The Four C’s: Picking Out Bling for Your Woman

Carley Roney, Editor-in-Chief of “The Knot” shows us some of the hottest styles in engagement rings.

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Are You Asking the Right Questions?

It’s not all romance and passion in marriage, so make sure you’ve discussed the business side of your merger before you walk down the aisle. For help, check out a few of the top questions from “The Hard Questions,” by Susan Piver, or visit www.amazon.com for your own copy of her book.

- Home: Discuss what kind of home you want to live in, (an apartment, a house, a townhouse, etc.) and who will be responsible for what chores (grocery shopping, yard work, housework, paying the bills, etc.)?

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A Very Broken Engagement?

What happens if you get past the proposal but don’t quite make it down the aisle? Here’s a few pointers on (broken) engagement etiquette.

Can I Keep the Ring?

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Seal the Deal Without Breaking the Bank

The average guy will spend $300 dollars beyond the engagement ring on his proposal scheme, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Check out these cool ideas from “Men’s Health” Senior Editor Matt Bean, which cost less but can be just as romantic (if not more) than the old expensive dinner with a ring in the champagne glass trick.


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You’re a Pregnant Teen…Now What?

If you are a pregnant teen, consider all your options before making a decision. CLICK HERE for more information.


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Ten Tips for Parents to PREVENT Teen Pregnancy

The National Campaign to prevent teen pregnancy offers these tips to parents trying to help their teens make the right decisions.

- Be clear about your own sexual values and attitudes.
- Talk with your children early and often about sex, and be specific.
- Supervise and monitor your children and adolescents.
- Know your children's friends and their families.
- Discourage early, frequent and steady dating.
- Take a strong stand against your daughter dating a boy significantly older than she is. And don't allow your son to develop an intense relationship with a girl much younger than he is.
- Help your teenagers have options for the future that are more attractive than early pregnancy and parenthood.
- Let your kids know that you value education highly.
- Know what your kids are watching, reading and listening to.
- These tips for helping your children avoid teen pregnancy work best when they occur as part of strong, close relationships with your children that are built from an early age.

For more information and resources for the prevention of teen pregnancy, visit www.teenpregnancy.org

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The Reality of Teen Pregnancy

Whatever anyone tells you about teen pregnancy, the facts are the facts.

In December 5, 2007, the National Center for Health Statistics released preliminary 2006 birth data, which showed that for the first time in 15 years, the teen birth rate has increased. The rate rose from 40.5 births per 1,000 females aged 15-19 in 2005 to 41.9 births per 1,000 in 2006--a 3 percent increase.
- www.teenpregnancy.org

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Can You Afford Having a Baby?

Everyone knows it costs money to raise a child, but delivery alone can break the bank before you even bring your baby home.

If your pregnancy and birth are not covered by health insurance, you can anticipate an average hospital bill of $5,000-$10,000 for a vaginal delivery, and $7,000 to $12,000 if you need a C-section. And that’s just the day of delivery!

If you survive the expenses of labor, during the first year alone, it can cost up to $9,000 to $12,000 for diapers, formula and all the baby gear. And that’s for a healthy, happy baby. If your baby needs more hospital care after birth, the cost can exceed $200,000 depending on the problem.

So if you think having a baby will bring more love into your life, think about how much love you’ll be able to enjoy working two jobs and trying to finish school, just to pay for your baby’s first day of life.

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Teen Pregnancy: Guiding Your Child

It’s important to start a relationship with your child when they are young and want to connect with you, because adolescence is a time of rebellion. Be someone your child can talk to. Send the message to your child that you love your child and you’re ALWAYS there for them. And remember that you were a teen once too so be understanding, but have high standards for your child.

Teens, remember adults are there for you and if you can’t go to your parent find someone else who can be a support system. There are adults out there who want to listen and help guide you through this confusing period of life.

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ATTENTION ADULTS: What Teens Want YOU to Know About Teen Pregnancy

The National Campaign offers these pieces of advice to adults, from teens, about teen pregnancy. For a more detailed explanation of each point, print out this pamphlet at www.teenpregnancy.org

- Show us why teen pregnancy is a bad idea.
- Show us what good, responsible relationships look like.
- Talk to us honestly about love, sex and relationships.


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