Pregnancy can leave you with uncontrollable breakouts, oily skin and a slew of skin problems day in and day out. As the seasons change and temperatures start to drop, you might also start to notice your skin becoming more dry. The Fall months call for a change in your skincare routine and an update to your makeup bag. Here are some important makeup tips to keep in mind when you're pregnant during the Fall season:

1. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Even if you have oily skin, the cool and dry months ahead mean you need to protect your skin from the harsher weather. Make sure you're wearing a high-quality moisturizer under makeup, and apply it right after you cleanse and tone so that your skin stays soft and smooth. Keep in mind that dehydrated skin may be prone to breakouts, so you'll need to keep your skin as moisturized as possible.

2. Stick with warm tones. From your lip color to your eye shadow, Fall shades call for rich golden browns, deep purples and berry reds. Use these colors to freshen up your look for Fall, and try a mineral makeup brand to keep your skin looking flawless when hormones are raging. Avoid cream-based makeup that can make your skin appear oilier than it really is. When you're breaking out regularly during pregnancy, you'll need a mattifying, soothing makeup line that will keep your skin looking healthy.

3. Use oil-blotting sheets throughout the day. Pregnancy can make your skin produce more oil than usual, but you don't have to load up on face powder just to maintain your flawless look. Use oil-blotting sheets throughout the day so you can keep your skin clear and free of oil buildup.

As always, don't forget to wash your makeup off before you go to bed at night. Use a gentle, moisturizing cleanserthat breaks down dirt and oils, and then follow up with a light exfoliant at least twice per week to keep skin as clean as possible. Finish your nighttime routine with an emollient-rich moisturizer to pamper those skin cells and wake up refreshed and rejuvenated.

It seems like everywhere you go in the fall, there's the smell of apples in the air. You may find fresh baked pies in the local bakery, hot apple cider in cafes, and even apple butter at local craft fairs. All these treats are incredibly tempting, but the prices can be a bit expensive. Instead of giving in to all those highly priced treats, why not save money and make them in your own kitchen?

First of all, saving money begins by saving money on fresh apples. While many grocery stores now offer a large variety of apples, the prices can be a bit high. Not to mention that these apples are usually shipped in from another state or even from across the county. Instead, why not visit a local apple orchard? Apple orchards have the largest selection of varieties and the best prices. You'll save even more money if you pick the apples yourself.

Next, find good recipes. Nothing is worse in the kitchen than preparing a recipe and it turning out to be a flop. Instead, choose recipes from sources you've come to trust. Ask your mom for the pie recipe she made when you were little. Ask your grandmother for that special apple cake recipe. Or, turn to some of the top recipe websites, such as Kraft Foods.

I hope I've given you reason to trust my recipes and if so, I hope you enjoy this one as well.

Easy Apple Bread
Makes 1 Loaf

4 large Honey Crisp or Granny Smith apples peeled, cored and chopped
¾ cup water
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups self-rising flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans

1. Cook the apples, water, and cinnamon in a saucepan over medium heat until fork tender.
2. Allow the apples to cool.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
4. Cream together the butter, sugar and eggs with an electric mixer.
5. Stir in the apples, flour, and pecans.
6. Pour batter into a nonstick loaf pan.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted in the center of the loaf and comes out clean.

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.

You may long to wear muumuus and oversized sweaters during the last few months of pregnancy, but you don't have to compromise fashion and style just to be comfortable. The last trimester can be one of the most challenging to dress comfortably in, but there are some key pieces you can add to your wardrobe that will make you look chic, stylish and super comfortable. Here are your best picks for the casual wardrobe during the third trimester:

The Leggings and Tunic Combo
A pair of stretchy leggings in black or brown paired with a printed tunic are a great fit for the mom-to-be during the last trimester. Look for leggings from the maternity department instead of going a few sizes up on regular styles for the most flattering silhouette. The sky's the limit when it comes to tunic tops and stick with bold printed designs and v-neck or scoop neck cuts to make the most of this look.

The Flowing Summer Dress
A loose, flowing summer dress is perfect for the last trimester of pregnancy because it not only helps you stay cool, but is also flattering to your growing figure. Stick with dresses that have empire waistlines and wide straps so that you can stay plenty comfortable all day long.

The Long Black Skirt
A long black skirt is an important staple for your maternity wardrobe, and is a great choice for special occasions and events that demand a little dressing up. Stick with a skirt made with stretchy material and a modest slit to create the most attractive silhouette.

Bootcut Pants
Bootcut pants and not flare leg or skinny jean types are the best match for you during your last trimester, and are a staple for weekend errand-running and casual days at home. Look for a pair of bootcut pants made with either a stretch or lightweight linen material for the ultimate fit. Just make sure it's from the maternity department so you're not struggling with the waistband.

The Button Down Shirt
Whether you're gardening or shopping for groceries, a well-fitting button down shirt is a great match for casual days during the third trimester. Look for stretch cotton blends that will accommodate for your baby bump, and consider wearing a tank or tunic top underneath for some extra support.

Depending on where you live, you've probably experienced a major change in the weather. The nights and even the days have become much cooler and fall is in full swing. What better way to spend a cool fall evening than to spend the evening cuddling in front of a fire with your sweetie? This weekend, skip the restaurants and save money in your kitchen by spending a night at home.

First of all, I suggest starting the meal off with a hearty soup. For example, you may choose to serve a pureed butternut squash or pumpkin soup, both of which can be purchased at your local grocery store, but taste much better when homemade. Not to mention they're less expensive when made at home. If you and your sweetie don't care for soup, a hearty appetizer can also be prepared. For example, you could make mushrooms stuffed with Italian sausage and cubes of fresh mozzarella.

Next, you'll want a hearty meal. One of the most popular meals to serve in the fall is turkey and dressing. Believe it or not, this hearty meal can be prepared in less than an hour. The key is to choose a boneless turkey breast. Also, shake things up from the average turkey dinner by choosing a different seasoning blend and new side dishes.

What would a fall dinner be without dessert? There are a variety of wonderful desserts to choose from. You could prepare a classic pumpkin pie or an apple cobbler. Or you could choose to change things up with this recipe.

Cranberry Apple Pie
Serves 6

2 pre-made pie crusts
4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
2 cups of fresh cranberries
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
4 tablespoons butter

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees and line a pie pan with one of the pie crusts.
2. Mix the apples, cranberries, sugar and cinnamon together, pour into the pie crust, and dot with butter.
3. Top the fruit with the second pie crust, crimp the edges, and slit the top crust.
4. Place the pie pan on a cookie sheet and cover the edges of the crust with aluminum foil.
5. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly, removing the foil in the last 15 minutes of baking.

Football season has finally arrived and what football fan doesn't love to tailgate? Unfortunately, going to the big game may not be affordable in today's economy. That doesn't mean you and your family have to give up tailgating. In fact, you can actually tailgate from the comfort of your own backyard. Not only is the parking great, but you'll have the best seats in the house when the big game starts.

First things first: setup your backyard up to reflect the love of your favorite team. Decorate the deck with the team's colors, have a radio set up to play the team's song until the game starts, and just make it look like you're actually at a tailgate party. You could even bring your truck around to the backyard for the drinks and appetizers.

The next thing is to get creative with the food. There are a number of different ways to celebrate the love of your favorite team in the food you prepare. For example, if you love the Tennessee Vols, prepare a dish that Tennessee is known for. Another tip is to create drinks that feature the team's colors. For example, you could blend orange sherbet and milk to create the first layer of a Tennessee Vols milkshake and then create the other layer by blending vanilla ice cream and milk.

Last, but not least, enjoy the game in the backyard. Either listen to the game on a radio or purchase a portable TV to watch the game. Of course, if it gets a bit nippy outside, you can always enjoy the game inside as well. That's one of the biggest advantages to tailgating at home.

This year, instead of paying a fortune for seats that aren't so great, gather your family around to watch the big game at home. Not only is this a more affordable option, but you'll never miss a great play thanks to the power of replay.

Exercising regularly is important for your health and well-being during pregnancy, and you need to wear clothes that are both comfortable and functional. While skin-tight clothing will help you move easily through that step aerobics class or yoga routine, it might not be the best choice for when you are having a baby. Here are some essential pieces of workout clothing that every mom-to-be needs throughout her term:

Moisture-Wicking Tee: A slightly fitted workout shirt is a great way to cover up the baby bump without adding too many heavy materials to your workout. Look for shirts made with a stretch fabric so that they can accommodate for your baby bump.

Well-Fitting Shoes: A pair of soft-soled shoes that fit you well are essential for working out in during pregnancy, and you may be surprised to learn that you need a half size or full size larger during your second or third trimester. Get your feet fitted for a new pair of workout shoes so that you're not compromising the health of your ankles and knees when working out.

Wide-leg Yoga Pants:
Wide-leg yoga pants will help you move freely and also allow your skin to breathe. Look for styles with a slightly flared cut to elongate your figure. These stylish pants are also great for lounging in on those days when bloating and tenderness rule the day!

Maternity Windbreaker Jacket: If you plan on exercising outdoors, or need to walk or drive to the gym during the cooler months of the year, you'll need to cover up with a lightweight windbreaker. Make sure it's designed for the pregnant mom so you're not adding unnecessary pressure to the baby bump.

Stretch Crop Pants: If you're heading to a fitness class in town, a pair of stretch crop pants made for the mom-to-be can be a flattering addition to your maternity workout wardrobe. Look for crop pants made with a stretch material so that they can accommodate for your baby bump and create the most flattering silhouette. Drawstring pants will last you for several months of pregnancy because they're completely adjustable.

From well-fitting shoes to stretch crop pants, you can put together a great wardrobe that not only suits your style, but also helps you move freely throughout your workout session.

Do you love going to the movies just to get your hands on some of the delicious snacks? So do I. Unfortunately, even if the movie tickets are a decent price, almost all theaters charge an arm and a leg for their snacks. For example, a large soda usually costs $5 or more! You could buy three 2-liters for that price. That's not all though. Popcorn, nachos, and candy all cost a small fortune. Instead of heading to the movies, why not enjoy a membership at an online DVD rental site and *save money in your kitchen making those delicious snacks at home*?

What movie theaters don't want you to know is that many of the snacks you purchase can be bought at your local grocery store for less. You can even find boxes of movie theater candy for around $1 per box. You can also buy a bag of tortilla chips and a bottle of cheese sauce for what one serving of nachos costs at the theater, maybe even for less. In fact, the prices are so much better that you could even afford to make some of those treats gourmet.

Take nachos for example. What does the average theater offer? Usually you get cheese sauce and jalapeno slices and that's it. At home though, you could top your nachos with queso cheese sauce, slices of grilled chicken, and cubes of avocado. You could even get fancy with the whole menu by preparing snacks that match the theme of the movie you're watching that night.

But, let's talk about popcorn. This week, why not kick back with a movie and this delicious treat?

Chocolate Covered Nutty Popcorn
8 cups of plain popped popcorn, cooled
3 ounces of sliced almonds, toasted
3 ounces of sliced pecans, toasted
6 ounces of melted milk chocolate
6 ounce of melted white chocolate

1. Place the popcorn on a nonstick cookie sheet and toss with the nuts.
2. Drizzle each of the melted chocolates over the popcorn and nuts and allow to harden.
3. Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Take kids on a colorful tour of history with the use of a boat tour. Many cities have them available, some even free of charge. Even if your city does not have a boat tour, you could check with a neighboring city or state. Boat tours are a great outdoor activity for the summer because it keeps kids learning, but also lets them have fun at the same time. Just don't forget to dress everyone for the weather and include some comfy boat shoes. Here are just a few of the interesting boat tours around the U.S.

Sam Houston Boat Tour - Port of Houston Authority
The Port of Houston is one of the busiest in the world. Take the Sam Houston Boat Tour with your kids so that they can see firsthand what happens along the Houston Ship Channel. Though Houston's ship channel is one of the busiest, this public boat tour remains free of charge. Just be sure to make reservations in advance. A beverage is provided, but be sure the kids have eaten, as no food is allowed. Because customs and security measures are strictly enforced, the kids can get a great lesson in what that entails firsthand.

River Tour Blackstone Valley, RI
Kids can board the Blackstone Valley Explorer in Blackstone Valley, Rhode Island. This one-of-a-kind riverboat will take them on a fun and educational tour of the river. Parents may opt to take the kids on the general tour or to utilize the River Classroom Program. This unique program combines boating with hands-on activities and lessons. Both tours are informative and offer beautiful scenery and fun.

Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, NY
The Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, New York offers exploration in education in a variety of ways. Parents will no doubt have the kids first tour the boat museum and participate in hands-on learning. The beautiful St Lawrence River is the perfect setting for such an extensive boat collection. Here kids can not only participate in educational boat tours, but also in a wide variety of activities. Field trips can be customized to fit the needs of each group of kids.

Sources:
http://www.abm.org/
http://www.portofhouston.com/samhou/samhou.html
http://www.rivertourblackstone.com/

Who doesn't love fresh baked goods in the fall? Plus, many people have fond memories of baking cookies with their parents when they were growing up. Wouldn't you like to create those memories with your kids? Then why not spend a family night baking some of your family's favorite goodies? This week, let's look at a few tips for baking with the family.

Keep it simple. This should be a fun family night activity. For that reason, it's best to stick with simple recipes. That way, you have a better chance of the recipe turning out right and everyone feeling successful. If you choose to have a baking night every week, you could gradually add harder recipes as the family feels more and more comfortable with basic baking techniques.

Give everyone a job. Instead of one person doing all the work, split up the jobs and let everyone help out. One person could measure the ingredients. Another person could stir the ingredients together. Someone could roll out cookie dough and someone could get the baking sheets ready. If you're working with small children, just make sure that adults are in charge of any dangerous steps, such as working with the oven.

Choose a theme. If you have several kids each one could pick a recipe that revolves around a certain theme. For example, all the recipes could be apple recipes. Another way to implement themes for smaller families is to create cookies that are all decorated with a certain theme. The theme could be a certain football team, holiday, or even fall in general.

Share the wealth. After all the baked goods are finished, why not go around the neighborhood and share? You could also give some of the baked goods to friends and family. This way, your family gets to enjoy baking without overindulging in sweets.

Family night doesn't have to be the same thing every night. As you can see, there are so many different ways to enjoy a night at home without spending a fortune. Best of all, nights like these give you something to work on and later enjoy.

By month #4 of your pregnancy, that baby bump is going to be the center of attention as you go about your day. During this trimester, you'll need some comfortable clothes that expands with your growing baby, and this is especially important for your weekend wardrobe that typically includes jeans, khakis, crop pants and loose-fitting tees. Some moms-to-be can't wait for the weekend when they can throw on their super-comfortable jeans and tees, but you'll need to buy some maternity versions of your favorites for pregnancy. Here's what you'll need for the weekend/super-casual wardrobe during your term:

1. Maternity jeans. As you start to get bigger around the middle, you'll need a flattering cut of denim jeans to wear with your casual tees and tops. Maternity jeans with an adjustable waistband are important, but you'll also need to pay attention to the cut of the leg. Stick with jeans in the flare or bootleg style because these will elongate your figure and balance out your shape better than 'skinny jeans' and tapered legs.

2. Stretchy tees. Forget the super-fitted tees that you used to wear on weekends after your gym routine. When you're pregnant, you'll need t-shirts that have Lycra and other stretchy fibers mixed into the cotton. Look for tees made with Lycra and double layers, because these will provide the extra support that you need.

3. Drawstring pants. If you prefer to lounge in pants and baggy tees instead of jeans on the weekends, invest in a quality pair of drawstring pants. These naturally adjust to your waistline, and you can relax with ease with the wide-leg fit and loose cuts. Just avoid buying these types of pants that are a few sizes too large, or you risk looking like you're wearing pajama bottoms.

In addition to the clothing essentials, you'll need a comfy pair of shoes for your weekend errands and activities. Make sure you get fitted for some soft-soled or rubber shoes so that you get plenty of support all day long. Swollen ankles and feet will feel much better in a pair of shoes made with breathable, stretchable material.

Football season has finally arrived and with it comes big football parties. While you can order pizza, or even pick up large subs, it's much more affordable to make food at home. If you have an open kitchen, you can even get your guests involved. This week, let's talk about saving money in the kitchen, while still preparing awesome food for your football parties.

First of all, take advantage of the great deals at super department stores. These stores have awesome deals on chips, dips, drinks and frozen appetizers. This is a great way to get a big bang for your buck. Of course, while you're there you can also shop for items to prepare delicious meals at home.

There are so many dishes you can make for your football party. Some of the most popular choices include chili, pizza, sandwiches, hot dogs and nachos. No one ever said these popular foods had to be done in the same old way. There are many different ways to kick up everyday football party foods. For example, why not combine the flavors of hot wings and nachos to create a whole new dish?

Buffalo Nachos

1 large bag of yellow corn tortilla chips
1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 bottle of hot wing sauce
1 bottle of queso cheese sauce

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and heat the tortilla chips until they start to brown, around 10 -15 minutes, and place on a large platter.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into bite sized pieces and brown until cooked through.
3. Toss the chicken with the hot wing sauce and pour over the tortilla chips.
4. Heat the queso cheese sauce and pour over the chicken and chips.
5. Serve immediately.

Who said football party food had to be expensive or boring? Take your favorite football foods and make them at home in new ways. Your guests will love the new flavor combinations and you'll love the savings.

Ready for Autumn? The air is crisp in the mornings and at night, the summer’s bounty is about to be harvested, and it is a time to enjoy the season with your children and family. Here’s to a celebration of the traditional season of fall. If your child is having a party in September or October, this is an excellent theme.

This is a great party to do either at your home or at an outside venue, such as a local farm. So, take a look around and see if there are any local farms in your area that allow for parties. If you hold your party at such a location, the hayride and picking of apples and pumpkins will be great activities.

Invitations:
Cut out leaf shapes or autumn harvest shapes and place them on card stock and include all of the information on the inside of your card.

Decorations:
Orange, brown, and yellow are great colors for this theme. Purchase party and table ware in these colors. Alternatively, you can use leaf patterns.
Use mini pumpkins for your table centerpiece.
Tall cornhusks and bales of hay would add another decorative touch to the party.

Crafts: 

Paint/Decorate mini-pumpkins and have the kids can take these home. 

Make Scarecrow Candy Necklaces. Using straw, have the kids string round candies with holes in the center to make their necklaces.
Sponge paint placemats with leaf shapes.

Games/Activities: 

Bob for apples. 

Have a Pumpkin Roll Contest. Divide the kids into two teams and provide a pumpkin to each team. Have the kids roll it to one end and back and pass it along to the next person. 

Throw a Hula Hoop around a large pumpkin.
If you have bales of hay, have the kids jump over the bales of hay as an obstacle relay race.
String up donuts and tie the kids’ arms behind their backs. Have them eat the donuts off of the line without using their hands.
Hold a scavenger hunt outdoors. If at night, hand out glow sticks for the kids to search for the loot.
Fill a large cardboard box with leaves and place toys in the leaves. Have the kids put their hands inside the box and pick out a toy.
Play Hot Pumpkin, like Hot Potato. 


Menu:
BBQ is always good for this type of a party; spice it up with spare ribs. 

Chili is also an excellent option. Have all of the fixn’s so that people can enjoy topping it off. 

Serve corn bread muffins.
Make Rice Krispie Treats and add orange food coloring to them. Stick them on a Popsicle stick for a treat.
Serve Apple Cider. As an added treat, place caramels on fancy sticks and have the kids stir it into their apple cider for Hot Caramelized Apple Cider.
Make caramel apples.
Make sugar cookies cut out into autumn shapes. Have the kids decorate the cookies with frosting and candies.
Make a batch of cupcakes and ice them with orange frosting and little black, orange, and white sprinkles. The kids can always do the decorating.

Goody Bags:
Purchase little plastic pumpkins, which are so popular as trick or treat bags this time of year. Fill it with all things “fall” - caramel apple cider packets with a cinnamon stick, little themed notebooks, pencils, erasers, pumpkin candy, and candy corn packets.

Maternity jeans are designed with an adjustable waistband and stretch material to accommodate for your growing baby bump and steady weight gain. However, that doesn't mean you have to stick with the 'mommy jeans' style (unless that's your preferred style) throughout your term.

When you're selecting maternity jeans, the first thing you need to decide is what type of wash is fit for the season. Keep in mind that you will probably only be wearing a new pair of maternity jeans for about three to four months, so you won't be able to wear the same color through every season. Stick with the lighter blue wash jeans during the late Spring and summer, and the darker blue or grey washes in the Fall and winter months.

Another important factor in finding the perfect maternity jean is hem length. For the most flattering fit, the cuffs of the jeans should rest at the top of your foot when wearing shoes; your feet should almost disappear without shoes on. This length creates the effect of longer, slimmer legs, and will elongate your figure from head to toe no matter how much weight you've put on during pregnancy.

Make sure that the waistband size you select truly fits you. Many moms-to-be make the mistake of purchasing one size too small to avoid worrying about jeans that keep sliding down, but you will need to pick a size that leaves you with about an inch of space in front. You can always wear a light belt if you fear slippage, but you're likely to grow into these jeans in a few short weeks.

Finally, make sure you select a style that complements the tops you will be wearing through your term. If you plan on wearing lots of tunic tops, you'll need a slimmer-fitting style so you don't disappear under your clothes. If you plan on wearing fitted, wrap-style tops, your best bet is a flare leg or bootleg style that enhances your curves.

Today's maternity fashion designers are incorporating many standard styles such as bootleg cuts, wide leg and even skinny jeans into the denim lineup for pregnant moms, so you can show off your stylish and fashionable self even when you're pregnant!

There comes a time when all kids want a redo in their rooms. As many shows have proven, this can be done for free or at least on a small budget. Best of all, a small room can usually be redone in one night. If you have more than one child, the family can band together for the entire weekend to redo everyone's room. Even the master bedroom could get a makeover.

Sometimes all a room needs is a new layout. In these cases, you don't have to spend a dime. All you need to do is sit down, draw out the room, and try different configurations. Taking time to plan the room before you start moving furniture will ensure you don't have to move the furniture numerous times.

If the room needs more than just rearranging, the first step is to decide how big your budget is and what needs to be done. With a budget in mind, you can better determine how much money can be spent on each item. For example, you may want to spend $100 on the room. This means that you could put aside $25 for paint, $30 for a new comforter set, etc.

Before you go shopping though, take time to measure the room for new pieces and to determine how much paint you need. For example, let's say a child has reached the point where they need a desk. Instead of rushing out and buying a desk, decide where you want to place the desk and then measure the area. This ensures that the furniture actually works in the space.

Last, but not least, don't forget how much money you can save by reworking items. For example, dressers can be painted to match a new color scheme. Drawer pulls can also be changed to fit a new style. Believe it or not, little tips like this will save a lot of money.

Don't put off those much needed room remodels. With just a little bit of money, or no money at all, children's rooms can be made new again. Best of all, this makes a great gift for birthdays and holidays.