You really, truly can make a difference.

For many of us, breast cancer is a sad, scary and overwhelming thing. But we can’t let those feelings make us run and hide. Every day, doctors and scientists are coming closer and closer to a cure. Here are ways you can be part of this great undertaking by participating in breast cancer awareness events and donating what you can spare.

• Visit thebreastcancersite.com to shop for pretty pink items. The proceeds help pay for mammograms for women who aren’t able to afford them.

• Get a group of friends together and plan a breast cancer awareness event. It could be a walk, a bake sale…be creative. Then donate the money you raise to the Susan G. Komen foundation, the American Cancer Society or your personal favorite breast cancer charity.
• This month, Trade Secret is making it even easier to join the fight. A percentage of the proceeds from special breast cancer products will help fund breast cancer research.

Get A-list fashion on a D-list budget.

Even the most elite style experts can appreciate a sales rack. Top designers and super-fashionable celebrities are finally using this knowledge to create chic, trendy clothing that only looks expensive. Here are some of the top brands.

• Simply Vera – This whimsical brand by famed bridal designer Vera Wang launches this fall at Kohl’s. Wang’s signature touches and the collection’s ability to mix-and-match are already receiving a lot of positive feedback.
• Bitten – “Fashion is not a luxury. It’s a right.” With this in mind, Sarah Jessica Parker created this line of fun, casual clothes for Steve and Barry’s. The best part? With jeans priced under $15 and shoes under $10, you can’t go wrong.
• Roberto Cavalli for H&M – This legendary Italian designer has created a gorgeous line for men and women that only looks expensive.  With lots of animal prints and great accessories, these pieces are sure to cause a stir once they hit shelves on November 8, 2007. 

Creative tips for summer parties

Getting together with friends and family is a must during the summertime. Whether you choose to host a party for your kids or a more grown-up soiree, here are some tips for keeping your hot weather party cool.
•    You want to enjoy your party and mingle with guests, so instead of spending your time at the grill, assemble a “make your own kabob station” next to the grill. Fill bowls with meats and vegetables. Place the bowls on ice and cover to keep bugs away. Allow guests to skewer their favorites and place them on the grill themselves.
•    In the age of e-vites, it’s nice to receive a mailed invitation. Make your party stand above the rest by inviting your guests with “real” invitations made from unique paper.
•    Host a classic summer get-together with old-fashioned activities like a pie eating contest, three-legged races and a water balloon toss. Serve favorites like burgers, lemonade and ice cream. 
•    Kids love themed parties, so go all out! Here are some tried-and-true favorites: Hawaiian luau, pirates, beach party and of course, the princess party for little girls.
Remember that spending a lot of money or having everything turn out perfectly isn’t what will make you a good host. Plan ahead as much as you can, warmly welcome your guests and have a good time! If you’re enjoying yourself, so will your guests!

Healthy foods with a beauty bonus

1. Eating foods with fatty acids

Eating foods with fatty acids such as salmon, vegetable oil, walnuts and flax seed provides hydration for skin and can help improve your mood.

2. Eating foods high in vitamin A and carotenoids

Eating foods high in vitamin A and carotenoids such as milk, eggs, cantaloupe and carrots can help create smoother texture for your skin. Carrots also contain retinol, which prevents premature aging and strengthens hair.

3. Zinc

Zinc, which is found in lean meats and seafood, prevents hair loss and breakage.

Is the house swapping trend for you?

Tired of impersonal hotels, rundown rental cars and overcrowded tourist attractions? House swapping might just be your vacation solution. Here’s what you need to know before you get started…

•  Membership to a home exchange site usually costs about $100 per year. Within that year, you can exchange as many times as you want, and there are no additional fees other than your usual travel expenses.

•  Remember that a house swap probably won’t be your typical vacation. You’ll be experiencing your destination as a local. How refreshing!

•  Use a reputable organization like Home Exchange for your house swap. These organizations do a great job of keeping the process safe and relatively stress-free for everyone involved.

•  Be sure to exchange plenty of emails, pictures and even phone calls with your swapping partners. That way, you won’t feel like strangers and you’ll develop a sense of trust.

•  Most exchanges within a country last 1-2 weeks while international exchanges are typically a little longer.

You don’t need a personal trainer or a lot of money to get fit and healthy

1. Get your groove on

Dancing at home for 30 minutes can give you a great workout and put a smile on your face! Get the kids involved and blow off some steam before dinner. It might help them work up an appetite, too!

2. Turn on the tube

Sit on an exercise ball while watching your favorite show. This engages your abdominal muscles and improves your posture. During commercial breaks, up the intensity by doing some push-ups, sit-ups or jumping jacks.

3. Shop and shed

Do a lap around the mall before committing to a store. This will give you a workout and give you a good look at all the sales! Or park on the opposite side of your destination and enjoy the walk.

4. Garden for great gams

It might seem strange, but gardening is a great way to get plenty of exercise. You’ll definitely feel it in your legs the next day! For a more advanced workout, do a squat for every weed you pull.

5. Play

Spend some quality time with your kids and play a game of tag, catch or Simon Says. Simon says jog in place, do jumping jacks or the twist. You’ll all reap the benefits in more ways than one!

6. Stairway to strength

Take the stairs instead of the usual elevator! It’s a great way to fit a little cardio and strength training into your workday. Descending stairs in high heals is a great way to strengthen your core. Be sure to keep your tummy tucked in for optimum abdominal conditioning.

Grooming your child’s mind and heart

It’s important to help your children develop kindness, generosity and self-sacrifice through practical, “real-life” experiences. Here are a few ways to turn everyday activities into opportunities to help others.

•  When your family cooks a meal or a batch of cookies, make a little extra to bring to a busy family you know. Afterwards, talk about what it feels like to do something nice for someone.

•  When it comes time to sort through your children’s old books, toys and clothes, make a point of giving things away. Find a way to make it fun and meaningful. Make a game out of the process or help your children develop an imagined version of a child who might be receiving the items.

•  If the family needs a little exercise, stop by your local animal shelter and take a dog for a much-needed walk.

•  If your children enjoy painting and coloring, spend an afternoon creating an assortment of art projects, then bring them to a nursing home or hospital. The color and creativity will bring smiles to the patients’ faces.

Fun, inexpensive Halloween costumes

It’s always a challenge to come up with creative costume ideas for Halloween parties without having to spend tons of money. Here are a few easy ideas for creating great costumes on a budget.

•    Static cling – Dress in black, then safety-pin socks, t-shirts, dryer sheets and other articles of clothing to your black clothes. Use lots of hairspray to make your hair stand on end.

•    Bag of groceries – Cut the bottom off of a cardboard box and attach suspenders to the top edges. Glue empty boxes of cereal, pasta and other foods to the inside so they stick out the top of the box. Create an oversized receipt to hang over the edge of the box. You can use the same idea to create a “basket of laundry” costume, too.

•    80s Miss America or prom queen – Here’s a great way to get some use out of those over-the-top bridesmaid dresses. Wear your most obnoxious dress and dyed-to-match shoes. Create an 80s hairstyle complete with “satellite dish bangs” and makeup to match. Wear an inexpensive crown and banner.
Halloween is always more fun when you create your costume yourself. People will be impressed with your creativity, and you’re sure to get more than a few laughs. These ideas can all be adapted to create costumes for kids, too! 

Trick your kids (and yourself) into eating right.

Small changes to your everyday recipes can help improve your family’s health. Your taste buds won’t even notice!

1. Some baked goods turn out great when you use applesauce instead of butter and oil.

2. Make a dessert that only tastes sinful using a no-sugar-added fudge bar, 2 tablespoons of light whipped topping and 1 tablespoon of peanut butter.
3. Use lowfat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to double the calcium and cut the fat.
4. Use fresh lemon juice and vinegar as a light, low-calorie alternative to salad dressings, marinades and buttery sauces.
5. Substitute nuts and raisins for chocolate chips in your cookie recipes.
6. Instead of sprinkling high-calorie granola in your yogurt, try using high-fiber cereal for a more nutritious crunch.