The end of summer doesn't offer parents much time to transition. Once fall begins you jump headlong into a series of activities and social events surrounding your student. With so much going on, costs can add up before you even realize. If you're looking for something other than chess, debate, or soccer to help fill your child's after school schedule, try these alternative and affordable after school activities.

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Football season is in full swing and it's the best time of year for tailgating. The weather is mild -- if not still warm in parts of the country -- and spirits are high as teams haven't had a chance to lose their grip on the championship game.

Tickets to the game are pricey enough without the added cost of a pre-game party. That doesn't mean you should forego one of America's favorite pastimes, however, so consider the following ways to save on essential tailgating gear.

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Do you want to know something scary? October 31 is just a few days away. If the cost of Halloween costumes, candies and decor frighten you, don't fear; the following Halloween tips can help you simplify this ghoulish season without spending an arm and a leg.

COSTUMES

DIY

You don't have to be an expert seamstress to make great Halloween costumes. When your kiddos are little, it's especially easy to go the DIY route since they're fairly easy to please. In addition to fabric stores, look to the Domestic Queen for ideas for a creative costume.

Shop Early for Savings

Everyone knows the best deals on Halloween costumes happen after Oct. 31, but what good does that do you right now? Thankfully, some stores offer discounts on costumes before the holiday, when it's actually helpful. For example, you can get a coupon code at FreeShipping.org for 30-percent off costume orders from the The Children's Place.

Rent High-End

Last year, your middle schooler was happy to be a fuzzy tiger. This year, she wants to be Marie Antoinette. When a desired look is beyond your budget, rent one from your local costume store.

Try Consignment

In addition to scouting thrift stores, go to thredUp.com for gently used costumes. While the site doesn't have the size selection of a formal retailer, you can score outfits from such name brand retailers as Carter's and Pottery Barn Kids for less than $10. There's also the additional bonus of using that costume to restock your dress-up closet after Halloween.

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I LOVE FALL!  The weather is crisp and cool with gorgeous foliage all around.  Now is the time to seize the joys of the season and get outdoors and enjoy all that autumn has to bring.  Our lifestyles are all becoming more and more sedentary and so its extremely important to incorporate fun fall activities in our daily schedule.

Need some inspiration to get out and get active?  Then keep reading to find several ideas for fun fall activities which will have your family burning those calories with a smile!

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Forget any expectations you have of skipping from house to house with your elated, well-behaved toddler.  The first Halloween experience may look drastically different than what you anticipate.

Be ready to go home early if you need to and pay close attention to your toddler's over-stimulation signals to make sure it's fun for both of you.  You can make it a great, ghoulish night filled with good memories, or hideously heinous by engaging in this list of killjoys.

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I thought that maybe on this Toddler Tuesday, I would travel off the beaten path of cute baby pics and videos, to bring you a few tips regarding making your own baby food at home.  You see, somewhere along the way I got it into my head that I would never serve Riley any store bought baby food.

I had always heard how expensive that stuff was and how easy making your own baby food really is.  Also, I knew I was going to be a stay-at-home mom when I had Riley, and so I thought this could also be a great way for me to contribute to our family budget and save us a little money at the same time!

I was shocked and surprised at just how easy it really is and also how inexpensive!  The great thing about it is that I know exactly what is going into her food and I feel good knowing that it is extremely fresh too!  For any parent who may be thinking about making your own baby or toddler food, I'm passing on the tips and tools of the trade right here:

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