chalk on hand to give to the kids and let them create their own patriotic mural. They can create an American flag, fireworks, the Washington Monument, etc. This is a great activity for a dry Fourth of July Day!
• Boil a dozen eggs and color some red and blue (be sure to keep some white)! Have an Egg Spoon Relay Race. Divide the kids into two teams, and provide each team with a spoon and eggs. The kids must balance a colored egg on their spoon and walk quickly from one end of the yard to the other and return. If the egg drops, the team member must begin again. The first team with all members completing the relay race wins!
• For older kids, water balloons will be loads of fun. A fun twist on traditional water balloon games is to create a small hole in each balloon, and then fill it with water. Let the kids toss the leaking balloon, which will become a bit of a time bomb as you don’t want to be the last one holding it when it finally runs out of water! Quick, easy, and fun!
• Play classic relay races and picnic games, such as ring toss, sack race, and three-legged race.
• Have the girls add red, white, and blue star beads to their shoelaces for added fun.
• The kids can make their own creative rockets with cardboard tubes, tin foil, craft paper, tissue paper, glue, markers, ribbon, and child-friendly scissors.

Tasty Treats:

• Have a red, white, and blue taste test with the kids. Put out all sorts of foods and spices in a series of small dishes. Blindfold the kids and have the kids taste the foods and spices and guess what they are. Ideas for tasting include salt, ketchup, blueberries, strawberries, French salad dressing, mayonnaise, sponge cake, strawberry jam, pepper jack cheese, beets, tomatoes, garlic, bananas, cherries, etc.
• Freeze blueberries and raspberries in ice cube trays to make star spangled cubes.
• Make a rocket pop drink. Fill a glass with ice cubes. Carefully pour cranberry juice, blue Gatorade, and 7-Up into the glass directly over the ice cubes to maintain the patriotic colors.
• Using blackberries, cut up/halved strawberries, and bananas, have the kids create a fruit flag using the fruit pieces. They can place this on a cookie tray, and then you can lay it out to serve to the rest of the guests. The kids can also make mini flags for themselves. You can also provide lollipop sticks to the kids to skewer the fruits with.
• Using a star cookie cutter, make up a batch of patriotic gelatin stars, star sugar cookies, cheese slices, and sandwiches filled with cream cheese and blackberry jam.
• Make a batch of cupcakes and have the kids frost them and decorate them with red, white, and blue sprinkles.

So much fun for so little money and time. Happy Fourth of July planning!

When the days of pregnancy begin to wear on you, nothing will liven up your mood better than a trip to the beach! The warm sun, cool breeze and beautiful views of the ocean will help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Spending a day at the beach can also lower stress and reduce tension: a must for any mom to be. When you're ready to hit the sun and sand this season, here are some of the stylish must-haves you need to take along on your beach-bound adventure:

Halter and Bikini Set: Moms-to-be can enjoy the surf and sand in a comfortable tankini that provides the coverage and support they need during the days of pregnancy. A halter-style tankini set is a great way to cover up and enjoy your day under the sun.

Lightweight Shorts: When you're looking for a no-fuss look for day, relax in a pair of lightweight twill shorts and pair it with a flowing tunic-style tank top or lightweight blouse for a stylish, but casual look. Avoiding the tight-fitting tees and tops during pregnancy is key to staying comfortable. This ensemble is also a great match for spending the day shopping on the pier, enjoying lunch on the patio and visiting area attractions.

Bandeau Dress: If you plan on lounging by the pier or relaxing on the sand, you don't have to sport a swimsuit or bikini. A bright, tropical-colored bandeau dress is perfect for a trip to the beach, and is a super-comfortable, lightweight pick for your day outdoors. Just throw on a pair of flats or comfy sandals, and you'll be ready to play!

And of course, you'll need to pack a wide-brimmed hat and slather on the sunscreen throughout the day; make sure your skin is well-protected from damaging UV rays. If you get too tired or start to feel dizzy, make sure you relax under the shade and drink lots of water. Too much sun can make you feel ill, especially when you're pregnant, so be prepared to take care of your health as you settle under the sun for your day of rest and relaxation!

Oftentimes, when thinking of waters in Upstate New York, many will think of the Niagara Falls, but there are many more natural waters to explore. Meaning "long lake" in one of the Iroquois languages, Skaneateles Lake contains the most clean water of all the Finger Lakes. In fact, this water is so pure that the city of Syracuse, as well as other areas use it unfiltered.

Just in case you are wondering how to say Skaneateles, it is commonly pronounced "skinny atlas," but the correct and preferred pronunciation is "skanny atlas." Regardless of how Skaneateles is pronounced, its pure and beautiful waters are a major attraction to sailors. The calm water flow, as well as the beautiful scenery, adds to the ambiance of a relaxing and scenic sail on the lake.

Rent a boat or bring your own. There are a couple different areas to launch your boat from, including Skaneateles Town Boat Launch and NYS Public Boat Launch. If you are more comfortable with someone else doing the navigation and steering, try the boat cruises. In addition to the boat cruises, try the mailboat. It delivers mail to cottages in the Glen Haven area along Skaneateles Lake, but also carries passengers.

While sailing at Skaneateles Lake, be sure not to miss the many historic landmarks that line the lake. If nature is your thing, Carpenter's Falls can be viewed inside of a nature preserve off the lake. Another great spot is the New Hope Mill.

Before heading out for sailing on Skaneateles Lake, be sure you've got your life vest, sunglasses, windbreaker, and non-skid boat shoes. Some other important items include sunscreen, a sunhat, insect repellent, food and a nautical watch. This is by no means a complete list. Be sure to follow nautical safety precautions.

Also, remember to check the weather before going sailing. Upstate NY can have some pretty cool and windy days. The best time for sailing in Upstate NY is probably summer or late spring. Otherwise, the lake could be frozen or the weather just too cold.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skaneateles_Lake

http://www.skaneateles.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=63

One of summer's hottest trends is the boho chic look, a mix of gypsy-inspired pieces with splashes of rich colors from the Far East. The bohemian look is here to stay for another season, and moms-to-be are great candidates for sporting this fresh, fun and sassy look during any trimester. You can enjoy the relaxed, carefree look with loose, flowing peasant tops, ruffled blouses and eclectic prints from the Far East. Here are some tips for catching the Bohemian wave this season so you can freshen up your pregnancy wardrobe:

1. Sport a loose-fitting floral dress. As temperatures rise and you want to sport a laid back and casual look, go for a flowy, floral or tropical-print dress that provides plenty of coverage but is high on comfort. Floral-printed dresses in deep purple, orange, brown and earthy tones are the perfect color palette for your bohemian look. Wear this with some comfy flats and you'll be plenty comfortable during those hot days ahead.

2. Play with dolman sleeves. Dolman sleeves are perfect for the mom-to-be, because this style is very loose around the waist and covers up the arms and shoulders with its drapy style. If you're feeling bloated and uncomfortable, this is the top for you. Pick yours out in a paisley print or earthy tone for a casual, versatile look.

3. Relax in distressed denim. Jeans don't have to be your enemy when you're pregnant, and a pair of bootcut, wide-leg distressed denim jeans or crop pants are a great fit for your bohemian chic ensemble. You can easily pair these up with any flutter blouse or tank top; just look for a style with an expandable waistline if you want to wear it throughout the season.

For accessories, pick up some chunky bracelets, bold necklaces and ethnic-print hair scarves to instantly transform your wardrobe. You can also try a textured hairband or chandelier earrings to freshen up your look. Big and bold accessories can add a fun and playful twist to any ensemble, and work especially well as a contrast to neutral-colored pieces.

So go ahead; show off your playful side and stay comfortable and cool with a few bohemian chic essentials this season!

The idea of arts and crafts can have varying effects on families. Thoughts of glitter all over worry moms and dads start thinking about how they'll get the paint off of the wallpaper and older children scoff at the idea of painting and crayoning. Contrary to first impressions, arts and crafts have the potential to appeal to the entire family and to bring you closer together as a family unit in the process.

Pick a room, any room.
Start your family arts and crafts adventure by picking a room that could use some sprucing up. Ideal choices include a child's bedroom, a nursery for a new addition to the family, or a playroom. If none of those seem to work for your family, consider a blank wall in the unfinished basement. Your arts and crafts adventure can become a focal point for a finished basement one day.

Start brainstorming.
Sit down with your family and start thinking about ideas for your blank canvas. Think about ideas to match the sheets and window dressings, or something completely out of the blue. Individual pieces, drawn by each member of the family and framed with black paint, are one idea. A whole mural with pieces contributed by everyone is another. Whatever you decide, get wild with your arts and crafts project for the entire family! The bigger, the better!

Start with outlines and sketches.
Start your art project with sketches and outlines. Draw on writing paper, trace the images you want to re-create or make bigger and get feedback from the rest of your family members. This project is ideal for younger children to seek help from their older siblings.

Get painting.
Once the sketches are done and the outlines drawn, it's time to get painting. Whatever type of arts and crafts project you've decided to incorporate into the room's décor, now's the time to implement it. Worry less about perfection and more about the experience!

A whole family arts and crafts projects, such as decorating a room with artwork by each member of your family or an entire mural, has the potential to bring your family together and make memories in the process. Start small, dream big and create lifelong memories. That's what family is all about.

Remember sitting down with the family for a night of board games? Whatever happened to this simple form of entertainment? There was once a time when you could spend $20 on a board game and enjoy years of entertainment. While classic board games may bore many of today's families, it's important to remember that board games aren't what they used to be. In this week's blog, we'll discuss how families can bring back family night with exciting board games.

Classic Monopoly and Life used to be quite entertaining, and still entertain younger children. Unfortunately, these games have lost their luster for older children. That doesn't mean that family game night has to be a big bust. The market is loaded with classic board games that have been given a makeover. Not to mention all the new games that are truly interactive, such as Scene It.

That's not all though. For families who have gaming consoles, board games can even be enjoyed on the TV. Games, such as Monopoly and Battleship, are available at affordable prices. Most of today's current consoles allow for at least 4 players, giving families the chance to enjoy video games together.

If you're worried about price, don't be. Not only do these games offer hours of entertainment, you can often find them used at yard sales. A great way to enjoy video games is to subscribe to a game rental site. For around $25 a month, your family can have two games out at a time. This is a wonderful way to try games before investing in them.

To round out the night, why not bake up a few pizzas and prepare ice cream sundaes? When you enjoy family night at home, you can afford to do more. This week, why not have a little fun with the family and purchase a new board game? You'll experience hours of enjoyment for an affordable price.

Memorial Day was the unofficial start of summer. From here through September, you'll probably be enjoying barbecues and other outdoor parties. You'll probably be tempted to visit the local deli to pick up delicious side dishes, such as gourmet flavors of potato salad. Why waste your money on these expensive products? Many delis charge at least $6 per pound for these side dishes. This week, let's discuss saving money in the kitchen by skipping the deli and preparing your own gourmet side dishes. I'll even include a couple recipes.

There's nothing wrong with going to the deli. In fact, it's a great place to get ideas. Scanning the different side dishes available can give you wonderful meal ideas. If you like, you can even ask to try the products. This gives you an idea of what ingredients are used and which main courses the side dishes would best suit your needs and taste. One of my favorite kinds of potato salad is baked potato salad. After trying this delicious deli side dish, I decided to come up with my own recipe.

Baked Potato Salad
Serves 6-8

1 cup of mayonnaise
Sea Salt, to taste
Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
8 baking potatoes, baked and chopped
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
½ pound of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 bunch of green onions, chopped

1. Combine the mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir in the potatoes, cheese, bacon, and green onions.
3. Chill for at least 2 hours.
4. Serve with steak or hamburgers.

If potato salad isn't your thing, why not consider this pasta salad recipe?

Pepperoni and Mozzarella Pasta Salad
Serves 6-8

4 ounces of dry bow tie pasta, cooked
4 ounces of small mozzarella cheese balls
4 ounces of pepperoni, chopped into large chunks
1 large bell pepper, chopped
1 large red onion, chopped
1 ½ cups of Italian or ranch dressing

1. Combine all the ingredients and chill for at least 2 hours.
2. Serve with grilled chicken.

Why pay high prices for deli side dishes when you can create delicious recipes in your own kitchen? These salads are the perfect combination for all those delicious meals that will be coming off your grill this summer.