There's something satisfying about a big plate of pasta after a hard week at work or school. If you agree, chances are your family has a favorite Italian place they visit as often as possible. Who could resist the plates overflowing with lasagna, fettuccine Alfredo, and of course those delicious cannolis for dessert? But, what if you could make two Italian dishes at home, plus appetizers and dessert for less? Not only would you please the entire family, but there would be leftovers for the next day. Let's see how you can save money by enjoying family night at home with delicious Italian food.

A typical dinner for four at an Italian restaurant would include the following:

Appetizers $10
Drinks $8
Entrees $48
Dessert $20

Total: $86

That's quite a total. Let's see how much we can shrink it.

Appetizers (Cheese Sticks):
Mozzarella cheese $3
Eggs $2
Seasoned bread crumbs $2
Total: $7

Drinks:
Water $0
2-Liter of soda $2
Total: $2

Entrees (Chicken Alfredo and Spaghetti with Meat Sauce):
Dry Fettuccini $2
Alfredo sauce $3
1 pound of boneless skinless chicken $5
Dry Spaghetti $2
1 pound of 93% lean ground beef $5
8 ounces of sliced mushrooms $3
Spaghetti sauce $3
Garlic bread $4
Total: $27

Dessert:
Cannolis from an Italian bakery $5

Total $41

Less than half of what you would pay at an Italian restaurant! Best of all, these dishes are easy to prepare. Plus, if you enjoy having Italian night at home, you can save even more money by investing in a pasta machine and a good Italian cookbook.

Another perk is being able to enjoy entertainment while having Italian night at home. You could pick out some Italian movies to watch. If the kids are older, you could choose gangster films, but if they're younger, why not go with the classic +Lady and the Tramp+?

Family night doesn't have to be expensive to be enjoyable. In fact, spending time together at home gives families more time to bond. Stop paying expensive restaurant prices and gather your family around the table at home. When your children are grown and gone away to college, you'll be glad you did.

It only takes about four months after you learn you're pregnant for the breasts to start developing, so you need to be prepared for the changes by finding the right type of maternity bra. Maternity bras are designed to provide the extra support you need when you're pregnant, and you'll need at least a few throughout your pregnancy term in order to stay comfortable.

A well-fitting maternity bra will help you feel more confident, support your posture, and will create the perfect silhouette under clothing. Here are some important tips for finding the right maternity bra:

1. Buy more than one. There are dozens of different maternity bra styles, so you don't have to settle for just a single cut and design. Pick up a few different styles and designs that fit you well so that you have enough to wash one or two as needed, without having to resort to your regular bra.

2. Get a professional fit. Most lingerie retailers offer free bra fittings, so it's in your best interests to have a professional fitting before you go out and buy a maternity bra on your own. After you learn what your measurements are, you can then hop online or start looking at different styles independently at the store.

3. Make sure the band doesn't ride up. One of the most common problems associated with a maternity bra is that the band isn't sitting level with your back. When you're wearing a well-fitting bra, the band will lie flat and parallel to your shoulders. Make sure you turn around and look at how the band is positioned on your back before making your purchase.

4. Skip the underwire. Underwire bras can be too rigid and cause discomfort on your tender breasts, so stick with bras that are made with plastic support or thicker cuts of fabric for that extra support you need.

5. Do the spill test. If you're wearing the wrong cup size, your breast will 'spill out' over the bra and stand out under your clothes. Make sure the cups completely cover your breast, and create a seamless look under clothes. This can be tricky when you're going through the breast-growing phases, but don't be afraid to trade out for a larger size as you grow.

Little kids can be quite picky eaters. They also seem to be drawn to those expensive TV dinners created just for them. The fact that these TV dinners can cost a small fortune isn't the only reason to stay away from these quick fix meals. A quick look at the nutrition label shows that they are loaded with calories, fat, and sodium. The key is to trick your children by creating fun meals for them and serving them in a fun way. This week, let's save money in the kitchen, while still making dinnertime fun.

First things first; think about which meals your children love most. This will give you an idea of what recipes to start looking for and how to go about creating a healthy version they will love. For example, if they like macaroni and cheese, use whole wheat pasta and a low-fat or fat-free cheese that melts easily.

Of course, we can't forget about presentation. One idea that seems to go over really well is lunchroom trays. These trays can easily be found at many department stores for around $2 each. This is a fun presentation because it makes little kids feel grown up. Another plus is that it keeps all the food separated and every parent knows how important that can be.

This really is easy to do. Just start with their favorite meals and make them yourself. You can feel proud serving your children healthy meals and your wallet will love the extra cash you have leftover each week. Of course, what would this blog be without a recipe to get you started?

Healthy Bagel Pizzas
Serves 2

4 mini whole wheat bagels
8 tablespoons organic pizza sauce
½ cup 2% shredded mozzarella cheese
16 slices of turkey pepperoni

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Split the bagels open and top each half with 1 tablespoon sauce, 1 tablespoon cheese, and 2 slices of pepperoni.
3. Bake until the cheese melts, about 10-15 minutes.
4. Serve with vegetables, fruit, and fat-free pudding.

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument in Dolores, Colorado is an excellent place to explore, as well as get a hands-on lesson in history and archaeology. The culture of Pueblo and other Native American ancestral backgrounds is ever-present. The historical site, often referred to as an outdoor museum, is an adventure in nature and an educational experience like no other.

Because many of the roads are unpaved, this is not a place to explore by vehicle. Likewise, not all features of the area are publicly documented. Instead, this outdoor museum is left open for personal discoveries. Visitors to the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument must first stop at the Anasazi Heritage Center. The center is a museum, as well as an informational and orientation site for the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.

Visitors to the Anasazi Heritage Center can learn about the Anasazi culture, as well as that of other Native American cultures from Southwestern Colorado. Archaeological and historical exhibits provide a great educational opportunity. There also is an extensive library containing research and artifacts. The Anasazi Heritage Center is great to visit before a trip to the Canyon of the Ancients and also can be enjoyed alone.

Once in the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, visitors are free to explore and discover the area on their own. Each experience is unique, as patrons are pretty much left on their own to see what they discover in this amazing outdoor museum. View ancient Pueblo dwellings, land, and environmental resources.

Because terrain is rough and weather can quickly change, there are some supplies you should have on hand first. Comfortable shoes are a must. They should be durable and able to withstand varied terrain. Hiking shoes are good for this, as they provide durability, traction, and protection. Also be sure to dress according to the weather. Even if it is sunny, a light sweater or jacket is recommended, in case the weather changes. This is not a complete supply list. Check at the Anasazi Heritage Center for current and expected weather conditions, as well as suggested supplies.

Sources:
http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/ahc.html
http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/nm/canm.html
http://www.recreation.gov/recAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&recAreaId=1696&contractCode=126

Do you have a competitive family? A family that loves hitting the put-put range, paintball courses, and any other place that offers family competition? Then why not think of ways to have tournaments at home? Not only will it save you money, but your family will also have more fun. This week, let's discuss having a bit of friendly competition on family night.

There are a number of different ways for families to have a tournament night at home. It all depends on what your family loves to do most. Your family may love to cook, play video games, or sports. Here are a few tips for turning a bit of family competition into cheap entertainment.

First of all, make the tournament worth winning. It may be a prize that you purchase, such as a small gift card. Or, the prize could be something you don't have to spend a dime on. For example, the winner of the weekly tournament could get out of chores for the following week. This not only encourages your children to want to play tournaments at home, but saves you a ton of money.

What would a tournament be without great food? When having a family tournament night, make it fun. For example, serve appetizers as a meal. You could also make homemade pizza or any other type of food you would normally enjoy while doing similar activities outside the home.

Last, but not least, keep it interesting. The same tournament every week will eventually get boring. Shake things up by having one family member pick the tournament for that week. The only rules are that it has to be something that can be done at home, doesn't require purchasing expensive equipment, and is something everyone can participate in.

Here are a few ideas for family tournaments:

• Cook Offs
• Video Game Challenges
• Team Sports
• Board Game Challenges

Shopping for maternity clothes can be frustrating, especially when you've been gaining weight and just don't feel like yourself anymore. However, there are some ways you can dress to flatter your figure and not settle for baggy, oversized clothing.

Form-fitting tops designed just for pregnant women will accentuate your baby bump and cinch at the waist just right, so you can maintain a stylish look. Whether you're in your first trimester or your third, here are the clothes that will help you hide pregnancy weight gain and flatter your natural curves:

1. Wear wrap tops with maternity jeans. Maternity jeans are designed with adjustable waistbands that will accommodate your growing belly, and you can look pulled-together and stylish with a gathered maternity wrap-top. These tops are slightly fitted under the chest area, and a V-neck or square neck design will draw attention upward.

2. Relax in an empire dress for a night out. Empire dresses are perfect for women who are pregnant because they are a freeform style that won't stick to you as you move. Some of today's most attractive styles include big flowery prints, lace trim and sheer overlays that are very pretty for summer.

3. Look for side-shirring dresses and tops. Side shirring and ruching help to hide bumps and lumps, making your silhouette appear sleeker and smoother. Look for tops and dresses that tie on one side of the waist for a fun and playful look.

4. Stick with tops that emphasize - not hide - the baby bump. Many women who are pregnant make the mistake of hiding in oversized, baggy tops, but this will only make them look larger. Choose tunic tops, blouses and shirts designed for pregnant women, because these will accentuate your baby bump and balance out your figure.

5. Avoid high-neck or boat-neck tops. When you want to balance out your figure, accentuate your curves with a slightly-fitted V-neck or scoop neck top. These cuts will draw attention upward and help you feel more feminine. Accessorize with an oversized necklace or large earrings to complete your look.

Gaining weight during pregnancy is natural, and you don't need to hide in oversized, unflattering clothing throughout your term. Just use some of these style tricks so you can accentuate your natural figure and show off that baby bump in high style!

If you are looking for a fun, inexpensive party to organize for your two to three-year-old child, you can take the simple game of Hide & Seek and build a complete set of party activities around the idea. This will be loads of fun and low-key. Parties really can be so simple for kids this age. Take a look at the Hide & Seek fun to be had:

1. Play Hide & Go Seek ~ the classic game, of course.
2. If adults will be attending the party, reverse it and have the kids look for their parents.
3. Provide toddler-sized boxes that are either pre-decorated by you or that the toddlers can decorate themselves.

What a great craft activity! Have them use markers, crayons, etc. to make their own “Jack In the Box.” (This can also be the take home goody from the party!)

4. Play Jack In The Box. Have the kids climb into the box, and duck down so as not to be seen. Play music, and let the kids pop up just as a Jack In The Box would do.
5. Hide a Piñata that the kids must find in order to enjoy the fun.
6. Organize a treasure hunt for chocolate gold coins.
7. Make a mock tent using a large cardboard box and a sheet. Let each child hide in the tent and pop out surprising the others. You can ask them to pop out using their imagination and become a lion, a dog, a cat, etc.
8. Give them boxes of Cracker Jacks to enjoy finding their prizes.
9. Hide candy treats in a batch of cupcakes. The kids will discover the surprise as they enjoy their cakes.
10. Play “I Spy.”
11. Read books that have flaps to reveal hidden pictures.
12. Have the kids make creations using Play Dough. Hide some small prizes in each little Play Dough jar for the kids to discover.

There will be plenty of surprises and prizes for the kids to find and take home at this party. This is very low-cost, high fun party for the toddlers. Amazing how a classic game can give a party full of kids a great afternoon.

Barbecue has to be one of the greatest things about summer. The fall off the bone ribs, juicy chicken, and tender pulled pork is enough to make your mouth water. Of course, going out to a great barbecue joint can be expensive. Thankfully, there are ways to save money by making barbecue in your own kitchen.

First of all, let's talk meat. You don't have to buy baby back ribs, boneless and skinless chicken breasts, or pork loin to make good barbecue. In fact, some of the best barbecue is made by using less expensive cuts. Country style ribs, for example, are made from the meat cut from in between the rib bones. Why pay more for baby back ribs, which are mostly bone? When it comes to chicken breast though, on the bone is better. As the meat cooks, the bones help keep the meat moist and flavorful. And, let's not forget Boston butt. While it may look like a fatty piece of meat, it makes the best pulled pork you'll ever eat.

What about cooking all these delicious meats? Ribs and Boston butt do wonderfully in a slow cooker. You can cook the meat 8-12 hours and the meat will be fall apart tender. Chicken breasts on the other hand do best on the grill or even in a grill pan. If you want your barbecue now though, look no further than the pressure cooker.

You can also find recipes online for homemade barbecue sauce, but most store bought sauces are very affordable and there's a flavor to suit almost any palate. Whether you like the tangy taste of North Carolina barbecue or the sweeter taste that comes from Memphis, you'll find a store bought sauce to please your taste buds. Also, don't forget that many barbecue joints sell bottles of their sauce.

Here's how I do my country style ribs:

2 pounds of country style ribs
Barbecue sauce, any flavor

1. Slow cook the ribs for 8 - 10 hours, depending on your slow cooker.
2. Remove the ribs from the cooker and place on a cookie sheet.
3. Coat with barbecue sauce and bake at 350 until the sauce adheres to the ribs, about 15 - 20 minutes.

One of the biggest challenges during a pregnancy is finding well-fitting, comfortable and stylish clothes throughout each trimester. As your body changes shape and size in a few months, it can be hard to keep up with the latest trends and look your best. Building a maternity wardrobe of basics is one of the best ways to stay ahead of the trends and look stylish throughout your term. All you need to do is find some versatile pieces that can be modified to suit your shape as you grow.

Pregnant women fare well with A-line skirts and loose, tunic tops throughout the days of pregnancy. Stick with loose and flowing materials and styles that don't cinch at the waist or those that are made with body-hugging stretch materials. Wrap or tank dresses, and loose blouses and tops with an adjustable waist band or belt are ideal for the mom-to-be.

You will also need a pair of comfortable, well-fitting jeans and dress pants. Avoid wearing oversized jeans that don't flatter your figure, and stick with a pair with a slightly flare leg or similar style so that you can still look fashionable. Maternity jeans are usually designed with an adjustable, extendable waistband, so you can wear these through each season. The same goes for maternity dress pants. Pick a pair with a bootcut, straight wide-leg or flare style to keep in line with the season's trends.

Another important must-have during pregnancy is a set of supportive undergarments and camisoles. You can achieve that sleek silhouette even with a baby bump when you learn how to layer your clothes properly. A snug but comfortable, fitted camisole will help you achieve smoother lines under all your clothes, and provide you with some extra support. This will give you more confidence overall, and help you look your best with any outfit!

Finding the right set of maternity clothes with your tastes and body shape in mind can be difficult, but not impossible. If you don't want to compromise on style and the latest trends throughout the term of your pregnancy, focus on building your basics wardrobe so you can stay stylish and comfortable during the months ahead.

Are you the CEO of your Household?

Women are becoming the CEOs of their household running all operations from maintaining a full time job, to taking care of the car, to running their kids to rehearsals or practice, and being there for their spouse or significant other. Well, we have a lot of those here at Zappos.com and they are going to share with us how they do it.

So visit www.hhceo.billmelater.com and make a video telling us what it takes to fill your shoes.

Don't you love those lazy weekend days when you just kick back in front of the TV with your favorite snacks? A lazy Saturday every now and then really is good for the soul. And, while the snacks may not be good for your body, they're definitely good for the soul after a hard week at work. Unfortunately, they aren't always good for the wallet. Just a few snacks added to your grocery bill can really increase the total. This week, let's discuss different ways to save money in the kitchen while feeding those cravings for munchies.

First of all, don't be afraid to try store brands. Some store brand snacks are better tasting than the expensive brand name products. You'll never know which ones are best until you give them a try.

Second, never buy snacks that are easy to prepare at home. For example, microwave popcorn may be convenient, but popcorn kernels are a lot less expensive. Best of all, they taste better and allow you to create your own flavors.

Last, but not least, buy in bulk when it's less expensive to do so. Take a look at the unit prices and if the bulk package is bigger, and you're sure it will all be eaten, grab it. You can always repackage snacks into smaller containers and you can even freeze some snacks for later.

Of course, what would our weekly blog be without a recipe to get you started? This week, why not save some money in the kitchen with this easy recipe?

Cheesy Cocktail Weenies

2 cans of Pillsbury Crescent Roll Creations
8 ounces of smoked cocktail weenies
1 container of cheese in a can

1. Roll out the crescent roll dough and cut into short strips.
2. Place a cocktail weenie on each piece of dough, top with cheese, and roll.
3. Place the weenies on a nonstick cookie sheet seam side down.
4. Bake in 375 degree oven for 15 minutes, or until brown.
5. Serve with extra cheese sauce if desired.

Banana Splits are so yummy, especially for kids during summertime. One of the BEST parts of this ice cream classic is that you can either make your own concoctions or stick to the tried and true. If your child loves to make and eat banana splits, a great summer-themed party could revolve all around making, judging, and eating them!

Make invitations using bright yellow construction paper cut out into the shape of bananas. Write all of the party details on one side, and draw brown spots on the other. Alternatively, hand-deliver real bananas with tags tied to them that include all of the party details. In the invitation, ask the guests to bring their own favorite ingredient for making banana splits along with them, or have them bring a banana that they dress up in some way, i.e. with a hat on it.

Decorate the party area with yellow and brown balloons, streamers, and party ware. Have a large piece of butcher paper lying flat on a table. The kids can draw a huge banana split together and hang it in the party area.

Make the banana splits on the party table. Be sure to arrange the table so that there are dishes with all of the toppings laid out, as well as spoons, bowls, etc. You may want to pull the chairs away from the table while the kids are making their sundaes.

The main activity of the party will be making banana splits. You can have a competition where the kids make their splits using the ingredients you have laid out and the special ingredient they brought. Hold a tasting competition, where everyone gets to taste everyone else’s and wins prizes.

If you have had the kids bring a banana that is “dressed up,” have a competition to see whose is most creative, the funniest, etc. Hand out banana candies as prizes and make sure everyone wins!

Play Pass the Banana like Pass the Parcel.

Have the kids jump up and down and do “banana splits!”

Hold a series of relay races with bananas. Divide the kids into two teams, and have a bowl of bananas at the opposite end of where the kids race from. When a kid runs down, he or she must peel a banana, eat it, place the peel on his or her head, and race back to the team. The first team done wins!

For another relay race, have the kids peel a banana at the start, race down to the other end and make a mini banana split, eat it, and race back. The next kid must do the same. The first team done wins!

If there's anything most kids agree on, it would be that dinosaurs are cool. Most kids also love adventure and discovery. With a dinosaur expedition, they can experience all that and more. The Museum of Western Colorado offers various dinosaur dig choices.

In an interactive paleontology lesson, kids can explore various areas of Western Colorado and discover real dinosaur bones. Not only do they get to help discover the dinosaur bones, but kids also have the chance to help the paleontologists recover the bones from the excavation site. The real quarry sites and outdoor discovery give kids an experience that will likely be remembered for quite some time.

There are various adventure options to choose from, some lasting one day and some lasting five. Depending on the adventure chosen, the dinosaur dig also may involve other interesting activities and lessons. Examining dinosaur footprints and logging data, touring local geology sites, river rafting, touring a paleontology lab, and much more could all be part of the adventure.

Children who already enjoy reading and learning about the discovery of dinosaurs will be thrilled at the chance to actually see and participate in the real thing. If they are currently learning about this in school, this is a great addition to their studies. If not, it is still a wonderful educational opportunity.

Kids and adults will need to be prepared for this one-of-a-kind adventure. The weather in Western Colorado is constantly changing, so be sure that everyone is appropriately prepared. Digging, exploration, and activity supplies are provided, as are meals and refreshments. Some necessary things to bring along for each person include insect repellent, a hat, sunscreen, durable footwear and a lightweight jacket or sweater. Dress according to the weather forecast.

The dinosaur dig expeditions are for kids and adults aged 5 and up. Participation of kids under 16 requires that a parent attend. Of course, that should be no problem because this is such a fun adventure, parents can't help but join in. Besides, it provides a great opportunity for bonding, as well as a chance for parents and kids to learn something unique together.

Sources:
http://www.museumofwesternco.com/dino-digs/
http://www.museumofwesternco.com/dino-digs/plan-your-dig/
http://www.museumofwesternco.com/dino-digs/digging-schedule/

Does your family enjoy Mexican food? If so, you probably head to your favorite Mexican place at least every other week. But, why? Mexican food is easy to prepare at home. Plus, many of the dishes contain the same ingredients, making it easy to prepare four different meals in one night. This week, let's discuss having taco night at home.

The typical family of four would spend the following on a night at their favorite Mexican restaurant:

Drinks $8
Appetizers $5
Four entrees $32
Dessert $12
Total $57

A meal at home on the other hand is much more affordable!

Nachos
Tortilla chips $3
Cheese sauce $4
Refried beans $1
Sour cream $2
Green onions $1
Salsa $3

Tacos
Tortillas $3
Taco shells $2
93% lean ground beef (1 pound) $5
Taco seasoning $1
Lettuce $2

"Fried" Ice Cream
Caramel swirl or vanilla ice cream (1 pint) $4
Frosted Flakes cereal $4

Drinks
2 liter of soda $2

Total: $37

Note that you can use leftover nacho toppings to top the tacos. You can also save money by purchasing a kit that includes soft tortillas, taco shells, and taco seasoning. A few other ways to save money include buying 80-85% lean ground beef, making your own tortilla chips and taco seasoning, and serving water.

You could change this meal up a thousand different ways and still save money. And remember, when items your family uses on a continuous basis go on sale, stock up! You'll save even more money at family night when you have some of the items stashed away. And, if you're wondering how to make "fried" ice cream, here's a recipe.

"Fried" Ice Cream
1 pint of ice cream, scooped into 4 half cup servings
4 cups of Frosted Flakes, lightly crushed
Caramel or chocolate sauce, optional

1.Shape the ice cream into balls and freeze while dinner is being prepared and served.
2.Roll the ice cream in crushed cereal and top with sauce right before serving.
Rolling the ice cream in the cereal before serving ensures that it stays crunchy and seems more like it just came out of the deep fryer.

Shifting hormones, swollen feet and changes in body temperature that accompany pregnancy can make it hard to tolerate the hot days of summer and enjoy the great outdoors. However, there are some ways to reduce problematic symptoms and r-e-l-a-x! Wearing the right shoes can help you get through those sauna-like days with ease, and there are a few styles that are the perfect fit for any mom-to-be.

The best picks for pregnant women are flats, kitten heels or low platforms. This season's gladiator flats are the perfect match for any mom-to-be. Stylish and casual, these flats will carry you through those shopping ventures and errand runs with ease.

Kitten heels are a great fit for special occasions or any time you need to dress up a little. They're a much more comfortable and safe choice than pencil-thin heels or your regular pumps, and will give you a few inches of extra height without the pain. If you do feel pain or tension in your ankles and feet, slip on a pair of insoles for some extra support.

If the weekend calls for jeans or khakis, consider throwing on a pair of low-heeled platform sandals. The great thing about platforms is that you have instant support, regardless of the height of the heel. Chunky platforms are another hot look for the summer, and you can choose from a variety of open-toe and pump styles. Just make sure they're made with a breathable upper leather or canvas material.

Ballet flats are another great shoe pick for the mom to be. These versatile, comfortable and stylish shoes can be worn with pretty much anything, and are available in a wide range of styles, colors and designs. Ballet flats are especially comfortable for women who have a tendency of getting swollen feet after standing for long periods of time.

Finally, the thong sandalneeds to become a mainstay of your summer wardrobe. This season's thong sandals have gotten a makeover with pretty details including gemstones, beads, oversized jewels and metallic accents. Pick out something that will complement your sassy style, and look forward to being comfortable all day long!

Do you love appetizers and find yourself bringing home frozen varieties each week? Why?!? These have to be one of the most expensive items in the store. Seriously, we all buy them and love their convenience. But, what if you could make delicious appetizers at home? Would you still buy frozen ones at your local grocery store? This week, let's discuss how you can save money in the kitchen by making appetizers at home.

First of all, remember that the internet is full of free recipes. You can even find copycat recipes that mimic your favorite restaurants and brand name products. Thanks to website like, CopyKat Recipes, you can find free recipes to make your favorite appetizers.

If you're a cookbook collector like me though, you may want to try some of the popular copycat cookbooks that are available, such as the Top Secret Recipes series. Some restaurants even sell cookbooks that feature their popular recipes.

Now, I know what you're thinking. Saving money is all well and good, but what about the convenience of frozen appetizers? Thankfully, you can have that in your kitchen as well. Many appetizers can be prepared ahead of time and frozen, either before or after cooking, depending on the recipe. This means that all you have to do is pop them in the oven or deep fryer and you'll have fresh appetizers in a matter of minutes. Want an example? Try out these mozzarella sticks.

3 Ingredient Mozzarella Sticks
Serves 4

1 (16 ounce) block of mozzarella cheese
3 eggs, beaten
3 to 4 cups Italian bread crumbs

1. Cut the mozzarella into sticks, about ½ inch thick.
2. Coat the sticks in egg and then toss in bread crumbs.
3. Place on a sprayed cookie sheet, spray the tops of the sticks, and bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes, or until golden brown, turning after five minutes.

Tip: If you like, you can freeze the mozzarella sticks on a cookie sheet before baking and then transfer them to a zip top bag for easier storage. Simply increase the bake time to 20 minutes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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