Although Labor Day is right around the corner, don’t think summer and family vacations have to be over! Are you looking for a quick family adventure on a dime? There are many opportunities for families to enjoy each other’s company and for parents to teach children many life lessons throughout the year.
· There are many cool weather plants that flourish in the fall and later. Visit a nursery where you can choose plants and flowers that you would like to grow as a family. Herbs are nutritious and beautiful plants that you might consider. You can turn this into a science experiment for children.
• Go on a hike. There are many trails, areas, and parks where families can explore on their own. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the great outdoors. National Parks have several free entrance days throughout the year. Check out https://www.nps.gov to find a date that works for your family.
• Geocaching adds adventure for young and old alike. Enjoy this “treasure hunt” together and see new places and things in places near or far. Geocaching is an engaging adventure that combines technology, the outdoors, and exploration.
• Groupon/Scoopon, LivingSocial, and many other websites offer hidden gems at half the price. Explore every corner of your state with these tools.
• Search for local festivals across the state. Tennessee has free events year-round that include toy train shows, reenactments, music, and various food and garden festivals. Enjoy a weekend and potentially find new hobbies for the family.
Whether you have a few days to leave town or two weeks, packing all the essentials into a carry-on seems like an impossible task. Pack like a professional with these tips:
· Pack fast-drying or athletic tops. If your top gets dirty, you can wash it and be ready to go within the half hour.
· Wear your walking shoes and pack dressier shoes in a suitcase to stay comfortable or to be ready for a night out.
· Pack items by type in plastic bags with dryer sheets to keep your suitcase organized and smelling fresh.
· Use a multipurpose soap in a refillable bottle to cut down on space.
Fall is an excellent time to extend family togetherness. Although many students are in school, a two-day weekend getaway can be a beautiful time to enjoy the wonders of nature with the whole family.
Sugar-Free Pumpkin Snack Cake
1 sugar-free cake mix (such as Pillsbury)
1 15 ounce can pumpkin puree
⅓ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 9×13” pan with foil and spray with cooking spray. Mix cake mix, pumpkin, oil, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl with a hand mixer until well incorporated, about 2 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of batter and place the rest into the prepared pan. Place reserved batter back into your bowl and add the melted butter and cinnamon. Stir to combine. Place dollops of the cinnamon batter mixture over the cake and swirl with the back of a wooden spoon. Bake for 23-25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely. Submitted by Karen Patterson, Riddleton FCE Club.
