If you are like most people the budget is tight this year. The holidays are coming up and that means extra expenses. Are you looking for ways to cut down a bit on your spending? A great way to do that is to have your kids, or better yet, you and your kids make gifts for people this year. People always say that the thought and effort put into a homemade gift means more to them than a purchased gift so why not give it a try? It can be great fun and you will be teaching your children a valuable lesson about giving of themselves.

Fall is here and the kids are playing outside in the cooler weather. It is delightful and exhilarating. They come in rosy-cheeked and smelling of leaves and crisp air. You have already settled into the schedules of the new school year and are probably beginning to anticipate the coming holidays. Are you ready for the cold weather and all that that entails? Most kids don't play outside as much in the cold winter, so what are you doing to get ready for the long hours indoors? Is there something you could be doing now to help you keep your sanity later?

Fall is a busy time for kids. They have just started school and are working to get back into that routine. Lots of sports are in full gear. It's time for music lessons, art classes - you name it. Kids today are into all sorts of activities. They are programmed to be busy all of the time. Many parents like their kids to take a break from all of that and to have some real old fashioned play time. They want their kids to get outside and enjoy playing in the nice fall weather before they are cooped up in the house during the cold and inclement winter months. Here are a couple of art ideas that combine play with creativity.

Many stay at home Moms worry that since they are not contributing financially to the support of the family that they are not entitled to spend any money on themselves. Even if money is tight that is not true. First, you are part of a family and every member of the family needs and deserves to have things. Second, stop and take a look at what you are contributing to the family. If you cost it out you may be surprised at your contribution. It would take a lot of money to replace the services that you provide your family.

Hey Mom, is mom stress getting to you? It is hard to believe that still so many people think that, "mom's don't have any thing to do - ha ha - so they can't possible be stressed. It must be in their heads!" Those people have never had children or tried to run a houshold and have a job too. While raising children and having a home are real joys they can also result in some stressful times. He