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Welcome
Depending on where you live, you may have noticed that the weather has started to turn and that the approaching fall season has added a new crispness to the air. While you may be mourning the loss of summer, I hope you take some time to relish the beginnings of this new season. And that’s exactly what we’re doing in this month’s issue. We’ve got tips on how to have a great autumn adventure with your family, recipes for “cool” back to school lunches, and we’ve also got some tips on how adults can get into the learning act! Sit back, grab a snack and get ready for some great reading! Autumn Special The latest Version of the MasterMind Power Learning SystemTM is available for a limited time at the Student Special Discount. For details Click Here. Fall Family Adventures 
Fall is a great time to head out for a
family adventure. The air has cooled and being outdoors for an
extended amount of time is more tolerable, plus, there is so much to
see and do. Here are some ideas to get your family outside and exploring. Remember to bring your jackets along with some water and a few snacks! Leaf Collecting Grab the kids and head outside for a nature walk. As you’re walking, pick up interesting leaves that have fallen to the ground. When you get home, use the internet or some leaf guide books to identify the different types of leaves you have collected. If your children enjoy arts and crafts, have them create their own leaf guide books. Another idea is to grab some crayons and paper to create leaf rubbings. Visit An Apple Orchard If you live in an area where apples are grown, taking a trip to an apple orchard can be a fun learning experience. Your family will probably be able to pick your own apples for much less than you would be paying to purchase them at the grocery store. Ask the owners if they offer a tour through the facilities so you can see how apple cider is made. Afterwards, take some time to savor some cider yourselves! Visit A Farm The fall is harvest season and that makes it a great time to tour a working farm. If the farm has animals, your children may be able to pet them and your family may be able to go onto a horse-drawn wagon ride. Go To The Zoo Many people think of visiting the zoo as a summer activity, but zoos are open year-round. By going in the fall, you’ll experience less of a crowd and you’ll have much better walking weather. Rake The Yard Your family doesn’t need to go anywhere to enjoy some fun outdoor activity together. Turn your yard work into a fun day by getting the whole family involved. Once the work is done, lay a blanket down on your freshly raked yard and enjoy an autumn picnic. No Back To School Blues Here: Cool 'Bring Your Own Lunch' Ideas Fruit And Waffle Brunch When it comes to lunch, think outside the box and pack your child a brunch instead. Simply heat some frozen waffles, cut into strips, and place into a container. If your child likes maple syrup, place that into a separate small container to avoid getting the waffles soggy. Then, slice up your child’s favorite fruit (may have to put some lemon juice on top to avoid browning). Need a fun dip idea? Peanut butter makes a great dip for many types of fruit and is packed with protein. Mini Party Platter Kids love to eat snacks, so why not create a healthy lunch that looks like a big snack? To assemble, cube turkey or ham from the deli, slice up some cheese and don’t forget to add some mulit-grain crackers. Add in some baby carrots along with some celery and bell pepper slices and you have a great lunch! Not Your Average Sandwich Instead of using bread, make your child’s sandwich with a bagel. All you need to is spread each side with cream cheese and top with your favorite lunch meat. Add some veggies for extra credit. Wrapped In Style Why settle for a standard sandwich when you can wrap it in style? Your choices are limitless, as any sandwich can be turned into a wrap. For starters, here’s a quick and easy BLT wrap: Spread some cream cheese on a whole wheat flour tortilla. Top with some sliced tomatoes, mixed salad greens, cooked and crumbled bacon, and some low fat ranch salad dressing. Roll the tortilla up tightly. To keep the wrap fresh, place some frozen juice boxes in a sealed plastic bag in the lunch box. Are You Ready To Learn Something New? 
Kids aren’t the only ones who can benefit from learning something
new. Have you ever thought about taking a class to learn a new hobby
or skill? This is the perfect time, as many schools have community
education classes forming. These are classes held at your local school at a very affordable cost. These classes may range from hobby topics such as cooking and knitting to technical courses that can teach you some new ways to use your digital camera or use your computer. You don’t have to stop there. You may also be able to find some fun and unique classes at your local library, county parks, craft stores, and home improvement stores. Some of these classes may only meet once, and some may meet once a week for several weeks. Before you pay for anything, check to make sure the dates will work with your schedule and ask what their refund policy is, just in case an emergency comes up and you miss a class (or several of them). It’s also a good idea to find out if the cost of the class covers any supplies you will need. You don’t want to find out that your $20 make your own birdhouse class will end up costing you an additional $100 in materials! As an adult, heading back to “school” can be all about having a good time, so go out there and learn something new! Closing Message That’s it for this issue. I hope you have a great September and are able to get outside and enjoy the changing fall colors! Barb |
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