Hot Fashions for Fall

Fall is officially here! That means it's time to look at your wardrobe and decide what pieces you need to get rid of and which new looks you want to incorporate into what you already own.

If you are a smart shopper, you don't have to spend a fortune to look up-to-date. You can even use tricks such as covering that summer frock with a simple cardigan and a belt to look current.
Shop sales or at discount stores for those trendy pieces if you need to stay within a budget. Getting a bargain will help you to not feel so guilty when the trend is over.

Listed below are some of the hot looks for Fall. Decide which looks you like, what pieces you have that you can work with, and have fun putting new outfits together.

• Menswear-inspired clothes. You can accomplish this look with a classic white tuxedo-style shirt with basic black pants or even jeans. If you opt for masculine looking pants, off-set the look with a soft or feminine blouse. You just don't want to go overboard here and actually look like a man; that is not the effect you are after.
  
  
• Anything houndstooth from pants to shoes.



• Plaid, plaid, plaid!



• Bags with a touch of hardware. Chain purse straps, buckles, etc. Large bags that can carry everything are also the rage.



• Ankle boots.



• Solid bold colors balanced with neutrals. You need the neutral so you don't look too 80's. Try a bold purple or malachite sweater with a black skirt, or an orange top with dark brown pants.



• Texture.



• Feathers - from clothes to purses and shoes. (The feathered shoes may be for the more fashion-forward but are great if you want to make a statement!)



• White watches. Yes, I said white; it's not for summer anymore!

This should equip you with some fashion knowledge to help you look great this Fall. Just because you're a busy mom doesn't mean that you have to neglect how you present yourself. Take a little time and have fun putting together some new fresh looks so you feel current with the fashion world.

An Organized Family's #1 Tool

Every organized family knows that a family calendar is a must to keep a household running smoothly. This is where you record every event, activity, and appointment that your family has.

A dry erase calendar is the best type to use and can be purchased at any office supply store. The size you need depends on the size of your family and the amount of activities your family participates in. Because we have a family of six, I use a calendar that is 2'x3' which works out well.

Hang your calendar in a central location in your home whether in a laundry room or on the back door of your pantry. Wherever you place your calendar, make it easily visible to your family. The calendar needs to be reviewed in the evening to prepare for the next day, and again as you head out the door in the morning. This ensures that everyone is where he is supposed to be and at the correct time.This is also a great way for your whole family to know what is going on with each other as well as themselves.

Using different colored markers for each family member helps make reading the calendar easier. It is also helpful to note major tests and projects so they can be studied for or worked on well in advance. This prevents last minute cram sessions, unnecessary stress the night before a test, and better grades.


Customize your calendar to meet your family's needs. For example, you can record which chore each child is responsible for, what day your child has "sharing", which days he should wear his P.E. uniform, etc. Whatever you need to remember concerning your family should be recorded on your family calendar.


Follow this system and you will will never miss an appointment or scheduled event. You will also remove unnecessary stress by knowing exactly who is suppose to be where and be able to plan ahead for the various activities!

A Life-Threatening Allergic Reaction Can Occur at Any Age at Any Time

I spent 12 hours in the emergency room with my nine-year-old last Friday. Out of the blue, he had an anaphylactic reaction to something while in school. His eyes were almost swollen shut and he was having trouble breathing because his throat was swelling. I took him to our pediatrician who immediately called an ambulance and had my son transported to the emergency room.

I thought something like this would never happen to one of my children. They have all been bitten by every insect and have eaten all the foods that are likely to cause an allergic reaction with no adverse affect. In fact, I use to feel so thankful when I would talk to other parents who had children with severe food or insect allergies.

I learned that a life-threatening allergic reaction can happen at any age at any time. We have no idea what caused my son's reaction which makes it hard to prevent again. We now have to carry an EpiPen to treat any future reactions.

A helpful tip to all you parents is to keep Benadryl on hand. Even if your children do not have any known allergies, as you have read from my experience, that does not mean one may show up in the future. Giving your child a dose of this antihistamine may buy a little time while you get to the doctor or ER. Any reaction that causes your child's throat to swell should be taken very seriously. A person can go from having difficulty breathing to not being able to breathe at all in a matter of minutes.

Fortunately, my son recovered well in the ER and is fine. We will continue to search for the allergen that caused his severe reaction and we keep EpiPens at school, home, and in the car just in case.

Microwave Popcorn Linked to Lung Disease

Microwave popcorn may have appeared to be an acceptable snack for you and your family but think again!

Doctors have found a link between diacetyl, a flavoring added to microwave popcorn to give it its buttery flavor, and a type of lung disease known as bronchiolitis obliterans.

Workers in the popcorn factory exposed to this ingredient, have contracted the disease as well as some consumers. Consumers are exposed as a result of inhaling diacetly when preparing the popcorn and when eating it.

Large popcorn manufactures are pulling the chemical from their product in response to risks involved with working with diacetly and consuming it.

What is the best defense for popcorn lovers?

Buy an air popper or heat the popcorn in a skillet with a little olive oil. Cover the skillet allowing some of the steam to escape.
This a safer way to enjoy popcorn because it's all natural. There aren't any hazardous chemicals or preservatives that have been linked to health problems. Just because some companies are stating they will not longer use this particular chemical, most microwave popcorns will still contain trans-fats and dangerous preservatives including BHA, BHT or TBHQ.

Not only will using the traditional methods of popping popcorn allow you to enjoy your popcorn without putting your health at risk, but you can adjust the salt and butter to your liking. Try melting a little Smart Balance Buttery Spread, which contain not trans-fats, instead of butter or margarine to keep it healthy.

Kids love watching it pop and you'll find that it tastes better too!