By SARAH WELCH and ALICIA ROCKMORE, getbuttonedup.com

We'll bet that the inventor of the Christmas card, British illustrator John Calcott Horsley, never anticipated that his first commercially printed card in 1843 would be the forerunner of a global phenomenon. In the United States alone, we buy and exchange more than 2 billion (yes, billion) cards between November and December.

There's nothing worse than being stranded -- except being stranded in bad winter weather. Colder months are tougher on cars, and a little preventive care now will go a long way toward keeping your car running smoothly in the face of snow, sleet and freezing temperatures. We know it can be tempting to skip a service if your car is running OK.

Even if money and time are tight, you can still have a wonderfully rich and full Thanksgiving. All it takes is a little organization and a willingness to let go of the need to do everything.

Sarah on "Never Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth":

The holidays are upon us, which means tens of millions of Americans will soon be taking to the skies, rails and roads. An estimated 41 million people took a trip last Thanksgiving, even with record-high gas and fare prices. With airfare costs expected to be down between 10 percent and 25 percent, we may see up to 50 million people traveling this holiday season.

Don't let Halloween sneak up on you without doing something to set the stage. You can organize a few simple things with minimal effort and create a spooktacular evening! Below are 10 ideas to get you started.

1. Make an Event Out of Pumpkin Picking

Last month, working mothers took a hit on the chin when the results of a new study on childhood obesity were released by the U.K.-based Institute of Child Health. The study of more than 12,500 5-year-olds found that those with working mothers were less physically active and more likely to eat unhealthy food. Or, as the BBC so provocatively summed it up: "Working mothers' children unfit."

When September rolls around, it's easy for parents to be consumed by back-to-school shopping, extracurricular-activity planning, book lists, lunchbox packing and school-bus or carpool schedules. But don't let "you" fall to the bottom of your to-do list; organizing these tasks should also be top priority.

Alicia on "Organizing Your Health: Mammograms/Prostate/Skin Exams":

Getting your young children ready to go back to school shouldn't stop with school supplies. You also should be thinking about getting their health and safety organized. It may not be something you want to think about, but a little bit of preparation can make all the difference. We urge you to take a few minutes this week and make a plan.

Alicia on "Stranger Safety":

A slumber party is a rite of passage for preteens. What could be better than hanging out with a group of your best friends, sleeping in sleeping bags on the floor (or outside in a tent), having pillow fights and staying up late playing with the Ouija board? But for parents, sleepovers are another story altogether.

Labor Day is your opportunity to give summer one last hurrah before buckling down and getting back to work, school or "normal" life. If you're one of the millions wondering what you should do for fun, we've got lots of ideas for making the most of your weekend without breaking the bank.

1. Hit the Parade