Zappos Blogs: Parents

Maternity Style: Top Trends in Maternity Blouses for Fall and Winter

Sabah K. — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:00:34 GMT

Maternity tops for the fall and winter season include a lineup of ¾ sleeve button down shirts, knot-front knits and chunky, layerable cardigans that can double as a lightweight jacket on cooler nights. If you need to update your wardrobe for the season, scoop up some of these top trends in maternity blouses and shirts:

Charmeuse tunics: ¾ sleeve charmeuse tops are a dressy and stylish top to add to your maternity wardrobe for the winter season, and will make for a great outfit over the holidays. Tops trimmed with satin and shiny beads are perfect for holiday revelries and other special occasions.

Puff-sleeve shirts: Puff sleeve shirts are a fun change of pace from the lineup of shirts and blouses available this season, and you can pick up this style in a regular length or tunic length to match with leggings or jeans. Look for bold prints and plaid designs to make the most of this look.

Button front blouses: Maternity button-front blouses are a great match for days at the office and occasions where you need to dress semi-formally. These lightweight blouses made with a stretch material will keep you comfortable all day long, and will also flatter your silhouette at any size.

Peasant style blouses: Pull off the boho chic look this season with a peasant-style blouse with ruffled sleeves and a loose fit. These flowy tops are perfect for luncheons, shopping days and other low-key events. Pair them with a pair of jeans, khaki pants or leggings for a fun and playful look.

Flutter sleeve sweaters: Cozy up in some knits this season and choose a set of flutter-sleeve sweaters and cardigans for your maternity wardrobe. These sweaters are a loose-fitting style that are perfect for snuggling in as temperatures drop. They're also a versatile addition to your casual wardrobe, easily paired with khakis, jeans, leggings and wide-leg pants.

From puff-sleeve shirts to peasant style blouses, you can celebrate the season in style with a lineup of fun knits and loose, flowy tops in maternity blouses. Take your pick from these different styles of shirts and tops when updating your maternity wardrobe.

Saving Money in the Kitchen: Pumpkin Bread (Recipes Included)

Amy B. — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:00:40 GMT

When people think of fall, visions of pumpkin pie soon come to mind. Who doesn't love pumpkin pie? But, pumpkin is far more than just pie. In fact, there are hundreds of different recipes you can make with pumpkin. Best of all, when Thanksgiving rolls around, you can always find great deals on pumpkin puree. This week, let's save some money in the kitchen by making some delicious pumpkin treats.

First of all, don't make the mistake of purchasing pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling can be overly spiced, not to mention that it can't be used for savory dishes. Instead, purchase either whole pumpkins to make homemade puree or purchased cans of pumpkin puree. Canned pumpkin puree has a long shelf life and truly takes all the work out of pumpkin recipes.

Next, purchase pumpkin pie spice for sweet treats. Pumpkin pie spice makes it easy and affordable to prepare pumpkin treats. Instead of having to buy cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc., all you need is one bottle of pumpkin pie spice.

Now it's time to look for recipes. Pumpkin can used to make soup, bread, pie, turnovers, cake and so much more. A quick search on the internet will give you a wide selection of pumpkin recipes. Of course, you can also try the following recipe, if you like.

Easy Pumpkin Bread
Makes 1 Loaf

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups self-rising flour
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 -2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, to taste
1/2 cup chopped pecans

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cream together the butter, sugar and eggs with an electric mixer.
3. Stir in the pumpkin puree, flour, spice and pecans.
4. Pour batter into a glass loaf pan.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted in the center of the loaf and comes out clean.

Bringing Back Family Night One Week at a Time: Halloween Fun

Amy B. — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00:23 GMT

Halloween is right around the corner and soon, you'll need a way to keep the kids entertained. While the little ones are content trick-or-treating, and you may feel safe allowing older teens to attend Halloween parties, what about preteens? Is there a way for families with preteens to enjoy Halloween at home? Sure there is! In fact, Halloween is a wonderful evening for a family night.

First of all, Halloween at home is the perfect time to introduce your children to some of the scary movies you loved as a kid. Of course, you'll want to keep the rating appropriate for their age. You could show them such classics as Hocus Pocus or go even more classic with movies such as The Wolf Man or Frankenstein. Regardless of what you show, a movie marathon is a great option for Halloween night.

Another great way to spend the evening is making classic Halloween treats. Some great ideas include caramel apples, cut-out sugar cookies, festive cupcakes, or even a snack mix. There are a number of great places to get Halloween recipes. Of course, if you want free recipes, the internet is a perfect place to start.

Last, but not least, get your children involved in a good cause. There are a number of different ways to help charities on Halloween. A fun idea for the whole family though is to setup a haunted house and charge admission. The money raised with the haunted house can then be donated to your favorite charity. It could be a local pet shelter, food drive, or any other charity your family believes in. This is also an activity that could take up several family nights. The earlier in October you open your haunted house, the more money you'll earn for your charity.

Halloween doesn't have to be boring for preteens. The days of a big candy loot may be over, and they may still be too young to hit teen Halloween parties, but there are a number of fun ways to enjoy the holiday at home.

Maternity Style: Layer Things Up for Fall

Sabah K. — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:00:35 GMT

The change of the seasons means it will soon be time to don those sweaters and cardigans, pick out some stylish boots and sport jackets and full-sleeve tops. When you're pregnant over the fall season, it can be hard to figure out how to put together a stylish but functional ensemble that will keep you comfortable as the temperature changes. The secret to looking great this season? It's all about the layers.

Layering your look is a simple way to wear your favorite pieces all year long and create a fresh new look each day. When you're pregnant, you also need to think about staying cool and comfortable when those hormones start to get the best of you. Fall is a great time to layer clothes such as tank tops, short-sleeve tees and button-down blouses with some fresh new pieces such as vests, cable-knit sweaters and long cardigans.

Just make sure you're picking up each piece from the maternity department so you are accommodating for your growing figure. Some of the best layered combinations for the mom-to-be this fall include:

Long chunky-knit cardigans with maternity leggings and a short-sleeve top
Wide-leg corduroy pants with a wraparound top and a long sweater
Dark brown khaki pants with a smock tank top and a long, full-sleeve cardigan
Bootcut jeans with a long v-neck tunic top and contrasting tank underneath
Knit trapeze top with twill pants and topped with a chunky sweater

When you're just lounging at home and need to wear something comfortable during those especially painful or bloated days, stick with the ¾ sleeve baby doll tops, short sleeve faux wrap tops and sleeveless baby doll tops paired with some yoga-style capris or wide-leg pants, and wear a long sweater or cardigan over it if you get cold.

Just remember: even though it's the fall season, your body may not be responding to the actual temperatures outdoors on any given day. If you're feeling especially hot in the middle of October, or feeling chills in early September, adjust your ensemble for the day by layering light and heavy clothing so you can be comfortable all day long.

Saving Money in the Kitchen: Make Stew!

Amy B. — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:29:56 GMT

What could be more comforting in the fall than stew? Also, what could be more affordable? A large batch of stew can be served for a couple days and the leftovers can be frozen for a quick meal a couple weeks later. While it may be tempting to grab a can of stew at the grocery store, homemade stews are far superior and much more affordable. This week, let's save some money by making a big batch of stew.

First of all, if you haven't already got a large soup pot, now's the time to invest in one. Large soup pots are great for pasta, soup, dumplings, and so much more. During the cold winter months you'll find yourself using a soup pot quite often.

Another great purchase is a slow cooker. Slow cookers are perfect for small batches of stews. More importantly, slow cookers allow you to cook your stew all day so that it's ready when you get home.

Last, but not least, go on the hunt for delicious recipes. There are cookbooks devoted to soups and stews, but free recipes are easily found online. You can even join online groups to find even more recipes. Of course, you know that I can't write this blog without giving you a delicious recipe to start out with.

Easy and Lean Beef Stew

Serves 6 - 8

8 cups low sodium beef stock

2 tablespoons of tomato paste

2 pounds sirloin beef tips, trimmed of fat

1 pound of baby carrots, cleaned

1 pound of baby Dutch potatoes, cleaned

2 large onions, chopped

Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

4 tablespoon cornstarch

Water

Fill a four quart slow cooker with the beef stock and tomato paste. Stir long enough to dissolve the tomato paste.

Add the beef and vegetables.

Season with pepper and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix the cornstarch with enough water to create a slurry and add to the stew.

Turn the slow cooker to high and cook until the stew thickens.

Serve with crusty French bread and a side salad.

Bringing Back Family Night One Week at a Time: Homemade Costumes

Amy B. — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:00:42 GMT

Halloween is right around the corner and it's time to start thinking about costumes. Let's face it. Halloween costumes aren't the best investment when funds are low. After all, most costumes only get worn once and then stay in the closet for a few years before being donated. Don't get me wrong, donations are always a wonderful thing. But, the focus of this week's blog is to discuss ways for you and your family to save money on Halloween costumes while also spending time together.

Homemade costumes are a wonderful way to save money and spend time together. Not only can you come up with amazing costume ideas, but you can also think of ways to reuse old costumes. First, sit down with your family and ask each person what they want to be for Halloween. Once everyone has an idea of what they want to be, you can start gathering supplies to make the costumes together.

Many Halloween costumes and accessories can be reused to make new costumes. For example, capes from vampire costumes can be used for superhero, witch, or even medieval costumes. You can also take just about any costume and add a bit of fake blood and makeup to create a new character, such as a dead cheerleader. Also don't forget all the items laying around your house that can be used in Halloween costumes. Sheets always work well for ghost and toga costumes, but they can also be wrapped to create part of a belly dancing costume. You can also spray paint silk roses for the perfect accessory to a dead bride costume. All it takes is a bit of creativity.

One last tip is to remember that Halloween makeup can be made from common household ingredients. For example, fake blood can be made using corn syrup and food coloring. Not only is homemade Halloween makeup less expensive, but you also don't have to worry about the makeup being harmful if accidentally swallowed by little ones.

Saving Money in the Kitchen: Halloween Makeup

Amy B. — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:00:35 GMT

Halloween makeup is not only expensive, but it can be a problem for people with allergies as well. While you can get creative with regular makeup that's hypoallergenic, there are more creative ways to make Halloween makeup. Believe it or not, you can save money on Halloween makeup by turning to your kitchen and be health conscious at the same time.

First of all, instead of using harsh dyes on your hair, why not use Kool-Aid? Kool-Aid comes in a large variety of colors, but you must use caution. Kool-Aid powder can be mixed with conditioner and applied to the hair, left to set for 10-15 minutes, and rinsed out. It's best to do this right before heading out and then wash the Kool-Aid out as soon as you get home. Otherwise, you could end up with blue hair for a couple weeks to a couple months.

What if you want to add a bit of texture to your face, such as icky scabs? You can create this look by using a paste made with oatmeal, corn syrup, and food coloring. If you want a variation of color, it's best to mix oatmeal and enough corn syrup to create the desired texture and then apply it to the area. Then use a paint brush and food coloring to add a variation of shades. For example, there might a bright pink around the scab because it's infected. The center of the scab would be dark red which would resemble dried blood. If you wanted to get really gross, you could mix corn syrup with green food coloring to create a nasty looking infection on the scab.

Of course, one of the most important pieces of Halloween makeup is fake blood. Because this type of Halloween makeup is often used so close to the mouth, it's important to use non-toxic ingredients. Here's a recipe to get you started that is perfect for little kids who want to celebrate Halloween.

Fake Halloween Blood

1 cup of light corn syrup
¼ cup flour
Red food coloring

1. Mix the light corn syrup and enough flour to crate a thick blood texture.
2. Add enough food coloring to get the desired color of blood.
3. Place inside a squeeze bottle of easy application.

Outdoor Fall Activities for Kids: Build and Fly Kites

Lyn Lomasi — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:55 GMT

Fall is a perfect time for kids to be active outdoors. Even though the temperature has started to drop, there still can be plenty of warm days. Windy weather that can accompany fall is a natural invitation to fly kites. Rather than buying kites for the kids, make it more fun and build and fly kites together. Kids love both crafts and kite flying. So this should be a double winner with most.

This project and activity can be done with parents, grandparents, teachers, babysitters, and more. Any adult who works with children may find this beneficial to them. Kite building guides and instructions can easily be found by doing a simple internet search. Supplies to build and fly kites can easily be found at most large craft and hobby stores. There's another fun activity kids love: shopping for project supplies. Let the kids pick out their plans and supplies (within your pre-set budget, of course).

Once the guides have been found and the supplies purchased, adults can help the children build the kites. The backyard or neighborhood park may be the best place for building, as there will be plenty of room. This especially is true the more people there are participating in the activity. Adults may decide to simply instruct and let the kids do the rest or to join in on the construction of the kite. When the kites are finished, they may need to dry, depending on materials. If so, kite building and kite flying might be separated into two different days. Just be sure the children know ahead of time to avoid surprising them with that news when they least want to hear it. If no drying or other waiting is necessary, go ahead and fly your kites!

When kite flying time has arrived, be sure the children have on comfortable footwear suitable for running. This fun outdoor activity involves plenty of that and a grassy open area is best for flying kites. This leaves plenty of comfortable running space and also helps prevent kites from getting snagged on things like tree branches. Safety first, of course!

Sources:
http://www.kitebuilder.com
http://www.blueskylark.org/zoo/class.html

Bringing Back Family Night One Week at a Time: Apple Picking

Amy B. — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:00:18 GMT

Fall has finally arrived along with all the wonderful things that go with the season. It's the perfect time to spend time with your family baking pies, sitting around the bonfire, watching football, or even going apple picking. Not only is apple picking a great way to save money and get exercise, it's also a wonderful way to spend the evening with your family.

There are literally thousands of apple orchards located across the United States. Not only are apple orchards simply gorgeous, but you can save money by picking the apples yourself. Best of all, orchards also have fruit stands where you can try new varieties of apples before you go apple picking. They also have cakes, pies, turnovers, and other delicious treats made from the apples picked fresh from the orchard.

Let's not forget all the exercise your family will get as they make their way through the orchard. Orchards usually span many acres, especially if the orchard has several varieties of apples to choose from. Not to mention that carrying your apple loot back to the car can also burn quite a few calories.

What do you do with all those great apples after you get them home? While you could just eat them, why not continue your family night by making some delicious treats with the apples? You could bake pies, make apple bread, dip the apples in caramel, etc. There are thousands of delicious apple recipes available online. You could even make pie filling and can it for later use. The sky's the limit when it comes to freshly picked apples.

Family night doesn't have to cost a fortune. Sometimes all it takes is taking a tradition from long ago and introducing it to your children. Chances are you probably already buy apples for your children so why not take them to the orchard to pick their own? Not only will you save money, but you're helping the environment by purchasing local produce rather than fruit that was shipped from across the country.

Maternity Style: Makeup 411 for Fall Season

Sabah K. — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:00:54 GMT

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.

Saving Money in the Kitchen: Easy Apple Bread

Amy B. — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:00:27 GMT

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.

Bringing Back Family Night One Week at a Time

Amy B. — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:00:38 GMT

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.

Maternity Style: Casual Wardrobe Picks for the Third Trimester

Sabah K. — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:00:36 GMT

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.

Saving Money in the Kitchen: Cranberry Apple Pie

Amy B. — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:00:21 GMT

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.

Bringing Back Family Night One Week at a Time: Tailgate in your Backyard

Amy B. — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:00:54 GMT

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.