One of the time honored family recreation activities in America has been Trick or Treating. This can be a fun activity for the whole family. In fact, even though I do not get candy from the neighbors (I leave that to my son), I still like to dress up in a witch costume. However, when you are Trick or Treating, it is important to keep some important safety tips in mind. You want your family activity to be safe as well as fun.

About.com offers some great Halloween Safety Tips for Trick or Treating

*Make sure your child is visible. You should have your child carry something like a flashlight or wear a glow bracelet or necklace. This makes them visible to others in the dark.

*Shoes should fit well. Sneakers may not be the coolest thing to wear with a cowboy costume, but they are the safer option. And really, the shoes are the least important part.

*Keep away from costumes that drag. If a costume is dragging on the ground, there is a chance that it will be stepped on and could cause your child to fall or contribute to other problems.

*Caution your children to walk and to avoid lawns. Keep your children's exuberance in check. Running, as well as cutting across lawns, can contribute to falling and tripping over items that may be hard to see.

*Avoid darkened houses when Trick or Treating. Not only are dark homes more likely to have hidden obstacles, they usually belong to people who do not wish to be bothered.

*Costumes should allow visibility and breathing. Make sure your child can breathe easily in the costume, as well as see properly. Also, make sure kids maintain a good temperature -- no overheating or costumes that are too thin in the cold.

*Flexible props. It is best to leave weapons at home while Trick or Treating, even if they are flexible. But if you must have that ninja sword, make sure it is flexible and does not resemble a real weapon.

When cold winter days rear their ugly head, but you want to take your newborn out for a day on the town, dolling him or her up in a few winter weather basics will keep them safe, comfortable and more than ready for the road. Your newborn will need several layers of clothing and blankets to face those brisk mornings and chilly evenings like a winter veteran. From fleece-lined onesies to layered bodysuits with mittens, there's something for all tastes and styles for the chilly season ahead.

They may be too young for a snowball fight, but a puffy jacket is an absolute must for staying well-protected from the elements. The Puff Rider Jacket from Patagonia is designed just for babies, with a deluxe polyester shell and a water-resistant layer. The quilted jacket will fend off that brisk wind and keep baby plenty warm with extra hand-warmer pockets and Quallofil insulation. The jacket is also machine-washable, so you don't have to worry about spills and accidents ruining this winter must-have.

Keep your little girl cozy and comfortable in a fur-lined Bunting Suit that comes with its own set of mittens. This suit is designed with a hood and closed feet to trap heat in for the long haul. This super-sweet pink set is also easy to take on and off - a must for those last-minute trips - and is machine washable.

Whether you're off to the park or just heading out for a tour of the town, layer up your tot with some fleece-lined pants designed with eco-friendly materials. The Patagonia Baby Synchilla Pants are a playful and fun addition to your newborn's ensemble. This pair of super-comfortable pants is made with soft fleece and designed with an elastic waist. The pants can be worn by themselves or layered with various onesies and other bottoms for extra warmth.

And when the day calls for chilling out at home and steering clear of chilly weather outdoors, packing your newborn up in a fleece vest can keep them warm and toasty all day long. The Baby Synchilla Vest is made with double-faced fleece and a relaxed fit for easy layering. It's another super-soft addition to baby's winter wardrobe and a versatile piece for indoor or outdoor activities.

Having multiples means there are a lot of things you have to do in twos or threes. However, one of the advantages of having twins, triplets, quads or quints is that you can throw one birthday party for the set. While this saves you some hassle and simplifies things a bit, it is still important that each child is treated specially on their birthday. Fortunately, there are several ways you can make a joint birthday party a special event for each of your multiples.

Separate Birthday Cakes
To ensure that each of your multiples has a unique birthday experience provide each one with their own cake. You don't have to buy two or three luxury, character cakes for the birthday party if you don't want to, after all a cake per child can add up to a lot of cake. Instead, you can make a personal-size character cake for each child and then have a larger party cake for the guests. This way, each multiple will get to blow out the candles on their own cake and pick the design and character that they want for their cake.

Separate Guest Lists
While it is likely that your multiples will have some of the same friends that they will want to invite to their birthday parties, if you are having a sleepover or a small party with only a few special guests, each multiple will likely invite their best friend(s) from school. If this is the case, you can provide each multiple's guest with a special colored t-shirt that corresponds to the color of shirt worn by the birthday boy or girl that invited them. You can then use this color team philosophy to play party games.

Special Presents
While many parents of multiples give their multiples the same gift on their birthday, it is important that you make each child's gift unique in some way. For example, you may buy each the same type of shirt, but each child gets that design in a different color. Try to consider the preferences of each child in the gift selection process. When they get older, you can provide them with a gift card to their favorite store and allow them to shop for what they want. You can even make the shopping experience part of the birthday celebration fun.

Family recreation can be both fun and beneficial to your community. Indeed, family activities that teach your children to enjoy being good members of the community are important. One of the things that you can do as a family is to do a neighborhood cleanup. This will help your children see the value of contributing to the community, and it can give you some quality time together.

Cleaning up the Neighborhood
In many neighborhoods, trash can be seen. This trash creates an unsightly mess and is a blight on the beauty of the neighborhood. By cleaning up the neighborhood as a family, you can teach your children important lessons about community involvement, being good to the environment and family togetherness.

Some tips for cleaning up the neighborhood include:

• Wear appropriate shoes and clothing for the weather. Right now, in the fall, is a great time to clean things up. Do it before the snow falls. But it may mean that a light jacket and some thin gloves are needed.

• Bring two bags: One for regular trash and one for recyclable trash. Teach your children that recycling is important, and teach them which materials go in which bag. You can sort the recyclables later.

• Everybody work together: Make sure the parents do work as well. It is your chance to set a good example, and the kids have more fun if the parents are helping.

• Consider making it a neighborhood effort: You do not have to do all the work alone. Coordinate a neighborhood cleanup party. You can get to know your neighbors as well as spend time together as a family. You can even have treats and games when you finish.

There are many opportunities to make family recreation a learning experience as well as something that is fun. When you engage in a neighborhood cleanup, the lessons you impart are lasting and so are the memories that you make!

Trick or treating is a long-standing tradition for many. However, some parents are becoming increasingly wary of sending their children out into the night to gather candy. One fun way to mix it up, as far as trick or treating is concerned, is to organize a neighborhood trunk or treat.

Trunk or treat
This is basically a neighborhood party where everyone can bring their cars, park and pass out candy. Whole families come. This can be arranged at the end of a cul-de-sac, at a neighborhood park or at a community building. (In some cases, a local firehouse or a church might provide a location for the trunk or treat.) Games, like bobbing for apples and other Halloween themed activities, can be played, and you can have neighbors bring decorated pumpkins.

At our neighborhood's trunk or treat, there are often donuts and hot chocolate or cider as refreshments. It's a fun and safe environment for children, and it can give adults a chance to mingle and get to know each other - and figure out whose kids your children have been playing with.

It is best to hold a trunk or treat early in the evening, before it gets too dark or cold. However, children should still dress appropriately for the weather. On the other hand, if the trunk or treat is held inside, a jacket will not obscure the costumes. This can only be done, of course, if you have access to some sort of community center.

A trunk or treat is a great way for you to get together with your neighbors and enjoy the Halloween spirit. In our neighborhood, even the adults dress up for our festive event, which feels like a party. However, there are some caveats: PG-rated costumes (no sexy maids at our party), and masks cannot completely cover the face.

With a little advance planning and organization, you can make Halloween an entire-family event - and share it with your neighbors.

Halloween is right around the corner. For kids, it's like Christmas in October. What's not to love? It's a night of sweet indulgences, but parents may feel a bit different. Obviously, you want your children to have fun, but you don't want them to ingest a year's supply of sugar in one night. What can you do to help cut their sugar intake, while still keeping Halloween fun? The answer lies in serving a healthy, yet festive dinner before the evening begins.

Personal Monster Pizzas
Serves 4

• 4 prepared individual pizza crusts
• 1 cup of pizza sauce
• 2 cups of 2 percent, shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 green peppers, thinly sliced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• ¼ cup of stuffed green olive slices
• ½ cup of sliced mushrooms

1. Place the pizza crusts on a baking sheet and top with sauce and cheese.
2. Let your kids decorate the pizzas to create their own monster. Peppers and onions can be used to create hair. Cherry tomatoes can create a mouth. Olive slices make great eyes and mushrooms make a great nose.
3. Bake the pizza according to the pizza crust directions.

Bloody Bat Salad
Serves 4

• 8 cups of salad mix
• 4 slices of cheddar cheese
• 4 slices of turkey
• 4 slices of ham
• ½ pound of strawberries
• ½ pound of strawberries, sliced
• Fresh cracked pepper, to taste

1. Place the salad mix in a festive bowl.
2. Cut the cheese and meat using a bat shaped cookie cutter.
3. Puree the whole strawberries and season with pepper.
4. Top the salad with the seasoned strawberry puree, sliced strawberries, cheese and meat.

This festive meal helps curb a little ghoul's appetite so that they eat fewer cupcakes and candy. This way, you'll enjoy Halloween just as much as they do. After they've gone to bed, reward yourself for being a health conscious parent by watching a few scary movies.

Your little one won't be trekking across the snow banks any time soon, but they can still show their winter spirit with a pair of cozy booties. Booties for newborns are designed to keep those toes and feet plenty toasty when the temperatures drop. A pair of fleece-lined booties can help keep your baby girl or boy well prepared for the season and enjoying those chilly months in style!

Let them show off their Alpine tastes with the Lamb Play'N'Wash sheepskin booties. These super soft booties make it easy to stay warm when the wind chill rears its ugly head, and they slide on and off easily with a side hook-and-loop closures - no laces to worry about! These booties are also great for traveling, just fold them up tight and plop them into that tote or carryall for easy travels over the winter season.

It's never too early to unleash their inner style god (or goddess), so a pair of fleece-lined booties with flair can take things up a notch this season. The Robeez winter booties are a plush and stylish pair with a fur-lined trim and extra soft finish. They're made with textured suede outsoles for extra comfort and protection, and they ensure your newborn will stay fashionable and warm on those chilly days ahead.

Sheepskin Uggs are another must have for winter weather, a snug and stylish bootie with the famous UGG label. These booties are fully lined with plush fleece that keeps moisture at bay even if your little one does end up catching a few snowflakes. The base of these booties is also made with a thick layer of fleece, which means they'll be wrapped up in a cloud of fleece from the top of their ankles to the tip of their toes.

If your little boy is anxious to charm the crowds and show off his trendy side, make sure to pick up the ultimate stylish essential: the Ralph Lauren Embossed Bear Bootie. This suede bootie is made with a deep blue fleece and beige trim and finished with a cute white bear on the vamp. For the girl who insists on playing princess for the day, the pink suede Pampili booties are sure to please. These luxurious booties are made with soft leather upper and bow details, and they're a stylish and cozy pair for any dreary day ahead.

Okay, you can't really get your kids a degree in foreign relations by visiting Denali National Park in Alaska and looking at Russia from atop Mt. McKinley, but it is still a worthwhile trip. There is probably no better spot in all of America to give your little Nintendo DS fanatics a taste of what the great American outdoors was like before kids reduced their interest in nature to when it appears on television.

Has your little one ever watched Balto or been thrilled by the fast-paced excitement of the Iditarod? What kid doesn't want to watch big husky dogs pulling a man on a sled behind them? And what about you? Did you ever have one of those Ansel Adams calendars pinned to the wall inside your kitchen? One of Ansel Adams' most famous sets of black and white photographs captured the majestic beauty of the aptly named Wonder Lake. Just the beauty of Wonder Lake will be enough to make your kids appreciate the incredible power of going on a vacation that doesn't feature roller coasters or even museums. No museum on earth can fully capture the sheer, overwhelming awe of the features on display at Denali National Park.

Denali, the most gorgeous of America's National Parks, is ideal for families that enjoy hiking, backpacking, fishing, climbing and all those things that people used to do on vacation before "virtually" enjoying a vacation became the standard. Sure, you could go down to the Country Bear Jamboree at Disney World, but wouldn't you rather show your kids what black bears and grizzlies look like before they are wiped off the face of the earth? In addition to bears, a visit to Denali National Park will probably result in encounters with caribou, moose and possibly even the elusive wolverine. Just remember, however, that wolverines in the wilderness aren't like the semi-domesticated types who play football in Michigan.

Many families worry, especially with these tough economic times, about spending a great deal of money on family recreation. But family recreation is an important part of forging strong family ties. The good news is that there are plenty of great family activities available for very little cost. One of the things you can do to enjoy a variety of family activities year round is become acquainted with your local nature center.

Local Nature Centers
Many towns and cities have local nature centers. These centers are designed with the family in mind, and often offer activities for people of all ages. Nature centers offer interactive learning, as well as the ability to get out and enjoy nature as a family. Most nature centers put on programs, animal demonstrations, classes and workshops that cost very little or are completely free of charge. Sometimes, if you plan to use the nature center regularly, it is possible to buy a yearly family membership for a very reasonable price. This can allow you to take advantage of all the nature center has to offer.

Visiting the Local Nature Center
It is important to dress appropriately for the weather when visiting your local nature center. Wear hiking boots most of the year and make sure to have warm and sturdy snow boots if you go during the winter. Wear sweaters and jackets when appropriate and remember to dress comfortably during the summer months. Call ahead of time to see if some workshops and events require pre-registration. It is possible that large parties need to be pre-registered in order to be accommodated. Obtain a schedule either online or at the nature center so that you can better plan your family outings.

Family recreation can serve two great purposes; it can bring you closer as a family and also instill a love and respect for nature into your children. A nature center can provide all that is needed to accomplish both of these things - and do it at a very reasonable price.

Sleep is something that many new parents of multiples feel that they will have to live without. However, while the first four weeks are going to be somewhat restless, you don't have to spend the first year of your children's lives sleep deprived. There are steps that you can take to help your multiples get onto a sleep schedule and stick to it.

Step No. 1: Pick Sleep Times and Awake Times

The first step in establishing a sleep schedule when you have multiples is to pick when they "should" be awake and when they "should" be asleep. For example, a normal bedtime for infants is 7:30 p.m. and a normal wakeup time is 6:00 a.m. Obviously you will have many awake and asleep periods, but the 7:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. period needs to be established early on. To establish this as a time to be asleep, you will want your home to be dark and quiet during these times, even when you get up to change your multiples and give them their nighttime feedings.

Step No. 2: Set Up a Going to Sleep Routine

The next step is to set up a going to sleep routine. This routine is going to be a cue to your multiples that it is time to go to sleep. This routine can include things like taking a bath, listening to a soothing CD, changing into bed clothes, cuddling with a special bedtime toy or listening to a story while lying in bed.

Step No. 3: Set Up a Wake Up Routine

Just as important as your bedtime routine, is your waking routine. This routine will include steps that will signal to your children that it is time to be awake. For example, you can open curtains, turn on lights, put away nighttime snuggle toys and make the house more lively with sounds and energy.

Step No. 4: Be Consistent

Like establishing any other type of routine for your multiples, consistency is critical. This means that you have to stick to the routine, even when you are away from your home. Consistency is this routine is going to be very important during the first two to three years of your child's life. Obviously, you may need to adjust when they go to bed or wake up based on their changing sleeping needs, as well as adjust what toys they want to sleep with or play with as they get older. However, the routine itself needs to remain the same.

What happens when your children have a long weekend? How do you handle lunch? Obviously, fast food is quick. But you know how unhealthy it is. How can you prepare a quick lunch that's healthy and enjoyable for your children? The key is to combine fresh items with healthy convenience items. The following recipes are a starting point that should help you come up with even more ideas.

Cheesy Chicken Ranch Filled Pitas
Serves 4

2 loaves of whole wheat pita, cut in half lengthwise
2-6 ounce package of chicken strips
4 ounces of 2-percent, shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup of grape tomatoes, cut in half
2 cups of romaine lettuce, torn into small pieces
2 cups of chili beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup fat-free ranch dressing

1. Carefully open the pita bread to create pockets.
2. Toss the chicken, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce and beans until mixed thoroughly.
3. Place chicken mixture inside each pita and top with ranch dressing.
4. Serve with baked potatoes chips or baby carrots.

Crazy Apply Wedges
Serve 4

4 Granny Smith apples, cut into wedges
½ cup natural peanut butter
1 cup of healthy granola
¼ cup mini dark chocolate chips
Honey, to taste

1. Spread the peanut butter on one side of each apple wedge.
2. Toss the granola and chocolate chips together and sprinkle on top of the peanut butter.
3. Drizzle with honey.

Remember that these recipes are a starting point. There are so many different options for a healthy lunch. Something as simple as melon slices and turkey or chicken sandwiches can be made into a nutritious meal. More importantly, don't forget to keep the side dishes healthy. Vegetables, baked potatoes chips or even homemade tortilla chips are great options. Best of all though, is the fact that these meals can be prepared so quickly. This gives you time to grab your purse and take the kids to a movie.

Did you know that Hershey Park is one of the oldest amusement parks in America? It originally opened in 1907. Over time Hershey Park grew to look more and more like a traditional amusement park. The amusement park built on the rotten teeth of American children actually has more rides than the Magic Kingdom.

The thing that really separates the amusement park in Hershey, PA is the smell. I'm not sure whether they pump the smell of chocolate in artificially or if just naturally wafts over from the factory, but arriving at Hershey Park has much the same effect as looking for a new house where the owners were smart enough to bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies before you arrived.

The truth of the matter is that Hershey Park is not really particularly distinguishable from a Six Flags park or even Disney, but there is one thing that Hershey Park has that those areas don't: proximity to the Hershey World of Chocolate. Once you get your thrill from the rollercoaster and other wild rides, it's time to take a tour of what Homer Simpson would describe as The Land of Chocolate. Don't go mistaking the idea of a regular Taste of Whatever with the tour in Hershey World. Yes, you get to sample chocolate at your leisure (and what child won't go crazy over that?), but the tour is really an interactive experience featuring animatronics and special effects. Do you remember that wild boat ride in the original "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory"? Well, that's nothing compared to the 3-D show that they put on at Hershey. While you won't actually see any Oompa Loompas, the animated characters flying directly in front of your eyes are a pretty good substitute.

The rules for a healthy pregnancy have changed a lot over the years. I discussed this with a friend who's old enough to be my mother once, and she said that during her pregnancy her doctor's advice was diet pills to keep her weight down and a cocktail every night so she remained calm! (In case you're worried she only had one child and that one turned out to be fine, thank goodness.)

These days the rules can pretty much be summed up with the word "No." No drinking and no smoking are obvious, but books like "What To Expect When You're Expecting" will have you believe it's not okay to ingest anything but wheatgrass toast. If you can handle that, fine, but some of us have health issues that need to be managed even during pregnancy. Here's a quick guide to how to deal with them.

This is going to sound obvious, but call your doctor to check before taking any over-the-counter medication (if he or she isn't available, and you need to know right away, a local pharmacist is a good resource.) There are things some of us take without thinking twice, like cold medicine or pain relievers, which could be dangerous to the baby. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is fine, but aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil) aren't. Antihistamines (Benadryl) are okay but decongestants (Sudafed) aren't, and the jury's still out on cough suppressants. And don't forget to check with your doctor again after the baby is born if you're nursing. There's a difference in what's absorbed by the baby before she's born, and what's excreted in breast milk, so don't assume anything.

With prescription medication, don't forget to inform your other doctors of the pregnancy. For example, if you're taking antidepressants, Paxil isn't good for the baby but Prozac is okay Work with both doctors to find the right replacement.

Finally, be careful with medication substitutes like herbs, dietary supplements and teas. Some of these products are VERY dangerous to fetuses, even to the point of inducing miscarriages, so it's best to check with your doctor before taking any such thing.

As temperatures drop during the season ahead, making sure your little one stays plenty warm for fall and winter becomes a top priority. Wrapping them up tight in a baby blanket is only one part of the challenge. You also need to dress them in some cozy onesies and top off the ensemble with a hat to trap in as much heat as possible.

The EGG cable hat and booties are a great starter set for your little one. This ensemble has a little touch of luxury that will keep their toes and head plenty warm this winter. The cable knit hat even has some fuzzy ears on top and will stay on tight with the tie closure. Plus, these accessories are made of 100 percent cotton and will trap in lots of heat when temperatures take a nosedive.

You can spoil your little princess silly with the Olily Kids booties, hat and bib set, a sweet pink and white ensemble complete with bunnies and flowers. The hat is a versatile piece that can be mixed and matched with other pink and white outfits lining her baby closet. Plus, the pieces are all machine washable, so you don't have to fret about spills and mishaps.

You knew he was up to no good the moment you laid eyes on him, and your mischievous little champ can play his part with the DVS Shoe Company hat and booties set. It's all in the details with this skater-inspired ensemble that's made of 100 percent cotton and designed to keep him warm and cozy. He'll be ready for the streets in no time.

If you're intent is making a fashionista out of your wee one, then pick up a Dolce & Gabbana animal print hat and bootie set for a step into the wild side. The leopard print logo adorns the supersoft hat, giving her a chance to make the ultimate fashion statement. The cozy hat and booties also come in a convenient storage bag for safekeeping or special occasions.

Plopping on a cozy hat even when they're indoors can help keep baby comfortable and happy during the cooler months ahead. Round up any of these too-cute toppers to prepare for the upcoming season in style!

As a child, I loved the occasions when my mother would bring me out to look at the stars. Last time we went camping, my son and I sat for a while gazing up at the stars and finding the brightly shining North Star, as well as looking at constellations like the Big Dipper and Draco (my son loves dragons.) Then it occurred to me: I could bring my son out for star gazing anytime, and we could do it with his dad. Star gazing is a great family activity, especially during momentous events like meteor showers and lunar eclipses.

Watching Meteor Showers
Even though winter is approaching, it is still possible to engage in star gazing. In fact, my next family star gazing activity will be October 21, for the Orionids meteor shower. (There are two more meteor showers beyond the Orionids and before the end of the year: the Leonids and the Geminids.) Since it will be cold, I'll be sure to bundle my son in a warm winter coat, and we will all wear scarves, hats and thick socks with our shoes. I plan to have hot chocolate and cider ready for when we go in. We are lucky enough to live far enough out that we can sit on our front lawn.

Other Tips for Family Star Gazing
It is also possible to go star gazing on an "ordinary" night. Beforehand, learn about stars as a family. It is possible to find star charts online, as well as buy astronomy books that can give information about the locations of constellations, galaxies and planets. If you think you will use it, consider buying a telescope that you can use as family to zoom in on various celestial features. Another great idea is to learn about other cultures and remember the constellations by reading about the legends and myths that surround them.

Star gazing can make for great family recreation, as well as a valuable educational experience.

Seasons are changing and soon cold weather will replace the mild temperatures and conditions associated with early fall. As the temperature drops, your multiples will need warmer jackets, hats, gloves, boots, rain gear and other pieces of cold weather gear. The more children you have, the larger the pile of outdoor gear and clothing accumulating at your door. This can be cumbersome and unsightly, but also add minutes to your early morning routine. To avoid all of the problems associated with winter wear clutter, you need to get organized. Fortunately, it is easy to do.

Organizing Your Multiples' Winter Gear: Personal Baskets
The first way you can keep the clutter near the door down to a minimum is to buy each of your children their own outerwear baskets. These baskets can be plastic mesh baskets, wicker baskets or metal baskets. The key is to buy a container that is large enough to hold things like gloves, hats, scarves and other small pieces of outerwear clothing. On the outside of each basket, label it with the name of one of your kids. Then push the basket up against the wall so that your kids can find their basket quickly. To make the baskets more personal, buy each multiple a different color basket.

Organizing Your Multiples' Winter Gear: Footwear Storage
Boots and shoes can quickly clutter an entryway during the winter months, especially when you have multiples. To keep the clutter down to a minimum, and to help keep everyone's footwear organized, you need to set up a footwear station. This can be as easy as taping squares on the floor and labeling them with each child's name, or you can line up wooden cubicles along the wall and assign one space to each person in your family.

Organizing Your Multiples' Winter Gear: Coats and Snow pants
One reason why small kids don't hang up their coats and winter outerwear is that they can't reach the hangers. To make hanging up their coats and snow pants easy to do, all you have to do is install a coat hanger low enough for them to reach. You can use individual hangers or you can install a coat rack. Again you will want to create a label with each child's name on it and place it next to their assigned coat hanger.

You want a quick meal that's healthy, but you also want quick cleanup. After all, no one wants to spend hours washing dishes. This is yet another reason why many parents turn to fast food. After the meal is done, you just toss some packages in the trash and you're done. But what if you could enjoy a healthy, homemade meal that could be prepared in one pan? Would you be interested? If so, you simply must check out these quick, single-pot meals.

Shortcut Shepherd's Pie
Serves 4

Olive oil
8 ounces of sliced mushrooms
1 pound of 93-percent lean ground beef
2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables
16-ounce jar of beef or mushroom gravy (low-sodium would be preferred)
Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
2 cups of refrigerated or leftover mashed potatoes
4 ounces of 2-percent cheddar cheese, shredded

1. In an ovenproof pan, sauté the mushroom in olive oil and set aside.
2. Brown the ground beef until cooked through, and then stir in the cooked mushrooms, vegetables, gravy and black pepper.
3. Top with mashed potatoes, cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes, or until heated through.
4. Remove the foil, add the cheese and continue cooking until the cheese has melted.
5. Serve with crusty French bread.

Creamy Chicken with Biscuits
Serves 4

1 pound of chicken tenders, cut into bite sized pieces
16-ounce jar of chicken gravy
2 cups of frozen, mixed vegetables
1 cup of frozen pearl onions
Fresh ground pepper, to taste
4 reduced-fat, refrigerated biscuits (the large size)

1. Cook chicken tenders in an ovenproof pan.
2. Once the chicken tenders have cooked through, stir in the gravy, vegetables, onions and ground pepper.
3. Top with biscuits and bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes or until the biscuits have cooked through.

You don't have to sacrifice flavor or consume large amounts of calories to enjoy a quick meal. Try one of these meals tonight and then kickback in pair of comfortable sweatpants.

Tomorrow is my firstborn's 10th birthday! In honor of our happy memories, the topic of this post is how to recognize you're in labor the first time around! Believe it or not, it's not always immediately apparent, especially if you've never been through it, but there are some clues that it's on its way. This post is in honor of the birthday girl, Miranda.

The Nesting Instinct
Books like "What to Expect" describe the nesting instinct as an overwhelming urge to clean your house, paint the walls, etc. That's true, but it can manifest itself in different ways if cleaning and painting aren't in your vocabulary. Basically it's a burst of sudden energy at the very end of pregnancy that gets channeled into preparing for the baby in some way.

I am a huge shopper. The afternoon I went into labor, my husband was with a coworker who has five kids. Over the phone I told my husband I hadn't found the right bassinet for the baby but had driven to five separate counties looking for it and planned on visiting three more. After I hung up, he conferred with the experienced dad, who correctly told him, "Go home early, you'll be at the hospital by midnight."

Minor Back Pains or "Gas"
Labor doesn't start as immediate excruciating pain (and even when it gets excruciating, you have periods of rest in between). The night of my labor, I had a very minor, dull backache - not really even distinguishable from the usual pregnancy backache. (With my second daughter, I had what I thought was gas.) It wasn't even noticeable enough to alarm me, but I lay down on the floor while watching TV to relieve some pain. When my husband asked me what I was doing, I said, "I have a small backache and it's nothing more than a nuisance but it comes and goes." It was only when he made me time my "backaches" that I realized they were exactly six minutes apart. He made me call the doctor, who said, "Mother to be, come on down!"

After you See Rock City and give the whole looking at seven states from atop the peak of Lookout Mountain a try, there is only one place left in this Tennessee vacation spot for you to hit. It is time to turn your kids into mole people, lace up their finest hiking boots and trek down into the ground beneath the surface of that majestic plateau of Tennessee limestone. What awaits you and the kids in the coolness that can only be found in the summertime 1,200 feet underground?

Ruby Falls! Yeah, sure, you've heard of Niagara Falls and all the other spectacular falls that America has to offer, but they are all aboveground. As amazing as the sight of a raging river falling over a cliff in the great outdoors may seem, that's nothing compared to the 145-foot drop of Ruby Falls, which takes place entirely beneath the ground. There is simply no other waterfall in the United States that compares to Ruby Falls.

How many times have you heard that what's important is the journey rather than the destination? Well, you can have it both ways at Ruby Falls. The destination is, of course, that amazing waterfall, but along the way you will be treated to all the memorable sights that make up a spectacular cavern. In addition to the expected stalagmites and stalactites (your kids can probably tell you which one is which if you are confused), there are also unusual rock formations with memorable names. Although you will probably see any number of these amazing rock formations, it is almost guaranteed that your kids will remember one rock formation in particular twenty years after the visit to Ruby Falls. It is called Steak and Eggs. Keep an eye out for it!

Ruby Falls, Lookout Mountain and Rock City make up a fascinating trip for kids and adults alike, and anyone living in proximity should make a trip to all three.

With the holiday season right around the corner, dolling up your newborn in some festive gear is a top priority. Start with the shoes and you can't go wrong! Newborns might still be sporting padded socks to keep those toes safe and warm, but you can pick up super-soft soles to cover them up in style! Rhinestones and bows for the girls, and plush suede lace-ups for the boys are the perfect fit for your little ones as they venture into their first Christmas, Hanukah or other holiday celebration.

Dress up your handsome little gentleman with a pair of Ralph Lauren Layette lace-ups, a rich suede shoe with flexible soles for when they really are ready to conquer the world. These adorable shoes fit on snugly but aren't too heavy for your baby.

The little princess will really strut her stuff -- well, almost -- in a pair of golden Pampili shoes covered in jewels and bows. These metallic shoes are designed with a large bow and rhinestones across the buckle. She'll be ready to dazzle and charm the crowds in these fancy soles; just pair them up with a golden frock or princess gown for the ultimate holiday ensemble.

Loafers will give him that preppy look this season and make a great choice for any tuxedo-style outfit or suit you you're planning on dressing him up in. The Pediped Charlie shoes are smart and classy loafers that will get him plenty of attention. Their super-soft leather uppers fit snug and tight, and he'll be more than ready for that next photo!

For the fashion model to-be, dress her up with a pair of simple black shoes from Designer's Touch. They're finished with a black rabbit fur trim. The soft, padded shoes are ideal for your newborn with style. She'll be the center of attention with these chic and sophisticated shoes, which will complement any black, silver or red ensemble for the holiday season or other special occasions.

From designer-inspired lace-ups to glittering metallic shoes, there's always a way to jazz up your newborn's ensemble. Take your pick of these classy shoes for that upcoming holiday gathering!

One of the things my son loves to do is go pick a pumpkin to carve into a jack o' lantern. We did it one year with my dad, and the boy has been an enthusiastic pumpkin picker ever since. Picking and carving pumpkins really can make a great fall family activity.

There are many places that still offer pumpkin patches in which you can go and choose your own pumpkins. In much the way agri-tourism has brought back picking your own apples (another great fall family activity) and picking your own strawberries, going to a patch somewhere to choose your own jack o' lantern pumpkins is becoming popular again. The whole family can look through the patch and choose the pumpkins that they like best. My son prefers the perfectly round ones that weigh about ten pounds, while my husband likes pumpkins that are taller than they are wide. No matter the preference, though, it is possible to find just the right pumpkin.

Make sure that you go prepared, however. It is starting to get chilly in most parts of the country. Wear sturdy shoes that you do not mind getting dirty (I never saw a mud-free pumpkin patch), and a jacket to keep you warm. It can also help to have gloves, especially if the day is brisk and a little windy. We like to go to a nearby farm that also offers pony rides for the kids and sometimes a wagon ride. With the crisp autumn air, the brightly colored leaves and the hot apple cider, the pumpkin patch day is usually a dream.

When you get the pumpkin home, if you plan to carve within a couple of days, you can leave the pumpkins on your doorstep. Otherwise, keep them in a cool, dark place. We keep ours in the cellar for a couple of weeks before carving. After you carve them, you can put a little petroleum jelly on the inside and along the edges that you carved out. This helps preserve the jack o' lanterns for a couple extra days.

Who said it was only a mother's job to keep a clean home? Or a father's job to cut the lawn and take out the trash. Times have changed now that both parents are in the workforce. Let's face it.....9-5 is not just a cute movie from the 80's...it's reality for most. It's time to get some help around the house....and kids....it's you!

Kids today have so much that they don't realize how fortunate they are. For most Mom's and Dad's, they want their kids to have everything they didn't have when they were kids. So it is not uncommon to see a 7 year old carrying around an Ipod and cellular phone. Call me crazy....but I recall carrying a couple of dimes to make a pay phone call back in the day. Times are a changing and our children now need to start helping more around the house. All those luxurious things cost money and Mom's are right there along with Dad's working long hard hours outside of the home.

Give your children a sense of responsibility. Trash, dishes, sweeping and dusting are not just a chore for Mom and Dad. For your 5 year old, it could be just praising him for picking up his toys when he is done playing with them....or putting his plate on the counter after dinner. Junior high aged children can start to help more by giving Mom a break and loading the dishwasher after meals. Take out the trash for Dad and pick up after the pets. Although you may get a few moans and groans, they will ultimately grow as individuals and know that they are expected to partake in these chores. These simple chores will only prepare your children for life on their own as adults. The more they understand that they have to work to have nice things, the better off they will be when they are on their own. As parents, we must teach our children to appreciate what they have and/or are given and sometimes it takes hard work to get those things. Let's not teach them to believe they come free. Responsibility with something as simple as a chore will do wonders for your children, and help you out as well.

Now go out and divide up the chores around the house as a family and give them praise for it! Hey, with the extra help, you just might have more time to spend together as a family....and that is more than anything in the world!

By Dee Calderon

See Rock City.

There is nobody from the immediate north, south, east or west of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee who has not passed a veritable multitude of barns with the words "See Rock City" painted on them. Rock City is just one of the many fantastic sites to see in the Lookout Mountain area near Chattanooga. And Rock City is definitely a hot vacation spot for travelers with kids.

Kids in particular will go crazy at Rock City. Why? Because, well, it truly is a rock city. Rock City is a long, winding path of rock formations, which the guys in charge have doctored and dolled up to present a kind of story. In fact, if you pay close attention while you meander along these truly extraordinary rock formations, you can kind of create a little plot line for you and the children. Kids really love to turn a vacation into an adventure, and in too many cases that means pretending to be spies while chasing each other through the corridors of the hotel. Instead, the kids can squeeze through the narrow passage of Rock City known as Fat Man's Squeeze and pretend they are trying to escape from pirates. Or they can pretend they are helping some gnomes escape through the tunnel at Goblin's Underpass. And do not forget the myriad thrills as they cling to life on the magnificently frightening Swing-A-Long bridge. Of course, if you or the kids have a phobia about heights or swinging rope bridges, you bypass this particular thrill, fold up your umbrella and seek comfort beneath Shelter Rock. The more adventuresome members of your party can create a back story to the crossing of the bridge.

No one who sees Rock City forgets its undeniably magical appeal. If you take your kids to see this natural and even mystical wonder, you can bet that in another twenty years or so they will be eager to re-experience the pleasure through their own children's eyes.

Cooler weather makes it hard to stick to a healthy lifestyle. All you can think of is digging into a bowl of chicken and dumplings or maybe even a hot piece of apple pie with ice cream. How are you and your family going to make it through fall without giving into these temptations? More importantly, how can you prepare a quick meal that's *healthy, yet satisfying*? It's easy. Here's a great recipe to get you started:

Chicken Meatball Stew
Serves 8

1 pound of 98% lean ground chicken
½ tablespoon poultry seasoning
1 cup of bread crumbs
½ of a small onion, pureed
½ of a small green pepper, pureed
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
2 quarts low-sodium chicken broth
Fresh ground pepper to taste
8 ounces small dry pasta, your favorite type
4 cups of frozen, mixed vegetables

1. Combine the ground chicken, poultry seasoning, bread crumbs, onion and green pepper. Form into meatballs. Be careful not to overwork the meat or your meatballs will be tough.
2. Melt the butter in a large pot and combine with flour to create a roux. Stir in the chicken stock and season with pepper.
3. Add meatballs, cover and simmer over medium-low heat for one hour or until the meatballs are cooked through.
4. Add pasta and cook according to the package directions.
5. Stir in frozen vegetables and heat through.
6. Serve with crusty French bread.

What about dessert? Obviously, you want something warm and decadent. Thankfully, there are several healthy desserts to be found at your grocery store. For example, why not prepare a reduced-sugar brownie mix? Or you could even prepare, cook and serve sugar-free pudding. Warm, decadent recipes don't have to be loaded with sugar. Throw caution to the wind and indulge.

It's important to find substitutes for those high-calorie fall dishes. Remember, it's not a free for all from fall through New Year's. You must prepare recipes that are healthy or you can say bye-bye to that little black dress.

Being pregnant doesn't mean you have to stop exercising. In fact, exercising can actually make you feel more comfortable during pregnancy and help you bounce back more easily after the baby is born. Here are some ways exercise can make pregnancy easier and some recommendations on the right kind of exercise to do during pregnancy:

• Exercise releases endorphins that can help improve your mood when other hormones are making things difficult.
• Exercise can keep you flexible, preventing injuries caused by clumsiness as your body changes.
• Exercise can improve posture and relieve backaches by strengthening muscles, making them more capable of supporting your increased mass.
• A fit body makes labor and delivery easier.
• Exercise helps you sleep better at night.

Exercise during pregnancy is generally forbidden for women who have vaginal bleeding, early contractions, high blood pressure or other complications. Otherwise, most pregnant women will feel comfortable doing any exercise that is not high-impact. Examples of exercises that are comfortable and safe during pregnancy include swimming, walking, biking and yoga. Women that are already very fit, such as runners, may be able to continue their regular exercise programs with certain modifications, as long as they don't overdo it.

Before you start a new exercise program, check with your OBG-GYN. Once he or she has given you the go ahead, try to schedule exercise regularly. Exercising half an hour, four days a week is a good start if you've been relatively inactive beforehand. Wear loose-fitting, cool clothes - overheating is dangerous to the baby - and a supportive bra. Comfortable sneakers with good support are essential. Your feet may swell during pregnancy, so consider ordering or buying a half size larger.

Drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise to keep your body cool and hydrated. If the exercise ever causes pain or discomfort that's out of the ordinary, stop working out and immediately call your doctor. But in most cases, you should be fine. By the time the baby comes he or she will have a mom that can set a good example with healthy habits!

Ah, the baby blanket, a cozy piece of cloth wrapping your newborn tight into a cocoon and protecting them from the world at large. The blanket many kids keep close by their side through the toddler years and beyond. A safe and snuggly accessory, which unconditionally offers warmth, comfort and protection.

Wrapping up your little one is a top priority no matter the season, and there are plenty of ways to mix the practical side of things with a little creativity. Baby blankets made with double layers, velour trim and luxury furs are just a few variations on the old-fashioned knit and cashmere blends. Investing in a quality blanket from the start means your little one can cuddle up in comfort for months to come.

One of the first things to look for is a hypo-allergenic filling; today's baby blankets may be made of synthetic materials such as rayon and polyester but don't have to be the source of health problems for your youngster. The Shootsie Puppy Ear is a good example of a simple, hypo-allergenic blanket that is plenty snuggle-worthy. The blanket is made with blue satin, a rayon-polyester blend, and is free of dyes and formaldehyde.

Choosing a double-layered blanket can also provide that extra-plush feel. A double layer of cotton and polyester traps in the heat and keeps your baby safe, warm and cozy for hours on end. It's an ideal blend for overnight bedding, and blankets such as the le top Plush/Velour Double Layer Blanket are accented with cutesy designs, satin borders and embroidery for an extra touch.

And if you're looking for ways to pamper your tot in ultimate luxury during their early years, a baby blanket made with exotic fur may be a better choice. The Dolce & Gabbana Junior Rabbit Fur Wrap Blanket is a hooded blanket which means creating that cocoon is a cinch; this one's made with 100-percent rabbit fur and a cotton-elastane blend. The best part? There's a detachable pompom right on the blanket so baby has something to play with after nap time.

I love to swim. And my love of swimming came at an early age, when my family went swimming together. Of course, it was mostly on family vacations when we made sure to go to the hotel pool, but it instilled in me a love for swimming. And it is a love I pass on to my own son. We try to go once a week, even in cold weather, since the wonder of modern convenience means indoor swimming is a possibility.

Start Swimming at a Young Age

It is best to start your children swimming at a young age. In fact, babies often feel an affinity to the water, since it resembles conditions in the womb. Get a swimsuit that fits, and bring your children to the pool often. My sister's kids have been visiting the pool since they were 6 months old. This allows children to grow up accustomed to the water. When they take swim lessons later, they will feel more comfortable and be more open to the experience.

Creating Happy Memories

Swim as a family. Children love doing things with mom and dad. When you both come to the pool -- and get in the water -- it makes the whole process more pleasurable. Additionally, it can be an inexpensive way to enjoy some family recreation. Check with your local pool. Most pools have a "family night" that comes with a discount for the whole family.

During the summer months, it can be fun to take your family swimming recreation to the ocean, a nearby lake or an outdoor water park. I've found that at the lake, no boat is necessary. Just take the kids swimming, set up towels on the beach and spend some time in the water. They will love it. For the outdoor water park, pack a picnic lunch and plan to make a day of it.

Swimming, whether indoors or in the open air, can be a great family recreation activity.