Children will jump at any opportunity they have to help out in the kitchen. Measuring this, pouring that, mixing this, spilling that…They love to crack eggs and cut vegetables. Being included in the cooking makes kids feel responsible and it is a really great way of putting the fundamentals of math into practical use.

One of the biggest advantages to cooking a meal with your kids is that it’s cheap, which is especially important in this recession economy, and, you already have the equipment to do it. So, if you find yourself looking for  fun family activies-bake some cupcakes with your children. It’s sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.

Find more fun family activities on WomansDay.com.

You can stay cozy and warm this winter season by making one of our beautiful homemade throw, quilt or spread blanket crafts. Wrap yourself or your loved one in this hand-crafted fleece when the weather turns crisp. There’s nothing better than curling up in a favorite armchair bundled in a warm, cozy handmade blanket. Homemade gift ideas for anyone in the family can be made with these easy how-to instructions. It’s a practical and sweet gift idea you can make for your loved ones. We’re sharing our ideas on how to make your own this season:

• Recycle five or six of your old sweaters that you no longer can fit into and design into a fashionable patchwork you’ll enjoy for years to come.

• Keep your little one warm with this crocheted blanket.

Cozy Blanket Craft

Pick from one of our seven cozy crafts that you can either give as a gift or use a decorative piece in you home.

When tracing your family tree start with asking family members if there is a genealogy book or some other type of record already existing within the family that would be a great start. Make sure to keep copies of any paperwork you come across. Although you may not need it now, you may need it in the future. Keep in mind different spelling of surnames during your search.

Family Tree

• Begin your adventure by gathering papers, photos, documents and family heirlooms.

• After collecting whatever records you already have, set some time aside to interview your family members personally. Pay attention to stories not only dates and names.

• Write down everything as you’re interviewing and start a journal

• Visit a local library or family history center where you can access the world’s largest collection of genealogical information.

• Visit cemeteries, courthouses and churches for information.

• Make sure to always keep a journal and document everything even if you think it’s not pertinent information.

• Most importantly make sure to have fun!

For more tips on How to Trace Your Family Tree, click here.

Learning how to give back to your community can be very rewarding. Think about these scenarios:

• A 16-year-old who is about to drop out of school,
• A young mother overwhelmed by bills,
• A puppy in need of training.

Volunteer Ideas

Every community has its set of obstacles. Fortunately, there’s probably an organization you can help in their mission to help the good of society. Lately more and more people are volunteering their time towards a purposeful cause in their community. Here are just a few suggestions for volunteering your time:

Get Out and About with a Puppy The New England–based Guiding Eyes for the Blind places an eight-week-old puppy, usually a Labrador or German shepherd, in a volunteer’s home for over a year, after which the canine formally trains to be a guide dog for a blind person.

Cook Up a Storm “We use culinary skills to do good,” says Culinary Corps founder Christine Carroll. For a recent project, 12 cooks flew to New Orleans for a week to whip up meals for Habitat for Humanity crews, among other undertakings.

Take more of our ideas for helping others with your time, and energy:

In order to live the good life you don’t necessarily need to be rich. Decide what would make your life more enjoyable—better food, more travel, less stress—then, use your frugal living skills to make it happen. Money Saving Ideas are ways to living better for less. Learn how to create a budget, save money, reduce your debt and make the most of what you have. Parents are coming up with clever ways to survive this economic squeeze with creative, money saving ideas. Money saving ideas doesn’t necessarily mean doing without. Even though it is wise to cut back on purchases here are some easy tips for cutting back on your household budget.

Frugal Living Tips

Trim your food bill

There are plenty of money saving ideas to help you set aside more money for food. Coupon clipping and taking advantage of store specials are good places to start.

Save on other goods

Shopping for non-food items is another area where you can save money. Always scour the Web for coupons and discount codes before you make a purchase.

Look on for more ideas on money saving tips.

Find unique gifts on every occasion for anyone in the family.

Whether you are shopping for your nieces and nephews or trying to find a unique gift for your mother-in-law, we’ve got a great collection of products that are all priced below $25. See how to make all your family members’ dreams come true with special gift ideas.

• Brighten up someone’s morning routine with these pretty mugs from Vera Bradley. BN.com

• With pleasing scents like Oatmeal Spice and Lavender, these sweet soaps make a perfect hostess gift.
• Beautiful silver absinthe spoons are sure to be a hit with the mixologist in your life.

Gift Giving

Get more on Gift Ideas at WomansDay.com