How to... take pants from day to night

Jeans are casual, fun, and easy — but can they take you from your a.m. meeting to your p.m. cocktails? Absolutely!

Know your options

Twill is a great alternative if you can't wear jeans to work, and since they have the same flattering look as denim, they're perfect for day-to-night. If you are allowed to wear denim to your workplace, I would recommend wearing a sleeveless blouse with a blazer or cardigan there and then taking it off once you hit the town — it instantly transforms your outfit. The same goes for shoes with flats and heels. Thankfully, your denim is able to be your mainstay.

"I am always asked if you can wear jeans out on a Saturday night or on a date if you are meeting someone for the first time," says Jill Martin, fashion correspondent for The TODAY Show, Access Hollywood and author of NY Times bestseller I Have Nothing to Wear! "The answer is absolutely yes! I think there is nothing sexier than a pair of jeans with a beautiful blouse or a sequin tank and blazer. Accessories, shoes and even a cool hat can dress up an otherwise ordinary pair of jeans."

It's all in the accessories

"Look to your shoes and accessories to transition from day to night," suggests Lizanne Crotty, Regional General Manager for Denim Habit. "Courds are great. Skinny courds offer a bit dressier of a look. Pair skinnies with stilettos or a high boot along with a sleek sweater and you have the perfect day into night look."

More fashion how tos

How to find the best pants for your body type
How to accessorize your skinny jeans
How to find the right pants length for heels

Khakis and skinnies and flares, oh my! Choosing the right style of pants for your body type can be frustrating. You want something that flatters, but that also camouflages flaws and adds versatility to your wardrobe.

How to.... Achieve
pants perfection

If you’re stumped on what bottoms to buy this fall, we put together a guide that should point you in the right direction.

If you’re petite

Finding pants that fit when you’re petite isn’t easy. You want to avoid a look that overwhelms, and you also want to find something proportionate to your smaller shape. One of the best options out there for anyone with a shorter stature is super-skinny jeans or cords because they give the illusion of more height. Go for a colored pair to give yourself even more of a long and lean look.

Our pants pick: Old Navy Pop-Color Rockstar cords in Saucy Red . The super-stretchy, ultra-cute skinny style is great for petite shapes and the pop of color is perfect for fall, and for adding the illusion of longer legs.

More fashion how tos

How to style your wardrobe for fall fashion
How to dress denim up or down
How to rock colored denim

How to... Dress up skinny jeans

Finding your perfect pair of skinny jeans is the happily ever after to your fashion fairytale. After many mistakes with size, fit or cut , discovering your ideal match is pure bliss. But just like the gowns in any fairytale, you must accessorize your skinny jeans.

We’ve gathered the best looks for accessorizing your skinny jeans for a perfect outfit.

Skinny squared

The most popular way to accessorize your skinny jeans is with a skinny belt. Whether you tuck in your top or not, add a skinny belt to your jeans to add a pop of color. It works for daytime casual or night looks.

More fashion how tos

How to style your wardrobe for fall fashion
How to dress denim up or down
How to rock colored denim

Photo credit: WENN.com

How to... Look your best!

When going out on a first date, sometimes your favorite go-to outfits in your closet just won't cut it when you want to show your best self while being comfortable, and most importantly, confident! Today I'm sharing three tips that will prepare you for any date, anywhere, with any man!

Pick a pair of pants with flattering lines

When you’re going on a date, you don’t always have to wear a fancy dress, especially if the occasion isn’t fitting. But, if you do wear pants, make sure they flatter your shape! Just because they have a designer label doesn’t mean they automatically work for your particular body type. Try on pants, make sure they love you in all the right spots and smile to yourself as he watches you walk to the restroom during dinner. If you want to take it up a notch from basic denim, try some colored corduroy! There are tons of fun corduroy options popping up this fall, but I love these fit and flare cords from Old Navy in Plummy Mummy, $35.

Choose clothing that won’t wrinkle

No matter where you’re going on your date, you’re most likely to be sitting for a portion of it. Considering what your clothing is made out of is so important! I've learned this the hard way, buying plenty of tops and dresses based solely on my love for the pattern, fit or style, then finding out that I can't wear them because the fabric doesn't suit my lifestyle. Linen and cotton wrinkle easily, as does silk. You want to strive to look just as good at the end of the date as when it started, so keep longevity in mind when choosing makeup and shoes as well. With the colder weather quickly approaching, a sweater dress is a great date night option! My fave? The multi-way sweater dress from Victoria's Secret, $70.

Be honest with yourself -- and your heel selection

All women are guilty of this, especially me! We find a pair of heels that we just can’t live without and add them to our over-grown shoe collection without really giving them a test-drive. They’re to-die-for, so who cares? No! Such a big mistake ladies. Who wants to spend the entire time worrying more about their screaming blisters than what their date is saying? Who wants to walk around all night having to hold on to your date's arm for support? Some men may find it endearing, but I assure you none will think it’s sexy. An affordable pick? These awesome Just Fab wedges, Heels.com, $60

Taking the extra time to really think about how your clothes and shoes will work for the occasion may seem pointless, but it just might get you that second date you want.

More fashion how tos

How to find the best pants for your body type
How to accessorize your skinny jeans
How to find the right pants length for heels

How to... pair pants with heels

Do you feel like Goldilocks when searching for the perfect pair of pants? Whether you're short, tall or somewhere in between, knowing what the perfect hem length is for different pant styles can be difficult. Here's the scoop on finding the perfect pant length for heels!

Skinnies

Skinny jeans seem like the easy choice when wearing heels. They slide right on, no hemming necessary! But there are some important things to keep in mind when choosing a skinny. You may not think they can be "too short" or "too long" but they can. Skinnies shouldn’t be so tight they don’t have any wiggle room below your ankle. If they hug above your ankle, they’re too high. And if you have to cuff them up, they're too long for heels but can still be worn casually with sandals.

My picks:

• Jeans: J Brand mid-rise skinny jeans, $330, Matchesfashion.com
• Heels: Rushanan pumps, Aldo, $70

Side note: Jenny McCarthy looked fashion forward in her Old Navy Rockstar skinnies and wedges.

Bell bottoms

If you’re choosing a bell bottom pant, please go all the way! This means, a dramatic, long hem. Anything shorter than one inch off of the ground with your heels on will just do strange things to your silhouette. Bell bottoms look best with chunky platforms, so choose a pair that’s tall, but extremely comfortable to walk in. Most of the shoe won’t show. When in doubt, always buy your jeans longer than you think and pay a visit to your tailor. They'll become your newest best friend in no-time!

My picks:

• Jeans: Bell bottom jeans, Zara, $60
• Heels: Michael Kors Nanette sandal, Neiman Marcus, $105

Trousers

There is nothing more destructive to a woman's look than ill-fitting trousers. The fabrics can be hard enough to work with, let alone trying to find a pair that will agree with all of your various work shoes. My advice is this: If you find a pair of trousers you adore, buy two pairs. Keep one hem shorter for flats, and then leave the others a little longer for your heels.

When wearing heels, avoid trousers that hug too tightly on your thighs and then flare out from your knee to your feet. This will make you look like you're extra curvy, balancing on teeny tiny feet. You want to look for trousers that create one long, lean line down your leg, and make sure the hemline grazes the tips of your toes. I love pairing trousers with pointy-toe pumps, because it allows you to show a little more shoe.

My picks:

• Trousers: Modern twill trousers in dark mouse brown, Ann Taylor, $88
• Heels: N.Y.L.A. snakeskin heels, $79, Piperlime

More fashion how-tos

How to wear white after Labor Day
How to fix a seam
How to hem your pants

Photo credits: Starbux/WENN.com, Lia Toby/WENN.com

Toilet paper wedding dress contest

Cheap chic

In a sense, all wedding dresses are disposable. Unless you plan to pass your gown down to your daughter, granddaughter or great-granddaughter, you'll probably wear your dress once -- and then the back of your closet gets to soak up all the glamour. The brides below took the throwaway concept of a big day dress one step further when they participated in Cheap-Chic-Weddings.com's toilet paper wedding dress contest -- you've gotta see what they came up with!

So what's the story behind this competition? It all started with Cheap-Chic-Weddings.com founder Laura Gawne and her partners Susan Bain and Roxie Radford. The three based the contest on the popular bridal shower game, asking their readers to create wedding gowns using toilet paper, tape and/or glue.

"Creativity," "originality," "beauty" and "the use of toilet paper" were the categories that could net you points in the Eighth Annual Cheap Chic Weddings Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest, and the dresses below more than delivered. The contest was sponsored by Charmin and Life In Mobile, Inc., and the winners were announced at the oh-so-appropriate Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square Odditorium in NYC.

Take a look at this art in motion!

• Grand prize winner: Susan Brennan, 26, of Orchard Lake, MI
• What she won: $2,012
• What she used: 10 rolls of Charmin with hot glue, packing tape and needle and thread.
• About her dress: Susan called her creation "Bohemian Cupcake." "The top portion, including the headpiece has a free-spirited vibe and the bottom looks like delicious frosting! It’s relaxed yet sophisticated and flirty -- the cut out details make it modern."

• Second-place winner: Katrina Chalifoux, 50, of Knoxville, TN
• What she won: $1,000
• What she used: 28 double rolls of Charmin with medical tape, glue and needle and thread.
• About her dress: "Katrina loves to make costumes, and her main inspiration for this gown was a lily and the challenge of creating a garden of flowers on the gown."

• Third-place winner: Jennifer Henry, 31, of Las Vegas, NV
• What she won: $500
• What she used: 36 rolls of Charmin, packing tape and double-stick tape.
• About her dress: "Jennifer's dress was inspired by the velvety texture of Charmin tissue and those oh so sweet ribbons of whipped cream from the can!"

More creative wedding ideas

How to make successful wedding DIY projects from Pinterest
Decorating Diva: Easy DIY wedding decor ideas you'll love
DIY paper wedding cone

Interview: Sofia Vergara

Gloria's glorious style

Smoking hot television superstar, Sofia Vergara, spills all — her Emmy nomination, favorite red carpet moment and what’s next for her on Modern Family.

As we sit down in Sofia's closet, which is covered with racks of her clothing line, we can't help but stare at her perfect, well... everything — her body, luscious locks, red lips, sexy accent... we could go on.

Four weeks into filming the fourth season of Modern Family, this Emmy nominee can't help but gush about her hit show, style and her favorite Vera Wang dress.

SheKnows: How would you describe your personal style?

Vergara: I think I’ve changed throughout my life because with different ages, you have to adjust. Before, I used to be in the Latin market and was sexier. Now, if I show a little bit of leg, I try to not show too much cleavage, and vice versa. But I try to use lots of color — a woman shouldn’t be afraid of color. . But I feel my style is whatever makes me look good!

SheKnows: Congratulations on your Emmy nomination for Modern Family! What’s your favorite part about playing your character, Gloria?

Vergara: I can put a lot of my Latin culture into the character to make it more real, so it’s a lot of fun to play.

SheKnows: What’s next for Gloria?

Vergara: She is going to be pregnant this whole season, so it’s been very interesting, but I think it’s going to be a fun season!

Don't forget to catch Sofia Vergara in the season premiere of Modern Family Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 9 p.m. EST on ABC.

More Sofia Vergara

Sofia Vergara shows off her huge... bling
Emmy-nominee Sofia Vergara and other celeb Cancers
What popular TV actress brings in the biggest bank?

Photo credits: ABC via WENN.com, FayesVision/WENN.com

Actor Mandy Patinkin left a lot of fans scratching their heads when he abruptly left CBS' hit crime show Criminal Minds after two years. Now, he's finally talking about why he left.

"The biggest public mistake I ever made was that I chose to do Criminal Minds in the first place," the actor recently told New York Magazine.

Ouch. He later clarified his statement, saying he thought the show would be something a lot different than it was.

"I never thought they were going to kill and rape all these women every night, every day, week after week, year after year," he added. "It was very destructive to my soul and my personality. After that, I didn’t think I would get to work in television again."

We get it: Though shows like Minds and Law and Order: SVU are addictive, they do get pretty depressing after a while. Patinkin added that his current show, Homeland, helped him add some positivity back into his life.

"I’m not making a judgment on the taste ," he continued. "But I’m concerned about the effect it has. Audiences all over the world use this programming as their bedtime story. This isn’t what you need to be dreaming about. A show like Homeland is the antidote. It asks why there’s a need for violence in the first place."

Still, his former bosses aren't exactly thrilled with his assessment of the show.

"Criminal Minds is about the heroes who protect men, women and children everyday," Executive Producer Erica Messer told Entertainment Weekly in a statement. "Mandy is an outstanding actor and we wish him continued success with Homeland."

Criminal Minds must be doing something right: The show is back for its eighth season with new star Jeanne Tripplehorn on Wednesday, Sept. 26.

Image courtesy Joseph Marzullo/WENN.com

Everyone thinks Amanda Bynes has problems — well, everyone except Amanda Bynes.

The Easy A actress told People that she's doing really well these days, thankyouverymuch.

"I am doing amazing," she said. "I am retired as an actor. I am moving to New York to launch my career. I am going to do a fashion line."

At least she won't need a car in New York City, so that's one good thing she has going for her. However, she wouldn't talk about her recent troubles.

Amanda Bynes tops list of 7 worst celebs behind the wheel >>

"I am not talking about being arrested for DUI because I don't drink, and I don't drink and drive. It is all false," Bynes continued.

It's the same thing she's been saying all year — she even tried to convince President Obama that she doesn't drink in a series of tweets earlier this summer.

Think her recent behavior is odd? You're not the only one: Onlookers and friends are concerned she's in the midst of a full-on meltdown.

"People around Amanda are really concerned about her," a source told the magazine. "She tells people she doesn't party or drink. She doesn't realize she has a problem."

Apparently, even her parents are concerned for her: They've reportedly relocated from Texas to Los Angeles to keep an eye on her. However, that hasn't stopped her increasingly erratic behavior. Spies have spotted her talking to objects and laughing at herself — and patrons at Equinox gym in Los Angeles got an eyeful when she stopped in earlier this week.

Ermahgerd: Amanda Bynes hits the pipe in trashed BMW >>

"Amanda stopped to take her T-shirt off, revealing only a tiny, black, strapless push-up bra — not a sports bra," an onlooker told People. She spent a few minutes adjusting her bra and "pulled out her makeup kit and started reapplying her lipstick and eyeliner while looking at herself in the large mirror in front of her."

Most people freshen up at a gym — but they do it in the locker room, not in front of the Ellipticals.

Image courtesy Michael Wright/WENN.com

Do you think Amanda Bynes has a problem?

Kelsey Grammer is really tired of talking about ex-wife Camille Grammer. How tired? He bolted on a planned interview with CNN's Piers Morgan on Wednesday night when a photo of his ex flashed on television cameras.

"Kelsey Grammer was supposed to be on my show now but ran out of the building. Strange," the Piers Morgan Tonight host tweeted, later adding, "So, Kelsey Grammer saw a photo of his ex wife Camille in the open to our show and legged it. Extraordinary. Never had this happen before. ... I like Kelsey Grammer personally, but this was a shockingly unprofessional thing to do. I wasn't even going to mention his ex-wife!"

Grammer was set to appear on the show to promote the second season of his hit Starz drama Boss. However, his disdain for Camille apparently trumped that of his job.

Elton John's & Kelsey Grammer's kids shared the same womb >>

Maybe he's just tired of talking about her? The actor wouldn't even mention her by name in a recent interview with Oprah. We get it: How many scorned exes want to talk about their divorces over and over and over again?

Obviously, the photo was the last straw. Morgan might have tried to play incident, but his rep isn't buying it.

Camille Grammer dumps home she shared with Kelsey >>

"Piers needs to take responsibility for what he did to Kelsey. It's called accountability," he said.

Let that be a lesson to anyone who wants to talk to Kelsey about his Real Housewives of Beverly Hills ex. Our advice? Talk about the weather, sports — basically anything but Camille.

Image courtesy Dan Jackman/WENN.com

Rapper Lupe Fiasco doesn't plan on voting for Barack Obama or Mitt Romney during the November election. He doesn't plan on voting, period.

"I don’t get involved in politics. It’s meaningless," he told CBS News last year. "If I’m going to say I stand behind this person and write on a piece of paper that says, ‘Yeah, I stand for this person,’ then I have to take responsibility for everything he does cause that’s just who I am as a human being. So politicians aren’t going to do that because I don’t want you to bomb some village in the middle of nowhere."

Controversial tweets get Roland Martin ousted from CNN >>

This comment didn't sit well with some prominent African-American entertainers. Comedian D.L. Hughley recently spoke out against the rapper and his ignorance.

"They want to raise the age of Social Security from 65 to 68… Black men die at 67," Hughley mused during an interview with Connecticut radio station Hot 93.7. "Lupe Fiasco forgets that he’s going to be an old man when he’s looking for a Social Security check, and he dies right before he gets it."

Eva Longoria at the DNC: "I don't need a tax break" >>

The comedian wasn't done there.

"Young black men are going to listen to him, and they are the ones who have decisions made for them, decisions that they are not even involved in, which is silly to me," he continued. "There are more black men in prison then there were ever slaves. And it’s silly to me that people don’t want to have a hand in their future."

CNN commentator Roland Martin entered the fray on Wednesday night with a series of tweets directed toward Fiasco.

Clint Eastwood: Republicans are dumb >>

"I need bruhs like @lupefiasco and others to realize their words DO MATTER. And what they said needs to be informed & knowledgeable," he wrote. "So when @lupefiasco says what he has to say about the election doesn't matter, that's just not true. EVERY vote matters."

The rapper is holding steadfast in his views, though.

"Sick of u uppity black n****s hiding behind your political correctness...MLK JR would be ashamed of yall...we still dying in these streets.." he tweeted in response. "Let me heal from the wounds of 400 years of institutionalized agony and destruction first...then maybe I'll think about voting..."

Image courtesy Kat Goduco/WENN.com

Which side of the debate are you on?

Oh, come on: Apparently Lady Gaga is getting too "fat," according to RadarOnline. The singer — currently on her Born This Way tour in Europe — has put on a few pounds and now a professional is "weighing" in on her lbs.

Lady Gaga's hair goes "Louis Vuitton brown" >>

"Gaga appears to have gained at least 30 pounds," nutritionist Majid Ali told RadarOnline. The nutritionist went on to hypothesize that her weight gain is a result of her drinking.

"Alcohol sugars can only be stored as fats. Whereas most sugars can be used as fuel and whatever is left over is stored," he said. "So all that drinking adds up as fat pretty quickly, no matter what the rest of her diet is like."

Lady Gaga gets tattoo in front of fans, in giant perfume bottle >>

Gaga has made no secret of her love for booze — she even subscribes to the "drunk diet" developed by her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Luc Carl.

"I like to drink whiskey and stuff while I am working," she told the Morning Mashup on SiriusXM Hits One. What musician doesn't? It's pretty much part of the job description.

Lady Gaga shaves her head for Terry Richardson >>

We happen to think the weight gain looks good on her 5-foot, 1-inch frame. At least we know she's eating — we weren’t sure earlier this year when she showed off a rail-thin body. Even pal Elton John was worried.

"I talk to her mum and dad about it," he told U.K.'s Guardian newspaper. "They worry."

"She is frail," John added. "And she doesn't eat when she should do, and she's a girl, and it's tougher for a girl."

Lady Gaga: I don't eat >>

Even Gaga is acutely aware of the challenges of being a woman in the spotlight.

"Just killed back to back spin classes," she tweeted in April. "Eating a salad dreaming of a cheeseburger #PopSingersDontEat #IWasBornThisWay."

The tweet attracted criticism, but we're glad she's seemed to rediscover her love of cheeseburgers over the summer.

Image courtesy Will Alexander/WENN.com

We all laughed a bit when Lindsay Lohan was arrested early Wednesday for clipping a man with her Porsche outside the Dream Hotel in Manhattan. However, now it's looking like she might be the victim after all.

Dina Lohan is totally drunk on Dr. Phil >>

"While some of the facts are still being gathered, it appears that this is much ado about nothing," her rep Steve Honig told ABC News in an email. "We are confident this matter will be cleared up in the coming weeks and the claims being made against Lindsay will be proven untrue."

Restaurant cook Jose Rodriguez told police that Lohan hit him with her car, causing a knee injury. He also claims she was under the influence.

"She was slurring," he told the New York Daily News. "She smelled like alcohol."

Lohan was later arrested and given a bench appearance ticket. The arrest could spell big trouble for the actress since she's on probation for her jewelry theft incident.

What got Lindsay Lohan banned from Chateau Marmont? >> 

How much trouble? Potentially a lot, according to Alison Triessl, criminal defense attorney and creator of the Wild About Trial app.

"Lindsay Lohan's 2011 grant of informal probation out of Los Angeles could well be in jeopardy given this new offense," Triessel told SheKnows on Wednesday. "One condition of that probation is that she violate no laws. Therefore, if the Manhattan District Attorney's office does indeed file charges against her of leaving the scene of the accident, she may be facing a violation of her California probationary grant."

Yikes. All she needs is more courtroom drama.

Lindsay Lohan may have trashed Elizabeth Taylor's "love nest" >>

Still, she could come out of this relatively unscathed: Surveillance footage outside the Dream shows the victim likely is exaggerating his claims. Was she just a victim of opportunity? Maybe.

"It is very difficult to protect Lindsay  from people trying to capitalize on their legal troubles and negative public image," Triessel told SheKnows.

"Lindsay has been accused of several public scuffles, several of which resulted in a civil settlement. Sometimes, it is better just to settle the claim, even if the facts are questionable, so that the story is no longer relevant and the celebrity is shielded from more public scrutiny. Trying to avoid a PR disaster and staying out of the headlines can force a lot of celebrity to settle what would otherwise be defensible claims."

This is one of those times we're glad we're not famous.

Lohan has at least one person on her side: Slash. The guitarist spent time with her backstage at his show in NYC minutes before the alleged accident.

"The situation last night w/Lindsey was a lame paparazzi stunt. She didn't do anything. it's being blown out of proportion," he tweeted.

Image courtesy Diane L Cohen/ WENN.com

Now that school is back is session, your kids will probably be reading more than they were in the summertime, but continuing to read books outside of school is important too.

How to...
read with your kids

Establishing a reading routine at home is great for your child's vocabulary and comprehension, plus it can promote bonding with parents.

Step 1: Pick a monthly theme

If your children are of varying ages, pick a monthly theme and then each child should select books based on the theme. Head to the library where everyone in the family can find books suited to their reading level and interest.

More parenting how-tos

How to become a more easygoing mom
How to make over your kid's bedroom on a budget
How to sneak in a little me time

More reading

Fiction meets nonfiction: A mashup
SheKnows book review: The Other Half of Me by Morgan McCarthy
Hot in hardcover: September edition

As if the star power behind the 2012 iHeartRadio Music Festival wasn't strong enough, new presenters have been added to the roster for Friday and Saturday night. Miley Cyrus, Kathy Griffin and LL Cool J will join Ryan Lochte, Britney Spears and Demi Lovato as official presenters at the festival, according to iHeartRadio producers.

"Last year's iHeartRadio Music Festival had so many acts from so many different genres on one stage, a true rarity for a concert," Seacrest said of the second annual event. "This year it's set to be bigger and better, with an unbelievable roster of some of the most talented names in the music business."

We're pumped.

iHeartRadio Music Festival 2011: A look back >>

Who'll rock the stage

The iHeartRadio Music Festival is all about mixing classic acts such as Bon Jovi and Aerosmith with country singers and rappers. However, we all know it's really about the pop music: Rihanna, Pink and Taylor Swift are among the full slate of superstars, after all.

Offbeat collabs we'd love to see at iHeartRadio Music Festival >>

The big question: Who will steal the show? After all, we all know Britney, Demi and Miley are unpredictable, even as presenters. Will they do something crazy on stage? Our money's on Miley.

However, we think Pink will be the big showstopper at this year's show. She's back with her new album, The Truth About Love, and always gives an amazing live show — have you ever seen her trapeze act? Exactly.

iHeartRadio Music Festival: Where the party at? >>

Our favorite part about the platinum blonde singer? She never censors herself… ever. Why? That's just how she grew up.

"I write from my life, my experience. I'm selfish that way," she recently told USA Today. "I'm very much in the trenches, and I don't live in the lap of luxury. I come from a working-class military family. We watch the news and read the paper and vote, so there's always something to be upset about. I always have a certain amount of angst in my back pocket."

Images courtesy Ivan Nikolov/WENN.com

Lead by example

A school-age child will pick up on your organizational skills whether you notice it or not. The first place to start is to organize yourself before putting together a system for your child. There are many practical and useful organizational tools for parents, which help to keep your days and weeks running smoothly.

Closet organizing tips for back to school >>

Organization and responsibility

By educating your child on the importance of being organized, you're not only teaching them an important life lesson that will carry on with them for many years. You are making it possible for your child to take charge of their independence and responsibilities.

There are many ways to accomplish a successful organizational routine with your child's schedule. Depending on a parent's personal preferences, there are iPhone apps, online websites, personal planners and visual tools for the home to help accomplish a routine — and one that flows smoothly each week.

These schedule ideas and parent favorites are great for scheduling family activities.

App

The miCal app for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad is an award-winning app to help you easily organize multiple schedules from any location.

Dry erase

The Martha Stewart Dry Erase Weekly Planner can be placed on a high-traffic door, moved around the house and is highly effective for reminders and weekly activities at a glance.

Best calendars for busy moms >>

Different ways to organize your child's schedule

Preschool-age children: A visual system is often the best organizational solution when it comes to a schedule and routine for children ages 3 to 5 or 6. Not only does a visual chart help introduce your child to organizational skills, it can help prevent tantrums, frustrations and unnecessary behaviors when it's time to transition from one activity to the next. To make a visual organizational chart or schedule, take pictures of your child's activities, laminate the photos and stick adhesive Velcro to the back of each picture. Stick the other side of the Velcro to a chart, garage door or movable board and rearrange the pictures to visually show your child's schedule for the day.

Elementary-age children: A visual chart, magnet board or chalkboard can be used as a schedule planner for older children. Children who are working on handwriting, spelling and responsibilities can get involved with the daily arranging of their schedule by writing out the plans for the day.

Preteens and teenagers: With technology becoming a big part of our day-to-day lives and being incorporated in schools, tweens and teens can now keep track of their responsibilities online. With free websites, like My Job Chart, parents can create an online chore chart, assign chores and manage a rewards system to motivate and fulfill their child's individuality, while creating and promoting responsibility.

More organizational tips

Easy ways to keep your car organized
How to organize your home for summer
How to organize your family in 2012

stress-free decor

Easy home updates

A lot of people are daunted by the idea of redecorating or even enhancing their space. It's not always easy figuring out where to start when it comes to choosing a paint color, which rooms to tackle first, what accents to buy or which trends to follow. If you're currently dealing with home decor anxiety, we're here to help.

We have Sabrina Soto, decor expert, HGTV host and author of Sabrina Soto Home Design, here to share her top design tips with SheKnows. This week, she's showing us how to take the stress out of redecorating and actually have fun changing up your space.

Before you start

You can't just jump in and transform everything overnight so start small. "It's important to really understand the space you're redesigning and have a clear design goal in mind," says Soto. "Start with an idea or a concept for what you want the space to be. Then decide what pieces stay and what pieces go," she advises. It's also important to understand where the natural light comes from, which will help you with furniture placement.

Once you know what you want to do, Soto suggests starting with your "family" rooms, or the rooms that attract the most people and the spaces that get noticed the most. "A living room, kitchen or dining room is a great place to start. These spaces receive the most attention, which lets you show off your new redesigns," she says. "Most people or guests don't get to see your bedroom or home office; start with the spaces that truly get noticed!"

Get inspired

One of the hardest parts about decorating your home can be tapping into what inspires you. Stumped for ideas? Look inside. "You are your own best inspiration," says Soto. "What do you like to do? Where do you like to go? Look at design magazines. What styles appeal to you the most or what don't you like? When you travel, take inspiration from the new things around you," she advises. "People can truly get inspired by anything; it's about what touches and appeals to you the most. Make it your own."

Soto tells us she gets her decor inspiration from numerous things, whether it's from the latest runway shows, the changing seasons or from a much-loved vacation spot.

Small changes, big impact

You don't need to overhaul your space to really see a difference. "The easiest solution for great impact is paint," notes Soto. "Color can really make a statement." Choose one wall and give it a punch of color to create a stylish statement in any room. Paint one chair or end table a vibrant hue to create a fun focal point, or simply repaint a room a new hue to really change things up. "Colors play an important role in setting the mood and feel of your space."

You can also rearrange your furniture for visual impact and to freshen up a room. "See what pieces look better if they're moved or up against a wall," says Soto. "New accents and accessories can also make all the difference for a truly budget-friendly update."

Feeling stressed? Ask for help

If you're stuck or lost, don't be afraid to ask for help, advises Soto. "Grab your friend and make a day of it. Go shopping together or paint together. You'd be surprised at how much faster you can accomplish things with someone by your side," she says. "Don't get frustrated, it's OK if something doesn't work out. Perhaps your mistake can turn into an unexpected design."

It helps to keep a few simple decor rules in mind to avoid overbuying or dealing with a redesign mishap. Soto provides a few:

• Know exactly what you need and stick with it.
• When you shop for accessories, don't overbuy. Purchase only the items you know will match and go with your space.
• Even though you may be tempted, walk away from those "extra" items. This will save you money in the long run.
• Make sure to have a nice balance of accessories; too many can easily overwhelm a room.

More decor tips and trends

Decorating Diva: Decorating with your guy in mind
6 Modern storage options for your bathroom
Quick decor changes for fall

Photo credit: WENN.com

We all love our dogs and wish we could talk to them. Here's some basic body language and vocal signs that can help dog owners understand what their beloved family member is experiencing at any particular moment.

Is your dog playful, aggressive or calm?

I have often wished my beloved Maltese, Toby, could talk to me in a language I can easily understand. I certainly talk to him as if he somehow knows what I am saying. Toby and I often have what I feel are conversations, such as, "Toby, I will you take out for a walk in just a few minutes — just as soon as I finish folding this laundry," as he looks at me with wanting eyes.

Luckily, there are many resources that allow us dog owners to communicate — or at least understand — the signals our dogs give us. These signals, not surprisingly, take the form of body language and specific sounds and offer significant clues as to what emotional state our dog is in at a particular moment.

Please note: These are just a few basic descriptions of common dog behavior and body language. Those who are experts will often discuss much more specific signs of a dog's behavior, and this article is not intended to replace an expert's knowledge or opinion.

Playful

A playful dog usually lets you know with an "invitation to play." They crouch down on their front paws but leave their behinds in the air — usually with a wagging tail. Modern Dog magazine explains playful dogs "will usually hold this position for only a moment before breaking into a run in some random direction." Your dog also may bark or playfully growl with either alert or relaxed ears. But how do you know if your dog is being aggressive?

Aggressive

Some owners experience aggressive and threatening dogs more than others. Understanding this type of dog body language is likely helpful if you and your pet are around other dogs. There is a clear distinction between what is known as dominant aggressive and fearful and aggressive but both types present a level of danger since attacks are known to happen with each type.

Paws Across America notes aggressive dogs sometimes put their ears close to their heads or move them forward, as if in a hyper-alert stage. When a dog is trying to assert dominance, its tail will be straight up and stiff along with snarling and visible teeth. When a dog is aggressive but mainly out of fear — and therefore is not attempting to assert its dominance — the tail will be tucked between its legs, its ears will be back and its fur will be standing up. It is very important to recognize that both forms are dangerous, and the dog may attack if challenged or threatened.

Calm and happy

A happy dog is fairly easy to spot. They are alert but relaxed, wag their tails and sometimes pant mildly. They do not appear to be in any kind of distress. Some owners note their dogs appear to "smile" which is due in part to their relaxed, open mouth. Modern Dog magazine notes dogs who are calm and happy usually have their ears up — as opposed to pressed against their head or forward — and have a "loose stance [with] weight flat on their feet."

Read more on dogs

Helping your dog grieve
Kids and puppies: Rules, safety and responsibilty
How to train your dog

A few weeks ago I was watching the news and Michael Chiarello was preparing a gnocchi dish from one of his restaurants. But unlike so many pasta recipes I've seen and prepared, Michael wasn't boiling his gnocchi; he was frying them. In butter no less. Although I don't remember what the final dish was, I do remember thinking I want some fried gnocchi. Right now! Yes, it was 8 o'clock in the morning, but I still wanted it. Since I couldn't get the gnocchi out of my mind, I finally decided to make my own. They were just as heavenly as I'd imagined. See, unlike boiled gnocchi which are soft all over, these now had a crispy outer shell, but were still soft pillows of potatoey goodness inside. Topped with a fresh tomato sauce, and I had a dinner that was out of this world.

Fried gnocchi with fresh tomato sauce

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 pound gnocchi
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Directions:

1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the gnocchi and cook until crispy on the outside, about five minutes. Transfer the gnocchi to a plate and keep warm.
2. Heat the olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tomatoes and basil and cook until tender, about two minutes.
3. Divide the gnocchi among the plates, spoon the sauce on top, sprinkle with cheese and serve.

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