It's the 'magic formula' that savvy parents have learned to live by; buying just enough clothing to get you through the season and making sure it will keep your baby comfortable and happy during the days ahead. Here are some tips for selecting the right outfits for your newborn:

Choose the Right Fabrics
A baby's skin is super sensitive, so you'll need to make sure they're not experiencing any allergic reactions to new fabrics and that the cotton or polyester blends you pick allow your baby's skin to breathe. Keep an eye out for any rashes or breakouts and read the material labels closely to reduce the risk of skin irritation.

Stock up on Day and Night Outfits
You can dress up baby in lighter clothes by day, but you'll need to layer things up or buy thicker clothing for bedtime. Temperatures can fluctuate considerably during any season, and your baby will be the first one to feel it; make sure they're plenty warm and comfortable with the right type of clothing throughout the day and don't be afraid to undertake an outfit change a few times per day if needed.

Buy Packs of Multiples
If you can find multi-packs of onesies, socks and other ensembles, you can easily save some money on baby outfits. Many brands now offer multiple packs for basics, so you can shave off a few dollars from the clothing budget without compromising quality fabrics and designs for your little one.

Go for the Poppers
Popper buttons on onesies, jackets and dresses are much easier to manage than traditional buttons. When the daily schedule demands several diaper changes, popper buttons allow you to get baby in and out of their outfit in a snap. Look for small details like these to save you time and energy during those busy days ahead!

Aim for the Six-Piece Closet
Newborns will grow out of every piece of clothing within a few months; you'll need to shop only for three months at a time, and if you're on a very tight budget, aim for just six pieces of clothing per season.

One of the most unique activities that you can participate in is snowshoeing. This is a fun winter family activity that can be accomplished by parents and children of a variety of ages. Indeed, snowshoeing is something that younger children can do. It has been said that if you can walk, you can snowshoe. It is a great opportunity to introduce your kids to fun outdoor winter activities. Additionally, snowshoeing can be a great forerunner to skiing. If you want to introduce your kids to skiing down the road, snowshoeing is a good start. You can even use poles to make it easier to get through the snow.

Snowshoeing can also be incorporated into sledding. Bring your sleds and use the snowshoes to help you climb the hill more easily. Then enjoy riding the sled downhill. In fact, bringing a sled is a good idea, since the kids might get tired after an hour or so. (And an hour is about right for young kids and outdoor winter activities.)

Also, it is worth noting (during these times of economic turmoil) that snowshoeing is also a relatively inexpensive. You can get pairs of snowshoes for between $100 and $300. Renting snowshoes is also inexpensive. Perhaps you should try snowshoeing as a family, and if you enjoy it, consider buying the shoes for outings down the road. Snowshoeing is often less expensive than skiing -- especially for larger families. And, of course, skiing can be difficult for the very young.

Another nice thing about snowshoeing, especially if you own your own shoes, is that you can go out near your home after a fresh snowfall. When you get snowed in, strap on the snowshoes and watch how your neighborhood becomes a different and adventure-filled place to explore. Plus, you'll be nearby so that you can go in and enjoy some hot chocolate or make some cookies when your adventure ends.

We all have those days when we simply don't feel like cooking. You may have a cold, the weather may be dreary, or you may just be tired. This is when fast food signs seem to glimmer on the way home. You're so tempted to hit the drive thru, but you know it's not healthy. How can you prepare a healthy meal for your family without spending hours in the kitchen? Don't worry. There are recipes that can be prepared quickly so that you can get the rest you need.

Roasted Chicken and Vegetable Pizza
Serves 4 to 6

4 cups of roasted chicken, any flavor from supermarket
1 whole wheat pizza crust
½ cup of low-fat Alfredo sauce
1 ½ cups 2-percent shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
1 large red onion, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, julienned
4 ounces of mushrooms, sliced
4 ounces of black olives, pitted and sliced
2 large Roma tomatoes, chopped

1. Remove the skin from the chicken breast and chop into bite sized pieces.
2. Top the pizza crust with the Alfredo sauce, cheese, chicken and vegetables.
3. Bake according to the directions on the pizza crust.
4. Serve with a side salad.

Tips: To cut even more time, hit the salad bar while picking up the roast chicken. You'll find all the vegetables you need and then all you need to do is chop some chicken, assemble the pizza and bake.

Creamy Orange Shakes
Serves 4

2 to 3 cups of orange juice, depending on the thickness you like
2 cups of orange sherbet
2 cups of fat-free vanilla frozen yogurt

1. Pour the ingredients into the blender in the order listed.
2. Blend until smooth and serve in a frosty glass.

If you're worn out and don't feel like cooking, these recipes are just what you need. All you really need to do is assemble these recipes and let the appliances do all the work. All it takes is a quick trip to the grocery store and you'll be able avoid that dreaded drive-thru food.

Today many families rely on electronics to keep them entertained. While electronic gadgets from video games to computers are fine forms of entertainment, it is sometimes good to do something together as a family that doesn't involve popping in a video or game disc. One of the best ways to improve your connection as a family is to learn to do something together as a family. This is especially true when you have multiples as everyone can participate in the learning experience.

Woodworking Projects
Woodworking projects are great for families with multiples. Woodworking projects are great because there are many different levels of skills that are involved in completing a project. This means that simpler tasks, like sanding and gluing can be done by younger kids, while the more complicated tasks can be handled by the parents. What is great about woodworking projects, like building an activity table, is that you have to work together as a family to complete the project and when you are done you have something special to show for your efforts.

Learning a New Language as a Family
Learning a new language as a family is another fun activity that works well for families with multiples. You can learn a new language by taping language cards to various items in your home so you all can learn new vocabulary words, you can go to local cultural events and you can also go to ethnic restaurants where you can practice ordering food in your new language. You can also watch your kids' favorite movie in the language that you are learning. To do this you will need to go to the settings in the movie disc and change the language setting.

Learn Traditional Skills
While modern conveniences like sewing machines and electric tools make completing many tasks a lot easier, it is sometimes good to show your kids how things were done before these inventions were created. For example, you can all learn to sew clothing by hand or to saw pieces of wood by hand for a special project. This not only provides your multiples with new skills, but it helps them appreciate the modern conveniences that are in their world.

Playing in the snow is one of my favorite winter family recreation activities. Unfortunately, in the depths of winter, it isn't always easy to get outside; sometimes it's just too cold! So on days like this, it is a good idea to think of some indoor family activities that you can play.

Educational Activities and Games
Especially on a snow day, family recreation can benefit the kids when it is educational. Some of the educational and brain building things that you can do together include:

• Visualization
• Matching
• Word games (for the older children)
• Drawing games (such as Pictionary)
• Reading aloud
• Creating stories

Playing educational games can help children enjoy learning, as well as keep them sharp. My husband and I like playing Cranium games with my son on cold days, because they have active portions, as well as different activities that require different creative skills.

Getting Exercise on a Cold Day
If it is too cold to go outside and exercise, it can be done in the house. There are workout videos for children, and it can be fun to put on workout clothes and do some exercising together. You can learn to enjoy cardio, yoga and stretching together as a family. This is also beneficial, since it provides a chance to talk about health habits. You can prepare healthy snacks together afterward.

Other indoor family recreation activities that can be enjoyable, depending on your family's talents and tastes, include holding an indoor picnic in the family room, creating and performing a play, making music together and playing board and card games. All of these activities promote family togetherness and can give you a good chance to build fond memories.

There are plenty of options for indoor family recreation. There is no reason to let inclement weather keep you from having good family fun.

Salmon is a great source of heart healthy fat. While you may enjoy salmon sautéed in olive oil with a side of steamed vegetables, your children may turn their noses up at this healthy meal. Thankfully, there are ways to make salmon more appealing to children. The key is use salmon to prepare foods and recipes they already love.

Salmon Sticks
Serves 4
1 pound of thick salmon filets
1 cup of flour
4 egg whites, beaten
2 cups of bread crumbs
2 tablespoons of ranch dressing mix
Cooking spray

1. Cut the salmon into sticks about 2 inches long and half an inch wide.
2. Place the flour and egg whites in separate shallow dishes.
3. In a third shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs with the ranch dressing mix.
4. Dip the salmon sticks in the flour, then the egg whites and the seasoned bread crumbs.
5. Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray and place the sticks in a single layer. Spray with additional cooking spray and bake at 400 degrees until cooked through, about 20 to 30 minutes.
6. Turn the sticks halfway through the cooking process.
7. Serve with a salad or baked French fries.

Salmon Tacos
Serves 4
1 pound of salmon, deboned and trimmed of skin
½ teaspoon of cumin
½ teaspoon of chili powder
1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon of sea salt
Olive oil
Whole wheat tortillas
Shredded lettuce
Salsa

1. In a small bowl, mix the spices together and sprinkle them onto the salmon.
2. Coat the bottom of a large skillet with olive oil and sauté salmon until cooked through and browned on both sides.
3. Use two forks to break apart the salmon and then top each tortilla with a ¼ of the salmon.
4. Top with lettuce, tomatoes and salsa.
5. Serve with baked tortilla chips.

These recipes are only a starting point for introducing your children to salmon. Play around with this wonderful ingredient and discover more recipes your children will love. As they get older, they'll be more apt to eat salmon on salads and even by itself.

"I want an official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle (BB gun) with a compass in the stock and a thing which tells time."

Just about everybody recognizes that Christmas wish made by Ralphie Parker in A Christmas Story. The BB gun has been a traditional Christmas gift since at least Ralphie's time, and for those who are interested in a little bit of history to go along with owning a Daisy Air Rifle, why not take some time to visit the Daisy Airgun Museum in Rogers, Arkansas.

Red Ryder and Buzz Barton should bring back solid memories to some parents who grew up with their own rifles. While you can't actually find that really cool model that Ralphie would have sold his soul to own in A Christmas Story (because it never actually existed), you can see every other model that Daisy ever made. But the really impressive part of the Daisy Airgun Museum is that it goes well beyond just being a commercial showcase for the company's products.

This museum is also a history of the airgun itself. One of the most fascinating parts of the history of airguns is one that is incredibly important for kids to learn. An airgun is a gun; it's not a toy. It can do harm if handled improperly. When you take the kids to this museum, they will learn that even a powerful man like Napoleon Bonaparte recognized the dangers of putting an airgun into the wrong hands. He actually ordered anyone found with the precursor to Ralphie's 200-shot model air rifle to be put to death.

Another really cool bit of trivia that kids will love is that an astronaut used a customized air rifle to project himself through space. The Daisy Airgun Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

During the winter months it is difficult to keep the kids busy, especially when the weather makes it impossible for them to go outside to play. On these particularly wintery days you need to have a few standby activities that will keep your multiples entertained. These activities include things like games, science projects and even learning how to do things around the house.

Card Games for Wintery Days
Some of the easiest winter day activities to put together are card games. Card games are great because they are inexpensive, appropriate for all age levels and teach various skills. Young kids can play card games like go fish and memory, while older kids will enjoy learning more mature games like Hearts, Solitaire, Blackjack and even Poker. All of these games teach you special skills such as matching, strategizing, counting and calculating odds.

Playing Dress Up
Another quick activity that you can pull together for a winter game is dress up. Dress up is fun, and all you need is a basket, a pile of old clothes and accessories and a little imagination. For this game you can let your multiples rummage through the basket and put together an outfit.

Cooking and Baking
If your multiples are really bored, let them help you make a treat in the kitchen. Young kids can help you with the measuring and mixing of the goodies, while older kids can move on to helping with the chopping and cooking. This activity not only teaches your kids how to cook, but it also rewards their efforts with a tasty snack.

Science Experiments
Another indoor activity that can be a lot of fun is a science experiment. There are a lot of science experiments that you can conduct with every day household products. For example, you can create a chemical reaction by mixing vinegar and baking soda, or you can even grow your own salt or borax crystals. Instructions for these simple projects can be found online, or you can pick up science experiment kits at your local science or toy store.

What kid doesn't love comic books, cartoons and comic strips? For this reason alone, a visit to the amazing Barker Character Comic and Cartoon Art Museum in Cheshire, Connecticut, is one that comes with a solid guarantee to entertain everyone. If it has something to do with comic books, animated movies and TV shows or newspaper strips, it is almost assured to be found inside this museum. This fascinating trip through the history of animated art, founded by Herb and Gloria Barker, continues to grow at an almost alarming rate. At last count, the collection of collectibles at the Barker Museum was well over 80,000 pieces.

Sure, a 1930s vintage, Popeye, burlap bag that was once used to haul popcorn to a cinema of bygone days probably won't appeal to a lot of kids by itself, but it is the entirety of the collection that will make an impression. Sheer wonder is instilled by the recognition that all these classic cartoon and comic-strip characters have made their way into the cultural orbit of America from a tin pail featuring the likeness of Herman Munster to a 1930s blackboard featuring the likenesses of Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Pluto.

The Barker Museum is not just a chance for kids to browse through the history of pop culture; it also presents an opportunity for the shock of recognition of characters that adults have long forgotten. The underlying beauty of the museum is the revelation that things that are wildly important to kids eventually get tossed into the trash bin of memory. Only by being reminded through discovery do some of the characters that meant so much to you when you were a kid begin to resurrect themselves in your consciousness. The museum offers a perfect opportunity to remind kids today how they should take care to preserve their own memories while they have them, because so many of the items that are valued today will be relegated to the dustbin when they become adults.

Pregnancy can be a stressful time, whether it's due to hormonal changes, lifestyle changes, physical changes or worrying and wondering about the future. Here are a few tips to minimize stress during pregnancy so you can relax and go into childbirth feeling healthy and strong.

1. Get lots of rest. Even if you're still working up to the last minute (I left my job three days before I gave birth to my first daughter), make arrangements so you can take a nap when you get home from work, and now is the time to ask people — first on the list should be the baby daddy - for help with physically exhausting chores like laundry and vacuuming.

2. Take up a relaxing hobby. Studies have shown that knitting, crocheting and other forms of needlework lower blood pressure and induce a meditative-like state, and you'll love the end products you can give to your baby. The exception to this rule is if you're a perfectionist, then you're better off reading trashy novels or watching reality TV. If you exercise, continuing your exercise with a doctor's approval is highly recommended as well.

3. Learn to tactfully ignore unwanted advice. Your sister says Dr. Fine is the best pediatrician in town while your best friend recommends his former partner. Your mother-in-law is reading from a 90s version of What To Expect and tells you the baby has to sleep on her side while you know that idea went out the window a while ago. Your grandmother tries to tell you that you should start her on solid food when she's three-days-old (I'm not kidding about that last one—it happened to me).

The easiest way to handle this is to just smile and say noncommittally, "Thanks for the input." Try not to sound sarcastic. If that's impossible, just say, "Oh, I'm so glad you brought that up, it reminded me of something I've been meaning to ask you — you don't happen to know who was the quarterback on the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1984, do you?" and then change the subject entirely. This tactic works best if you talk very fast.

If it's baby's first winter and the family's heading outside for a winter adventure, a pair of insulated boots will protect those teeny tiny feet from inclement weather. Layering up those sensitive feet with thick cotton socks will ward off frost bite when you head outdoors and insulated boots will get them in tip-top shape to make snow angels, build a snowman or even go sledding!

If your infant isn't ready to take his or her first steps in the snow, get them into the winter spirit with some stylish boots and warm socks; from tundra boots to insulated booties, here are some of the must-haves for the season:

Babybotte boots are the perfect winter weather warm up with their leather cover and insulated lining. The boots are covered with a patented Sympatex material to keep ice and moisture at bay, and the double hook closer gives your little one the ultimate secure fit. Get them ready for snow season in these versatile, lightweight boots, and they'll be well-trained for a future snowstorm.

Tundra boots will get them winter-ready for any Arctic winter wonderland and are a stylish pair for the snow bunny to-be. These boots are covered with a cute flower design and imitation fur trim for a fashionable and comfortable fit; they're a great match for toddlers ready to kick things up a notch this year and play in the snow banks.

If your little boy is anxious to get outdoors and play with the crew, dress him up in the Kamik Kids Tickle boots made with a thick layer of insulation and removable Zylex liner. The boots are waterproof with their windbreaker covering and made with a flexible outsole for extra traction. They're available in a bold black and red design, an eye-catching and stylish addition to any winter ensemble.

Whether your tiny tot is hitting the slopes for their first sledding lesson or benching it this season in a cozy cot, prepare them for the winter tundra with a pair of comfy boots that will weather the storm!

The world that we live in is multicultural, and the school and work environment that your multiples will need to function in will be multicultural. Appreciation for diversity is one of the gifts that you can give to your kids to help them develop. This appreciation will need to include a curiosity about others' cultures, a tolerance of differences and a desire to learn about different cultures and traditions.

Tip No. 1 - Culturally Diverse Storybooks, Games and Videos
The first way you can introduce the concept of other cultures to your multiples is to include culturally diverse storybooks, games and videos into your media collection. You can get these items from your local public library, book stores and education stores. The Internet is also a treasure trove of downloadable educational materials about the cultures of the world. However, before you let your multiples use these materials, read through them or watch them to make sure the messages being transmitted are positive and accurate.

Tip No. 2 - Learn a New Language
Another fun and valuable activity that you can do with your multiples is to learn a new language together. You can pick up language courses for kids at bookstores and your public library. You can also download learning materials from the Internet. Talk with your multiples to see if there is a language that they would like to learn, or suggest that you all learn a language that was used by your ancestors. For example, if you are from Korean descendants, you could learn basic Korean.

Tip No. 3 - Live a New Culture
While reading about other cultures is interesting, it really doesn't allow your kids to experience that culture. There are several learning activities that you can do with your multiples that will help them better understand other cultures. For example, you can visit a neighborhood that is an ethnic center for a specific culture, or you can have a culture day in your house where you dress up in traditional clothing of the culture and prepare traditional dishes. You can also listen to music and attend cultural festivals to learn more about a specific culture.

Tip No. 4 - Travel
Immersion in a different culture is one of the best ways to learn about and understand another culture. If possible, plan a vacation to a country that has a culture that is different than your own. See how the people live, what they eat, what makes them happy, what challenges they face and what strengths they have. Allow your multiples to explore their museums, tourist attractions and natural wonders.

Winter family meals don't always have to be loaded with calories and carbs. Warm up everyone in your household with these tasty yet simple recipes.

Creamy Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
Serves 8 to 10

5 pounds russet potatoes
1 to 2 cups fat-free buttermilk
Sea salt, to taste
Fresh ground pepper, to taste
Chives, to taste
½ cup low-fat parmesan cheese

1. Boil the potatoes until fork tender.
2. Mash the potatoes with enough buttermilk to make the potatoes slightly runny.
3. Stir in the seasonings and chives.
4. Pour the potatoes into a casserole dish, top with parmesan cheese, and bake at 350 degrees until the top becomes golden brown.
Note: You can mash these potatoes ahead of time and then bake them when you're ready to serve.

Broccoli Roasted with Garlic and Onions
Serves 8

4 large bunches of broccoli, trimmed and prepped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 large red onions, cut into thin rings
½ cup olive oil
Fresh ground pepper, to taste
Sea salt, to taste

1. Toss the broccoli, garlic and onions with olive oil and seasonings.
2. Spread the mixture out on a large cookie sheet.
3. Roast at 425 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until desired texture is achieved.
Note: You can use bags of fresh broccoli florets if you are short on time.

Also don't forget to make simple changes, such as serving whole wheat rolls.

There has been a great deal of snow falling all over the country, and this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some family recreation time outside in the snow. Building a snowman can be a great family activity that involves all members.

Tips for Building a Snowman
The first thing you need to do is make sure that what is on the ground around your house (or in the park) is "packing snow." This is snow that holds together but is not that wet. You should test to see if the snow clumps when you gather it together. Form basic balls from the snow and add to them until they are too big to hold. You can use three balls or two.

Start with the base -- the bottom -- of the snowman. Roll your first ball around and around until it is rather large. You can take turns rolling the ball, so that everyone helps. Next, roll each successive ball so that it is smaller. (If you have older children -- teenagers -- you can have a race to see who can build a snowman the fastest or who can build the tallest snowman.) You can pack and smooth the snow so that it has the proper appearance. As you are setting one ball on top of the other make sure that you pack in some snow to hold the balls steady where the sections connect.

You can use any number of objects to decorate the snowman, including sticks, hats, carrots and rocks. The idea is to make the snowman your own with personality. Make sure you have your own warm clothing to wear outdoors, including coats, gloves, hats, boots and snow pants. Do not stay out too long, especially if it is very cold.

And of course, when you get back in the house, nothing is as delicious as a warm cup of cocoa.

It's going to be a few months before your newborn will be ready to start socializing and playing with mom and dad, but that gives you plenty of time to stock up on playtime gear. Infant boys and girls can get away with one-piece suits for their first few months since the daily schedule consists of napping, eating, crying and napping some more. But they'll be ready to meet and greet friends and family members within a few short weeks and playtime can be officially added to the agenda. Dress them up for the part with:

Overalls
When they're not hiding underneath the baby blanket all day long, they can show themselves off in some cozy velour coveralls. The le top kids First Snow Velour Coverall comes with a matching cap and is designed with a smiling snowman on the front. Overalls are a versatile and comfortable piece of clothing for any infant eager to get out of the crib and play!

Playful Pants
Declare it a casual day in your household and dress up your newborn in a pair of furry pants and a cozy jacket. The Widgeon Kids Pom Pom Pants are designed with multi-colored polka dots and a super-soft covering. They're trimmed with furry pom poms at the hem, and the matching furry jacket pulls together this cozy ensemble for a fun filled day ahead.

Sassy Romper Sets
If the day calls for cozying up by the fire and spending time lazing indoors, let the good times roll in a comfortable romper. Your newborn will be plenty comfortable for a day of activities in the Bindi Wear Koala Romper, a soft and lightweight romper with a snap button closure. The romper is covered in small koala footprints and an oversized koala design in front. It's a great match for any day where playtime is a top priority.

A Plush Jumpsuit
Jumpsuits are a fancy version of the classic onesie and work great for playtime and social hour. Let them show off their cute selves in the le top kids Petite Footed Velour Jumpsuit. The soft cotton and polyester suit is trimmed with fluttery cuffs and satin details for a regal touch. It's also machine washable, so you can make the most of this versatile piece.