All parents need to worry about safety. However, when you are the parents of multiples your safety concerns are double, tripled or quadrupled. Because of this, you need to take extra steps to keep your home safe, and you need to implement different safety strategies to keep all of your multiples safe from harm.

Safety Tips for Parents of Multiples No. 1: Electricity Safety

One of the biggest hazards in your home is electricity. Electrical devices and outlets are found throughout your home, and they are necessary parts of modern life. Some of the steps you can take to safety proof the electrical devices in your home are inserting outlet plugs in outlets not in use, taping down electrical cords and keeping all outlets barricaded with furniture.

Safety Tips for Parents of Multiples No. 2: Daily Safety Proofing

Because things in your home are moved around on a daily basis, you need to search for safety hazards on a daily basis. The best way to do this is to get down to your children's eye level and scan your home for safety hazards. You will be surprised how many hazards you can find like open drawers, uncovered outlets, small toys and sharp corners. Make it a point to conduct a safety check each morning before your multiples wake up or each evening after your multiples have gone to bed.

Safety Tips for Parents of Multiples No. 3: Safety Is a Team Sport

One of the challenges of being a parent of multiples is keeping the multiples from dividing your attention when you are trying to keep them out of trouble. It is inevitable when you are dealing with the crisis of one multiple, the other sneaks away to get into a similar predicament. You can keep all your multiples safe by making it a point, at least when they are young, to treat crises as a team sport. If one multiple is injured or gets dirty, then have the other multiples act as your helpers. They can hand you supplies, bring you a change of clothing and throw items away for you. This will not only keep them in your line of sight, but it will teach them about how to treat minor injuries and how to clean up after a minor accident.

Cooler weather makes you crave hearty meals. This is one time you won't find what you're looking for in a fast food restaurant. Instead, you need to spend a few minutes in the kitchen. You don't have to slave over a stove to prepare a hearty meal. Best of all, you don't have to slip into those elastic waistband pants to enjoy a hearty meal. There are several hearty meals that are actually good for you.

20 Minute Beef and Vegetable Soup
Serves 4 to 6

1 pound 93-percent lean ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
4 cans of reduced-sodium condensed tomato soup
4 cans of water (use the soup cans)
2 to 3 cups of frozen mixed vegetables, depending on the thickness you prefer

1. Brown ground beef with onions until the ground beef is cooked through and onions are translucent.
2. Stir in the tomato soup, water, and frozen vegetables.
3. Cook until heated through.
4. Serve with side salad and whole wheat rolls.

Cheesy Chicken with Broccoli
Serves 4

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup
1/3 can of milk (use soup can)
4 ounces of 2-percent shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
2 cups of frozen broccoli, thawed
4 cups of cooked brown rice

1. Bake chicken in a deep pan at 425 degrees until cooked through, about 30 minutes.
2. In the meantime, combine the soup, milk, cheese and pepper in a large bowl.
3. Add the broccoli to the soup mixture and pour over the cooked chicken.
4. Bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
5. Serve over top brown rice.

Tip: Microwavable rice saves time and dirty dishes.

Hearty meals don't have to be loaded with fat and calories. They also don't have to take hours to cook. Even on a Monday night, you can have a hearty meal that you can feel good about serving to your children. Best of all, you didn't have to grab your wallet and head for the drive thru.

When it's time to bring the new addition to the family home, a fun and inviting place to sleep and play is sure to give the newborn a grand welcome. You've probably spent weeks, even months decorating before baby's arrival, but you can still freshen up the baby room regularly to keep your newborn happy as a clam. Whether you pick up a set of Uglydolls to make them giggle or fill up the room with creative toys to nurture a future genius, you have dozens of option for creating a fun and inviting place for your little one.

Dolls and stuffed character toys will easily become your baby's new best friends, so choose wisely; most of these will carry them through their toddler years. Uglydolls are ready to share their story and will make great companions for bedtime stories. Pick up Ice Bat, Uglydog or Abima as a set to get started. Newborns might also find comfort in an oversized stuffed animal; pick up a friendly Chimpanzee or Giant Sea Turtle for some extra TLC during those days of growing pains.

Decorate the room with some vintage ABC blocks, and you'll be creating a nostalgic baby or toddler room. Oversized cushions and pillows emblazoned with the alphabet are a few ideas for building a classic toy room. As your newborn gets older, you can make learning the ABCs fun. Wooden blocks are large enough for kids as young as two years of age, and the blocks sit neatly in a tray when it's time to clean up. Some oversized puzzles and games are another way to encourage a little early learning. The Melissa & Doug Jumbo ABC/Numbers sets are great for decorating a room and playing with when your baby gets older. Decorate the room with a few sets of these blocks scattered on shelves or baby furniture - a surefire way to get your little one on the fast track to learning!

Themed blankets and bedding accessories can also help you create a unique and attractive spot for your little one. Pick up a plush pink blanket for your little princess or a simple reversible jersey cotton blanket for the little prince.

Preparing an elder child for a new baby is quite a challenge. Though your older son or daughter may be fascinated by the changes in your body during pregnancy, he or she may be less than thrilled when a real live baby shows up and demands Mommy's attention 24/7.

There are a few things you can do to make her feel better about the whole thing. Give your older child the role of "big sister" or "big brother" as soon as possible, so they start to think of the baby as theirs rather than as an interloper. If she's old enough to do it discreetly, tell her first and give her the opportunity to tell the rest of the family.

Reassure her constantly that her place in the family is special, both before and after the baby is born. I tell my kids that there's no one who can replace my firstborn in my heart, and no one who can replace my baby in my heart. (I only have 2 kids, so if you have more you might want to just call them by name...no one can replace my 2nd and 3rd kids just doesn't have the same ring to it!)

When you bring the baby home from the hospital, it's helpful to have the dad bring her in so the mom can give some extra attention to the elder child. I told my older daughter (completely truthfully) that I missed her terribly the two nights I was away from her in the hospital and it made her feel much better.

Above all, don't get upset if your normally sweet-natured, older child throws tantrums or starts regressing. A new sibling is a big adjustment and this behavior is normal.

I breastfed my younger daughter for exactly one week due to the fact that my older daughter would run in the room and bounce on the bed every time I tried it, which caused me intense pain. In retrospect, I might have solved this problem if I'd thought of a way to include her in the procedure.

One of the things I loved doing as a child was looking at the brilliant fall colors when the leaves changed. I grew up in Idaho, so the colors weren't as varied as those I saw when I moved to New York state, but I still loved the changing of the season. Indeed, the changing leaves and crisp air are what make autumn my favorite time of year. And I love to share this time of year with my son. As a family, fall foliage tours are among our favorite activities.

Seeing the Changing Leaves with Your Family

Children instinctively love nature. You can nurture that love with outdoor activities. Looking at autumn leaves is a great way to do this. If you have children that are old enough, make sure they have good hiking shoes and comfortable jackets to prepared for a day outdoors. In some areas, there are activities associated with fall foliage. Find out if the following activities are available in your local area:

• Hay rides
• Pumpkin patches
• Canoeing
• Autumn crafts at a local nature center
• Bike and walking paths

Family Fall Foliage Project: Leaf Book

You can also bring the magic of fall foliage home with you. As a family, try to collect fallen leaves of different colors and varieties. When you get home, you can preserve the leaves and create a little "leaf book."

Here's an easy way to preserve leaves:
1. Lay the leaf between two sheets of wax paper.
2. Take an iron and carefully "iron" the leaves encased in the paper.

You can create labels with the names of the trees and tape them below the leaves. You can also mount the preserved leaves on construction paper and label them.

Autumn truly is a glorious time of year, one in which there are interesting and exciting opportunities to enjoy the beautiful sights offered by nature.

Lookout Mountain is a place that any kid would love because, after all, where the heck are you going to see seven states while standing in one spot? Oh sure, there is that one little tiny spot out west where you straddle four states at once, but only one or two people can do that at any one time, and that's only four states. At Lookout Mountain, seven states can be glimpsed by dozens or even hundreds of people at once.

Lookout Mountain is located in Tennessee, and in all honesty, Lookout Mountain is a molehill, but in the grand scheme of things, especially in the flatter portions of Dixie, Lookout Mountain is a majestic plateau that rises into the warm southern sky near Chattanooga. It is also quite near the northwestern tip of Georgia and the northeastern quadrant of Alabama. Well, let's see, that's three states. But Lookout Mountain presents itself as a spot from which you can peer off into the distance and set your gaze upon seven states. What are the other four states?

The promotional material for Lookout Mountain suggests that in addition to Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee, on really clear days you can see in the distance land belonging to the citizens of Kentucky, Virginia and both South Carolina and North Carolina. If you want to be completely and brutally honest with your kids, you'll have to tell them on top of the mountain that they are not necessarily seeing those states. If you want to make their trek up the mountain one they will remember for a lifetime, go ahead and let them think they saw the land of George Washington and Daniel Boone. Who is going to know the difference by the time your kids reach adulthood, right?

What really makes Lookout Mountain a destination spot that kids will enjoy is that there is more to it than the mountain itself. But you'll have to come back later to see Rock City ...

As the parents of multiples, one of your biggest challenges is keeping your kids' shoe wardrobes sized properly and fashionably up-to-date. With the cost of even a modest pair of shoes well over $25, you can easily invest several hundred dollars each year just keeping your multiples in shoes. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your kids in great looking shoes year round without breaking the bank.

Shoe Tips for Multiples No. 1: BOGO Sales

One of the easiest ways to cut your shoe expenses in half when you have multiples is to shop for shoes during BOGO (buy one get one free) sales. These sales happen throughout the year. To get the discount, all you have to do is buy one pair of shoes, and then you can select a second pair of equal or lesser value for free. You will want to buy good shoes during these sales, and if you have the money, stock up on shoes one or two sizes larger for when your multiples outgrow their current shoe size.

Shoe Tips for Multiples No. 2: Accessorize Cheap Shoes

If your multiples are interested in fashion and want to expand their shoe wardrobe, and you don't have a lot of money to work with, buy canvas sneakers, the kind that retail for less than $10. Then accessorize them. Buy a basic color like white or black. Then find shoes laces of different colors and designs to add a fashionable flare to the shoe. You can also use pins to change the look of the shoes. This is a quick and affordable way to offer your multiples a variety of shoe choices without breaking the bank.

Shoe Tips for Multiples No. 3: Learn Basic Shoe Repair Skills

Dress shoes are worn infrequently, and your kids will most likely out grow them before they are worn out. Because of this, you can find dress shoes in many clothing consignment stores for less than half their original retail price. You can buy dress shoes at these stores, replace their laces and shine them up for a great looking pair of shoes. This is a great option for parents with multiples who are still very young.

Who doesn't love comfort food? Unfortunately, many types of comfort food are loaded with fat and calories. How can you prepare a comforting dish that doesn't make your entire family wobble like penguins? All you need is healthier recipes. Luckily, you came to right place.

Bacon Cheese Fries
Serves 4 to 6

1 small bag of frozen seasoned French fries
4 ounces of 2-percent, shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup real bacon bits (ex. Hormel)

1. Heat oven according to French fry package.
2. Spray cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Layer French fries in a single layer and spray with additional cooking spray.
4. Bake according to package direction, turning the fries halfway through the cooking process.
5. Once done, immediately add the cheese and bacon bits.
6. Serve immediately with reduced-fat or fat-free ranch dressing.

Creamy Chicken with Vegetables and Pasta
Serves 4

1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces
1 can of 98-percent fat-free cream of chicken soup
1/3 can of 2-percent milk (use soup can to measure)
2 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh ground pepper, to taste
2 cups of frozen vegetable and pasta blend

1. Cook olive oil and chicken in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through.
2. In the meantime, combine the soup, milk, cheese, pepper, vegetable and pasta blend.
3. Once the chicken is cooked, lower the heat and add the soup mixture.
4. Allow the mixture to heat until bubbly.
5. Serve a side salad and whole wheat rolls.

Almost-Sugar-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
Serves 8

1 large box of sugar-free, cook-and-serve chocolate pudding
Milk needed to prepare pudding
6 tablespoons of reduced-fat peanut butter
1 graham cracker pie crust

1. Cook pudding according to package directions for pie filling.
2. Once you take the pudding off the heat, stir in the peanut butter.
3. Pour into pie crust and refrigerate until set.
4. Serve with sugar-free whipped topping.

Slip on a pair of sweatpants and enjoy the comforts of fall.

Being pregnant doesn't mean you have to stay home for nine months with your feet up on the couch. If you're an executive experiencing her first pregnancy, you won't want to call off the annual sales meeting in Mazatlan due to morning sickness, and if you're a stay-at-home mom with number three on the way, numbers one and two aren't going to want to see Disney World over Columbus Day weekend any less. With a few precautions, though, travel during pregnancy can be both safe and comfortable.

The easiest time to travel during pregnancy, like the easiest time to do most things during pregnancy, is the second trimester, when you are feeling great, but travel can occur during the other trimesters as well. (I took a long car trip during the first trimester of my second pregnancy while suffering from horrendous morning sickness and unexplained bleeding. It was doctor-approved and the micro-brewed ginger ale I picked up in South Carolina helped with the nausea, while the sight-seeing helped distract me from the worry.) Of course, air travel for women in their third trimester is not recommended unless it's absolutely necessary, but other than that, you can pretty much do as you please.

When travelling by car, bus, plane or train, limit the amount of travel time to six hours at a time and be sure to take walks or stretch periodically to keep your circulation stimulated. Travelling by sea is not recommended due to the potential for seasickness and the fact that anti-nausea medications may not be approved for use during pregnancy.

International travel is acceptable as well if your OB/GYN okays it, but be sure to make sure you're immunized properly before going and carry a copy of your health records with you in case of emergency. The potential for diarrhea in a foreign country is the worst concern for pregnant women; drinking bottled water, canned juices or soft drinks, avoiding raw fruits and vegetables, and making sure all dairy products are pasteurized will go a long way towards alleviating that concern.

Finally, dress comfortably in loose clothing made of natural fibers, wear comfortable shoes, and carry snack foods with you in order to keep your energy up and your nausea down.

comfortable shoes,

Your little one deserves to be the center of attention, so why not dress them up in the picture perfect onesie for that upcoming event? One-piece suits, also known as onesies, make great matches for newborns and preemies who need a sometimes-hourly diaper change, and today's unique styles and color combos can turn your little one into the star du jour.

Onesies made with terry cloth and light cotton are a great match for daytime activities. You can find a very comfortable jumpsuit that gives your little one freedom to play. The more deluxe styles are designed as miniature polo dresses, hooded jumpsuits and even faux bodysuits, which might be the best fit for those Sunday celebrations.

When you're heading off to a luncheon or dinner party, let your kid sport something like the le top Kids Buttons & Bows jumpsuit; it's decked out in a rhinestone bow and ruffles, adding a touch of sophisticated style to their ensemble. This one is also great for holiday revelries. If you just add some patent leather shoes to the outfit, she'll be well on her way to charming everyone's socks off.

For boys, the cachcach Mini Animal Safari Tiger Suit is sure to make the crowds roar. This wild outfit features a hood with ears, giving him a chance to play tiger for the day and look oh-so-cuddle-worthy for any passerby. This is another great fall/winter onesie, because it seals in the heat. You won't need to wrap him up in an extra blanket for too long, and it has a super-comfy, casual style that suits nearly any occasion.

And of course, when it's time to just romp around and play for the day, the boys will look ever so naughty in the Small Paul Skurvy Onesie, sporting skull and crossbones to show their might. And the curious girl who wants to explore the toy chest? Dress her up in the Hatley Summer Garden, a 100-percent, cotton onesie that will keep her looking plenty sweet no matter how much trouble she gets into.

Remember, the best thing about onesies is the easy snap closure. You can change out those diapers in a flash, which gives you more time to enjoy the moment, and let everyone ogle and praise your little star!

One of the challenges of being a parent of multiples is that you have to deal with space issues, especially if you live in a small apartment or a small house. However, there are several space saving tips you can use to maximize the usable space you have. The follow space saving tips will help you find creative places for your multiples' toys, clothes and furniture.

Space Saving Tip No. 1: Furniture Placement
Furniture placement is going to be key to maximizing the floor space in your home. If you need to place your multiples in the same room, it is important that the furniture be laid out so each multiple has their own unique space. Bunk beds work well for multiples because when they are little you can place both bunks on the floor and then stack them when they get older. To get the most usable floor space when you have both bunks on the floor, push each bed against a different wall. This will leave the center of the room open.

Space Saving Tip No. 2: Look for Hidden Storage Space
You may be surprised to learn that there are numerous hidden storage spaces all over your house and apartment. The most usable hidden storage space is under beds. On average you have between 10 and 20 square feet of storage space under your bed. To use this space you can use plastic storage bins or even large plastic zipper bags. This is a great place to store kids' clothes or toys.

Space Saving Tip No. 3: High Spaces
When trying to organize your kids' stuff don't forget about the usable space near the ceiling. To use this space for storage you can hang a cargo net for stuffed animals or you can install shelving units. If you use this storage option then you will need to make sure that there is a safe way to access the items, and that your young kids can't climb up the shelving unit or pull things down on top of them from the shelves. You can use a safety gate to block access to the shelves or a Velcro mesh to keep the contents of the shelf from being pulled down.

One of the difficulties that arise in family recreation is bringing a baby along. My family used to take weekly walks as a form of family recreation. It was good exercise, got us out of the house, and allowed us a chance to chat and connect with each other. But it can be hard when you have a baby or a young child. After all, the baby (or even a young toddler) can't walk as far as everyone else. This is where strollers and baby joggers can come in handy in promoting continued family recreation.

Choosing a stroller for your family recreation
It is important to carefully consider your needs when choosing a stroller or baby jogger for your family recreation. If you are only using a stroller for occasional walks -- such as at the mall or in an airport, a simple (and cheap) umbrella stroller may be the best bet. It gets the job done. But if you plan to walk or jog regularly, or if you want something durable for such occasions as family camping trips, think about something a little more expensive than the basic umbrella stroller. Here are some features to look for if you need a more advanced stroller for your family recreation:

• Ability to quickly and easily fold. Some strollers feature one-handed folding ability.
• 5-point safety harness (look for padded for baby's comfort).
• Reclining seat. This is great for long walks -- or if you are bringing baby on an outing to the park. It allows him or her to sleep more comfortably.
• Storage compartments and baskets for your things. A water holder is also preferable.
• Sun canopy to protect baby from the sun.
• Parking break to prevent the stroller from rolling away.
• Easy to steer.

Ultimately, your family recreation goals and needs will dictate what sort of stroller or baby jogger you need. Another consideration is how many more kids you plan to have. A durable stroller can last for years, so you only have to buy one for all of your children to use.

Fall is right around the corner. You can almost smell the bonfires and hear the crackling of leaves. More importantly, you can almost taste the pumpkin pie. Unfortunately, taking time to enjoy all the pleasures of fall is something people rarely get to do. Instead, parents are usually rushing children to practices, while still trying to get a healthy meal on the table. Is it even possible to enjoy fall, with all the other things you need to do? Yes. All you need to do is
incorporate fall ingredients into your meals.

Pumpkin Pecan Pancakes with Cranberry Syrup
Serves 4

1 ½ cups of whole wheat pancake mix, plus the ingredients required by the brand you choose
¾ cup canned pumpkin
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
½ cup chopped pecans
½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce

1. Prepare the pancake mix according to the package directions, making sure to stir pumpkin and spices into wet ingredients.
2. Fold pecans into batter.
3. Cook pancakes according to package directions.
5. In the meantime, heat cranberry sauce in the microwave until melted. Serve over pancakes.

Turkey Wraps with Apple Cranberry Relish
Serves 4

½ a pound of fresh cranberries
½ cup of sugar substitute (ex. Splenda)
½ cup water
Splash of orange juice
1 Granny Smith Apple
16 ounces of turkey breast, thinly sliced
4 slices of Gouda
Toasted pumpkin seeds
4 whole wheat tortillas

1. Prepare the relish early in the day by combining the cranberries, sugar
substitute, water and orange juice. Boil the ingredients in a small
saucepan until the cranberries begin to pop. Chill for at least 5
hours. Before serving, dice the Granny Smith Apple and stir into the
relish.
2. Place 4 ounces of turkey, 1 slice of Gouda, and some toasted pumpkin seeds on each tortilla.
3. Top each wrap with relish, roll the wrap, and enjoy.
4. Serve with a side salad or baked potato chips.

Tip: Warm cranberry relish can be served over frozen vanilla yogurt for a tasty fall treat.

Who said fall flavors had to be reserved for Thanksgiving? Slip on a jacket and head to the store for some tasty fall ingredients.

Our trips to destination sites every kid should see has been taking us to the natural wonders of America that Hollywood filmmakers have exploited for such legendary films as "Stagecoach" and "Creature From the Black Lagoon."

Now it's time to fill you in on one of the goofiest and somehow most American of all tourist destinations in this great country. The Alamo is famous to every American who ever studied history, although with the rise of the importance of standardized testing, it is entirely possible some of your kids will be thoroughly unfamiliar with Davy Crockett's escapades at the Alamo.
Believe it or not, this entry is not about taking your kids to the actual Alamo in San Antonio, Texas.

You see, in the early 1960s John Wayne decided to retell the story of the Alamo on film. The Duke discovered what most visitors to the actual Alamo find out: It's too dang small! And so, about 100 miles to the west the producers built an exact replica of, not only the Alamo mission, but the surrounding community. While San Diego's actual Alamo is surrounded by the historical inconveniences of 21^st^ century society, taking your kids on a trip to Brackettville, Texas is actually like taking a step back to the Texas of the 1830s.

Known as Alamo Village, in addition to a full-sized replica of the Alamo mission at which the famous battle was fought, this magnificent piece of unreal real estate also includes what used to be called an Indian store, a cantina, restaurant, trading post, church and jail, all looking exactly like what they might have looked like back during the time Davy Crockett fought for the independence of Texas. In addition, the Alamo Village does contain a bit of the 21st century in the form of a souvenir shop and gallery of the celebrities who have filmed movies there. John Wayne's version of The Alamo was not the only the Alamo movie filmed in Brackettville, you see. The Alamo Village, understand, is actually more realistic than the authentic
Alamo.

Weird, huh?

Eating right during each trimester
can go a long way towards making pregnancy easier. For one thing it can
help prevent the problem my best friend had when her husband and son
had to eat takeout for dinner every night for four months because she
couldn't stomach the smell of food. Each trimester has its own needs,
but if you follow a few helpful tips you can ensure that your family
doesn't have to survive on Wendy's, your baby grows properly, and you
don't need to wear elastic waistbands for a year or three after you have the baby.

Eating Right During The First Trimester
Morning
sickness is the biggest enemy during the first trimester. For both my
mother-in-law and me, the mere thought of chicken sent us into a head
spin that was the first sign that we were pregnant (another sign is
foods you normally love suddenly tasting very, very off). There are a
few easy ways to combat morning sickness, though: carry around bland
foods like crackers that will help settle your stomach when it does
occur; indulge in snacks made from real ginger, like gingerbread,
gingersnaps, ginger beer (non-alcoholic but stronger tasting than
ginger ale), or candied ginger, which have serious anti-nausea
properties; and take good pre-natal vitamins so if your diet isn't so
great during this difficult time, the baby will still get the goodies
she or he needs.

Eating Right During The Second Trimester
The
second trimester is the golden age of pregnancy. This is when you glow
and everyone loves you. There are only two real concerns during the
second trimester. Gestational diabetes sometimes shows up now, so go
for all the tests your doctor recommends and eat whole grains rather
than sugar or refined starches. Also, allergies can be exacerbated
during the second trimester as the body tries to protect the growing baby,
so be extra vigilant about any foods that normally give you trouble,
and if you react to a known allergen food that you've never had trouble
with before (shellfish, peanuts and dairy are common culprits), avoid
it for the rest of the pregnancy.

Eating Right During The Third Trimester
Problems
during the third trimester include loss of appetite (due to your organs
getting crowded by the kid), constipation and heartburn. To combat loss
of appetite, eat 6 small meals a day 4 hours apart rather than larger
meals three times a day. Include lots of fiber and avoid spicy foods,
even if it's 3 days beyond your due date and the old wives tell you
they'll induce labor.
<!-- text:end//-->

After you've spent countless hours going gaga over the new addition
to your home, it's probably time to share the joy of your newborn with
friends and family! Special events and gatherings are the perfect
opportunity to show off your precious one to the masses, and decking
them out in some special evening wear will make your wee one even more irresistible.

If you're dressing up your little girl for an evening out with relatives, the Baby Biscotti Little Princess Gown
is a surefire way to charm everyone's socks off. This adorable,
miniature dress is covered in lace and flowers, and the gathered
elastic hemline makes it a super-versatile piece when diaper change
hour rolls around. It's also 100 percent cotton, so managing any
'oopsies' is a breeze.

For the girl who wants to dress up for a
formal event, nothing beats a classic vest and tie - as long as it's a
hassle-free one piece. This screen printed Onesie Set from Hurley Kids
is the perfect match for your soon-to-be sassy pants, a fun yet dressy
piece with a snap button closure for easy removal. There's also a
matching hat with this one, so she'll be ready to please without the
fuss.

The preppy look reigns supreme for the boy who wants to
melt a few hearts at that upcoming event, so let him charm their socks
off clad in the Hurley Kids Punked Argyle Sweater Vest.
It's a modern take on a preppy look, complete with an embroidered 'H'
logo on the chest. Pair it up with some basic black pants or jeans, and
he'll be more than ready to steal a few moments of adoration.

If you've got a soon-to-be Prince Charming on your hands, dress him up in a Wonderboy tailored dress shirt<!-- text:end//-->
with a cute addition - marching pants! It's a classic shirt with a
twist, and also made with 100 percent cotton for easy washing and
maintenance. The cuffs and colors add that formal touch to your little
one's ensemble, and it's a super-comfortable fit for even the feistiest
little prince.

I love autumn. It's my favorite time of year. I love to be outside without feeling the sun will melt you. As a family, we get a lot more active during the fall as well. It is not too cold to do outside things like bike riding, walking, picnicking and hiking, yet it is cool enough that we remain comfortable -- as long as we are wearing jackets.
Choosing a jacket for children
Part of choosing jackets for children is getting the right balance that allows for some warmth, but that does not result in overheating. The jacket should be something that allows your child to participate comfortably in fall family recreation activities. Here are some considerations when choosing a fall jacket for children:

Durability

You want a jacket that will last a while and hold up under the rough use that children can sometimes put clothing through. Spending a little more for high quality now can mean that you have a jacket that lasts longer -- and that can be worn by subsequent children.

Size

We like to buy our son's jackets a little too large. Children grow quickly. If you want the jacket to be around for the spring, it can be helpful to get a jacket that is a size larger than what your child would normally wear. Of course, do not get it too large. Otherwise, it may hinder your child in some of their activities.

Easy on and off

Try to choose a jacket with a front zipper. This makes it easy to take on and off, and your child can even do it him or herself. Additionally, a front-zip jacket makes it easy to open the jacket a little for cooling, without having to take it off entirely.

Pockets for hands

Pockets can be a great place for hands to keep warm. My son keeps gloves in his pockets as well, making them easy to reach and pull on before a breezy fall bike ride.

Is there anything easier than hitting the drive-thru on a weekday morning? Sure there is. All the weight that comes from those fast food meals is extremely easy to put on. Seriously though, many parents do choose to stop at fast food restaurants while taking their children to school. After all, it's impossible to prepare breakfast in less than 20 minutes, right? Wrong. You can actually prepare a low calorie breakfast in a matter of minutes.

Spicy Chicken Breakfast Burritos
Serves 4

1 cup of refrigerated egg substitute
Salt, to taste
Fresh ground pepper, to taste
Chopped pickled jalapenos, to taste
4 ounces of 2% shredded cheddar cheese
1 pound of leftover chicken breast, pulled or shredded
Taco sauce, to taste
1 cup of black beans
4 whole wheat tortillas

1. Season egg substitute with salt and pepper and cook according to package directions. Right before the cooking is complete, add the jalapenos and cheese.
2. In the meantime, microwave the pulled/shredded chicken with the taco sauce until heated through.
3. After the chicken has heated, microwave the black beans until hot.
4. Place a quarter of each ingredient in one tortilla and roll to form a burrito.

Tip: If you're taking burritos on the go, make sure to roll each burrito in aluminum foil to help prevent messes.

Waffle Berry Sandwiches
Serves 4

8 whole wheat frozen waffles
8 tablespoons of fat-free strawberry cream cheese
1 pound of strawberries, sliced
4 kiwis, sliced

1. Toast waffles and spread each with 1 tablespoon of cream cheese.
2. Top four waffles with sliced strawberries and kiwi.
3. Top with additional waffles to create sandwiches.

Tips: To prevent cream cheese from melting too much, allow the waffles to cool slightly.
If you prepare waffles on the weekends, you can freeze extras and save money.

Preparing breakfast at home doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming. Best of all, kids will never realize they're eating something healthy. And, when you don't have to visit the fast food restaurants, you get to keep your slippers on a little bit longer.

Got any recipe ideas? Post below!

Dressing well during pregnancy is a lot easier now than it was when I had my first child 10 years ago. The options are so numerous at different price points that it's easy to be stylish and comfortable without spending a fortune, and with careful planning you can find clothes that you can actually modify and continue to wear once you've had the baby.

Maternity clothes aren't really needed during the first trimester, although in your excitement about the baby you're likely to want to run out and buy them the moment the little line appears on the stick. Wait a while, really, because by the third trimester you'll be sick of the sight of them, and by the second kid you won't be willing to put maternity pants on until you're ready to pack your bags for the hospital.

Here are a few tips to make dressing during pregnancy easier:
During the first trimester, you almost certainly can get away with wearing regular clothes in styles that accommodate changes to your figure, such as the Empire-waist blouses that are so popular right now. Your breasts will be larger than usual due to hormones, so purchase a well-made supportive bra. A nursing bra is a good investment even this early, as it will be one of the few items you'll be able to continue to use for months or even years after the baby is born.

Feet will swell over the course of the pregnancy too, so if you buy shoes at this time, go for a half-size larger.

The second trimester is when maternity clothes become appropriate. Dresses are a great option for work, although some upscale lines such do also make maternity suits. For casual wear, tops and maternity pants are probably the easiest choice. Maternity pants come in two basic styles: elastic-waist, which expand to fit your belly, and under-the-belly waists, which just hang below the baby bump. Try both kinds on to see which is more comfortable for you, but remember that how you feel the first week of the second trimester compared to the end of the pregnancy may be very different.

Liz Lange has also come up with a line called The Fourth Trimester that is intended for transitional wear after the baby is born, although most of us are resigned to the fact that you may need to keep wearing maternity clothes for a couple of months postpartum. Just make sure you're not still doing it when the "baby" turns six!

Whether you're traveling with a feisty toddler or a newborn that needs some extra special care, heading off to that next destination with an organized tote can save you a few headaches along the way. Instead of investing in a giant black-hole-of-a-bag that leaves you rummaging through dozens of accessories in an emergency situation, a tote equipped with compartments and zippers can help keep things organized and accessible.

Tote bags made with extra-cushioned handles and support straps are also excellent ways to save your back from unnecessary stress. Here are some absolute musts when it comes to selecting the right carryall for your busy travel days ahead:

1. Take a Sweet Escape. If you're looking for something simple and versatile, the O'Neill Sweet Escape might be your ideal match. This one's designed with double shoulder straps and a stylish faux leather trim; with two front pockets and plenty of zipped pockets for the cell phone and other gadgets, you'll be well-prepared to tackle the trip with your day's worth of supplies.

2. Spice up the Diaper Bag. Diaper bags that look like a structure-less bucket are cumbersome to tote around and hardly fashionable. Get your hands on a chic and stylish number from Sally Spicer for a designer look without the fuss. This one features a sturdy platform bottom and multiple slip pockets to keep you organized.

3. Power up the Stroller. The ultimate in versatility, the DadGear Totes are perfect for days when the stroller is going along the travel route with the family. This handy tote features two super-size pockets and small zippered compartments for easy storage. You've also got stroller straps right on the bag for easy carrying when the stroller is a necessity, but the bag can serve just as well as an independent carryall.

Whether you're heading out on a weekend picnic or battling through the crowds at the grocery store with kids in tow, a sturdy tote bag is all you need to make it a smooth-sailing trip. Just fill 'er up with diapers, toys, extra bottles and handiwipes so you're well-prepared for any mishap or temper tantrum along the way!

DadGear Totes

Family vacations can be a lot of fun. But they can also be a lot of stress. I remember my mother keeping most of the games, books, toys and snacks with her. Even when we got a little older. What resulted was not pretty. Mom looked harassed all the time; with five kids, one of us was always clambering for something. One way I've learned from her mistakes is to let my son be in charge of his own stuff. He's five years old, and perfectly capable of managing his own backpack with snacks, books, toys, games and coloring books (with crayons, of course).

Choosing backpacks for children
You do want to make sure that your child can handle his or her backpack. My son's backpack is slightly smaller and easy for him to carry. Your child should also be old enough and mature enough to handle keeping track of his or her things. If you travel on airplanes a lot, you might consider a wheeled backpack. This can make things easier between flights. Here are some other features that you might consider when choosing travel backpacks for your children:

• At least one zip pocket in the front (two or three is better). This is an ideal place for the snacks. They won't get lost if they are kept in the front pocket.
• Tall enough to fit a coloring book without having to bend it to make it fit.
• Lightweight.
• Sturdy.
• Small enough that it will fit under the seat of an airplane. You don't want to be constantly trying to get it out of the overhead.
• Side pockets (if necessary) for electronics. Sometimes these pockets are located on the inside of the bag.

Before you leave, make sure you show your child how to pack the backpack. Check to make sure that it is not too full, by having your child walk around with it for a while.

You can make your family vacation a little less stressful by allowing your child to be responsible for access to his or her own entertainment.

As kids get older it is important for them to learn about responsibility. One of the easiest ways to teach kids about responsibility is to give them chores to complete. The purpose of the chores is not to provide parents with free labor, although that is a pleasant side effect, but instead it is to make kids feel like they are an important part of the family. As the parents of multiples you face a challenge, figuring out how to assign chores that will seem fair and that will provide each multiple with the opportunity to learn new skills and to develop their own interests.

Assigning Chores Option No. 1: Chore Rotation
You have a few options when it comes to assigning chores. The first option is to create a list of chores and to rotate who does what. When you first assign chores you need to be realistic about what your kids can handle, and the chores need to be age appropriate. For example, great starter chores for young kids can be putting their toys away, putting their clothes in the hamper and filling the dog's water and food dishes. As your multiples get older you can assign more complicated chores like folding clothes, taking out the garbage and doing the dishes. The rotation of chores option allows your multiples to try each chore out at least once.

Assigning Chores Option No. 2: Interest Based Assignments
After your multiples have tried out the various chores that are available in your household, you can ask each one which chores they like and which ones they don't like. Hopefully, their like/dislike lists will not overlap and you will be able to divvy up the chores based on what each multiple likes to do. This will not only make doing chores more enjoyable, but it will also encourage your multiples to develop individual interests. Another option that you have is to ask each of your multiples what they like to do and then find a chore that will allow them to explore that interest.

Assigning Chores Option No. 3: The Wheel of Chores
The third option that you have is to make the chore selection into a weekly game. At the beginning of each week have each multiple spin a wheel labeled with different chores, or have them draw a chore from a hat. This will make the assignment of chores fun and by putting a one week limit on the chore they are assigned, if they have a chore they don't like to do, they only have to do it for a week.

Zappos Moms confess their Stress, fustrations, and excitments for "Back to School" time!

Interview with Heather C (Parent of Jakob)

As a parent, what are the biggest challenges you encounter when preparing for back to school?
Trying to get my son to go to sleep earlier. He still wants to stay up to 11 to watch the end of wrestling!

What are the kids most excited about when it comes to returning back to school?
Wearing all their cool new school clothes & shoes. Purchased from zappos.com of course! Check out Jakob's fave shirt!

What are the most predominant kids trends for the season?
Bright colors, skate shoes, skinny jeans

What are the top 5 most important items to equip your child with for back to school?
Cool shoes, book bag, shirts that no one else has, plenty of supplies & trying to get them pumped to learn!

What is your favorite part about back to school?
The first day. It always makes me cry!

What is your fondest back to school memory?
Well it's only been 2 years for me, but the stories of how his day went are priceless. The other day I asked how his day went and his reply was "Wow, I had a rough day". It's like “Really dude, you're in first grade!”