Every day, more and more families lose part of their household income. This means that some of the things families have taken for granted over the years are suddenly out of the question. Take football tickets for instance. When a household income is suddenly cut, it can be impossible for a family to afford season tickets. Thankfully, there are many inexpensive ways for your family to enjoy football night without spending a fortune.

First of all, if your family simply enjoys football, why not go watch local high school football games? Not only are these games more affordable, but it's fun to support a local team. Plus, many high schools charge less than $10 per ticket. High school students can even get in at a discounted price. Not to mention that the snacks are more affordable.

When times are tough, don't forget that some of the best games can be watched through satellite and are included in the price you're already paying. For special games, you may have to pay to see them on pay-per-view, but if the game is really important, everyone can pool their money together to pay for it.

If times are really tough, you can also listen to games on the radio or sometimes watch them online. If you're looking for a game that isn't local, satellite radio is a good option. You can even find online radio broadcasts by visiting the team's website.

As you can see, there are a number of different ways for your family to enjoy their favorite football games for less money. Best of all, you can prepare snacks at home for a fraction of the cost that the stadiums charge. Let's take a look at what I mean.

Stadium Snacks for a Family of Four"
Hot Dogs $24
Drinks $12
Popcorn $10
Total: $46

Snacks at Home"
Hot Dogs $10
Drinks $2
Popcorn $4
Total: $16

That's a huge savings. Not to mention, that you'll never miss a play heading to the snack bar.

Being plus-sized and pregnant doesn't mean you need to wear miu-miu dresses and tops, hide in oversized tunics and t-shirts, and shy away from flaunting your figure. Plus-size moms-to-be can be just as stylish and trendy as their thinner counterparts because looking great has nothing to do with your weight!

Pregnancy is a great time to become more comfortable with your body and wear clothes that flatter you. In order to wear the latest styles and trends, you'll need to invest in some quality clothing that accommodate for your growing body. Here's what you need to know:

1. Stick with Lycra and knit tops. You need clothes that will stretch and conform to your changing body shape, not clothes that will constrict you or hug you too tight. Choose knit tops that are made with Lycra so you can enjoy the benefits of stretch fibers throughout your term.

2. Shop the maternity line, even in the plus-size section. It can be tempting to just go up a few sizes when shopping for maternity clothes, but you won't fit into these pieces of clothing properly. Shopping for maternity clothes in the plus-size section ensures that your clothes will fit you properly and accommodate your growing belly.

3. Get fitted for your pants and skirts. If you're unsure about the size you should wear for pants and skirts, get fitted by a tailor so you truly are wearing the right size. Once you know your size, you can purchase pants and skirts from the maternity department, because these are made with elastic waists and will accommodate baby bumps with ease.

4. Wear empire-waist tops and dresses for special occasions. Empire-waist tops and dresses are ideal for the pregnant woman because they emphasize your natural waistline and don't cinch or pinch around your baby bump. Look for these styles when shopping the special occasion section of the plus size department.

5. Wear larger prints and patterns to complement your figure. Wearing bold and large prints will complement your larger figure better than teeny-tiny flower prints and other delicate patterns. Look for these prints in either your top or your bottoms for a figure-flattering look.

When you're on a budget, a birthday party can seem extremely expensive. This is especially true if the birthday party is hosted outside the home. Everything from a cake to the meal can cost a fortune when celebrating at a local restaurant. Instead of spending a fortune on birthday parties, why not save some money in the kitchen and make your own birthday cake and party foods?

A restaurant meal is a special way to celebrate a birthday. But, making someone their favorite meal from scratch means so much more. That's especially true if it's a meal you don't make very often because it's expensive or time consuming. This is the perfect way to celebrate when only a few people will be coming over.

If a lot of people will be attending the party, food plattersare a wonderful idea. As always, you will definitely save money by putting platters together yourself. You will also save more money the more you have to do. For example, instead of buying cheese cubes, buy large blocks of cheese and cut them yourself.

The most important part of any birthday party is of course the cake. Just because you'll be making the cake at home doesn't mean you have to go with a mix. In fact, making a cake from scratch is much more affordable. Not to mention that they taste a lot better. There are literally hundreds of recipes online.

Speaking of recipes, the following recipe is great for entertaining.

Buffalo Chicken and Onion Rollups
Serves 20

1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken, cooked and shredded
10 burrito sized tortillas
8 ounce package of cream cheese, softened
½ package of ranch dressing mix
Buffalo wing sauce
1 cup of chopped green onions

1. Toss the shredded chicken with enough buffalo wing sauce to make it moist.
2. Mix the softened cream cheese with the ranch dressing mix and spread onto the tortillas.
3. Top with green onions and roll.
4. Cut each roll into five pieces and serve on a large platter.

Toting around the right bag for your body type is an important fashion 'do', but what do you do when your natural silhouette now has a baby bump? The pregnancy bulge can't be hidden behind an oversized tote (nor should it be), so you need to find a bag that will complement your natural body shape and your outfit. Here are some tips for choosing the right type of tote when you're pregnant:

First, you need to steer clear of loud prints. Most women draw plenty of attention to the baby bump during the second and third trimester, so there's no need to add extra flair to your ensemble. If you need to sport an oversized tote for day-to-day travels, stick with simple lines and the single-color variety. A glossy patent leather tote or oversized bucket bag in your favorite color are great additions to the mom-to-be's wardrobe.

Second, make sure your bag has plenty of strap support. If you're carrying a laptop, heavy books and other accessories around all day, you need to make sure the straps on the bag will support your shoulders and upper back. Invest in a sturdy tote with thick handles and straps so that you are getting the support you need. When you're pregnant, aches and pains in the upper back and shoulders are more common, so you can take some preventive measures by toting around the right type of bag.

Finally, make sure the bag has plenty of compartments to keep you organized during your busy day. Pregnancy can make you more stressed out than usual, so the last thing you want to worry about is where all of your daily accessories and gadgets are. Find a durable, sturdy bag designed with extra compartments so that you can keep all of your daily essentials in order. You may need extra room for medication, relaxation tapes and a CD player, and your favorite book if you're heading out on an all-day trip.

There are dozens of fashionable and functional totes out there. Take the time to find a bag that suits your style and meets your everyday needs during pregnancy.

The kids have gone back to school and the parents finally have a bit of time for themselves. Unfortunately, the economy has made it hard to go out for an expensive night on the town. That's not a problem though. This weekend, send the kids to grandma's house and enjoy a romantic dinner at home while saving money in the kitchen.

Why spend close to $100 at an expensive restaurant when you could create a romantic dinner at home? The truth is that not only will you save money, but you can also create a romantic atmosphere at home. In fact, a dinner at home allows for much more romance than any restaurant ever could.

First of all, decorate the dining space for the special occasion. If you don't have a fancy tablecloth, use a white sheet tied at the corners with ribbon. Place candles on the table and break out the good china. You could also add fresh flowers.

Now that the mood of the room is set, it's time to think about the menu. You can't go wrong with steak, but another romantic option is Cornish game hens. They are perfect served with wild rice and roasted asparagus. Of course, what would dinner be without a romantic dessert?

Cheesecake Hearts
1 frozen plain cheesecake, thawed
6 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon shortening
Whipped cream
Strawberries

1. Use a heart shaped cookie cutter to cut the cheesecake into hearts.
2. Freeze the cheesecake.
3. Mix the chocolate chips and shortening together and melt in a double boiler.
4. Dip the frozen hearts into the melted chocolate.
5. Place the hearts in the refrigerator until firm or ready to serve.
6. When ready to serve, top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.

A romantic dinner doesn't have to cost a fortune. In fact, this menu could be prepared for less than $40. And it truly is a great way to ring in the back to school season.

Are you guilty of turning to restaurants when you need a quick meal? I'll admit that even I used to eat out at least four nights a week because my boyfriend and I work 10 hour days. But, I discovered just how quickly I could cook meals with a pressure cooker. I know what you're thinking and I used to think the same thing too. You're wondering about the safety of pressure cookers. Today's pressure cookers are nothing like they used to be. The new digital models have several built in safety features that keep them from exploding. This week, let's talk about saving money in the kitchen by using a pressure cooker.

Pressure cookers come in a variety of different sizes to fit your needs. They also have several different features that make them versatile. For example, many digital pressure cookers include a slow cooker function. This means you can get the convenience of two great appliances in one. This not only saves money, but it saves space as well. The digital models even have a brown function which allows you to brown meat and sauté vegetables before cooking.

Speaking of meat and vegetables, a pressure cooker can cook them in a fraction of the time of other cooking methods. You can enjoy a roast in a little over an hour. Vegetables can even be cooked in less than 5 minutes. But, you can do more with your pressure cooker. They can also be used to make soups, rice, and even desserts.

Of course, what would an introduction to pressure cookers be without a recipe?

Creamy Mushroom and Onion Pork Loin
Serves 6 - 8

3 pound pork loin roast
8 ounces of sliced mushrooms
1 large onion, sliced
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 pack of onion soup mix
Chicken stock

1. Place the pork loin roast fat side up in the pressure cooker.
2. Top the roast with mushrooms and onions.
3. Mix the soups together and add enough chicken stock to equal 2 cups of liquid (or more depending on the needs of your pressure cooker).
4. Cook on high pressure for 70 minutes.
5. Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, and rolls.

It's that time of year again. Parents are smiling, while children are whining. School is almost back in session and that means school lunches. Parents have many choices. Parents can fix a bagged lunch, pay for a school lunch program, or drop off their children's lunch from a local fast food restaurant. Obviously, the healthiest and most affordable option is to create bagged lunches for your children. This week, let's discuss how you can save money in the kitchen by making bagged school lunches.

The most popular bagged lunch item is the classic sandwich. But, let's face it. The plain old PB&J can get a bit boring after a while. For a little something different, why not try topping raisin bread with slices of green apple, all natural peanut butter, and honey? It's not only a delicious treat, but healthy as well.

What about those children that love those expensive lunch kits? How can parents save money on those? First of all, buy some crackers, cheese, and luncheon meat to create the classic. For something a little special add mini bagels, pizza sauce, cheese, and turkey pepperoni to the lunch box so kids can make mini pizzas.

On those cold winter days, make use of the classic thermos by sending soups, chili, and even stews to school with your kids. If you really want to create a special lunch, surprise your kids with a thermos filled with hot chocolate for dessert.

Speaking of desserts, this week's recipe not only saves you money, but it's much healthier than most lunchbox desserts.

Personal Pudding Parfait
1 snack sized pack of sugar-free chocolate pudding
4 crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
4 tablespoons fat-free whipped cream
2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips

1. Layer half the pudding, half the cookies, half the whipped cream, and half the chocolate chips in a small sealable plastic container.
2. Repeat the layers.

Bagged school lunches don't have to be expensive or even boring. With a bit of creativity, parents can prepare meals that are delicious, healthy, fun and affordable.

Does your family love a certain TV show and make sure to catch it every week? Then why not watch it together instead of having three or four TVs tuned into the same program? This is a wonderful way to spend family night, not only because it's something everyone enjoys, but it's also extremely affordable. This week, let's bring the family together around the TV.

This may sound a bit boring at first. You may even be asking how watching a TV show together can be a family activity. The key is to make it more than just watching a TV show. You have to make it fun and that's exactly what you're going to learn to do.

Each week, gather the family together about 30 minutes before the show begins and let each family member make predictions about what will happen. It may be a certain singer getting kicked off, a couple failing in love, or even who committed a murder. The person that makes the right prediction can get a prize. It may be an inexpensive item picked up at a local department store, a gift card, or even a coupon to get out of doing weekly chores.

Next, get retro. Remember how people used to gather around TVs when they were first made available to the public? They even ate their meals in front of the TV, not wanting to miss one moment of the new technology. While TV dinners may not be as appetizing as they once were, you can still create that feeling with homemade food. At local department stores, you can find lunchroom trays for around $2 a piece. This makes dinnertime so much fun. Of course, the experience wouldn't be complete without some retro TV trays.

This week, stop tuning into your favorite program by yourself and enjoy it with the entire family. Not only will the show be more enjoyable, but you'll get to spend time with your family. It doesn't get any better than that.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Baked Potato Salad
Serves 6-8

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

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

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

Pepperoni and Mozzarella Pasta Salad
Serves 6-8

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

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

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