HOME ECONOMICS

From Alaska to Arkansas, kids are a hot topic this week. From preparing them for back to school to ensuring they're prepared when they're on their backs, a parents job is never done! One of my favorite classes in Junior High School was Home Economics, developed in the early 1900's not only to teach sewing and cooking, but rather to apply the scientific principles to the management of the home. How you manage your home is your business but hopefully when you send your kids out the front door their tummies are full...of food. Because we desperately want our buns in the oven, I braved the back to school sale crowd this weekend at Target. With aisles filled with screaming children (and parents) I stumbled upon my new favorite kitchen item: the baby toaster by Hamilton Beach. Whether you live in a Red state or Blue, this economical appliance might be perfect for your home too!

TIME TO COMPLETE TASK: Less than 9 months

COST: $39.99 at Target for the Hamilton Beach Red series which supports the American Heart Association for Women. If you're less conservative in the wallet, go for the KitchenAid at Crate and Barrel for $129.99 (http://www.crateandbarrel.com/)

STRESS LEVEL: Perfectly toasted buns: LOW