This year, take advantage of the winds of change when the seasons switch and commit to smart habits for a healthy fall.

Dress for success. As the temperatures drop, you may be tempted to bundle up before heading outdoors to exercise, and for your warm-up and cool-down period, that’s not a bad idea. However, while you’re in the midst of your workout, it’s easy to get overheated. Wear layers that you can shed as you begin to sweat and consider moisture-wicking materials that can prevent sweaty clothes from getting cold in the breeze.

Stay hydrated. You may not feel as thirsty when you exercise in cooler weather, but it’s just as important to keep your body well hydrated. When you sweat, you lose more than just water. An option like Propel Electrolyte Water helps you replace what’s lost in sweat through its key electrolyte – sodium – and supports hydration by stimulating thirst and aiding in fluid balance. With the same level of electrolytes as Gatorade, zero calories and no sugar, it can be a perfect choice to support your active lifestyle. Learn more at propelwater.com.

Opt for early workouts. When dark comes early, it can trick your mind into thinking it’s time to wind down for the night. Avoid that motivation pitfall by planning your workout earlier in the day, such as first thing in the morning or during your lunch break. If early mornings are daunting, remember that it won’t take long to shift your sleep schedule and early exercise is a caffeine-free way to put some energy into your day.

Find exercises you enjoy. Forcing yourself through exercises you despise will only backfire in the long run. If you’re not a runner, look for other ways to get your cardio pumping. Interval walking with varied paces and elevation can be an effective alternative or look at ideas like kickboxing or aerobics that you can have fun with while working up a sweat.

Indulge in moderation. Virtually every expert agrees that an occasional indulgence is perfectly acceptable, but use caution when the fall goodies start tempting. Those warm, rich desserts and drinks are filled with empty calories that can make all your hard work go to waste.

Set realistic goals. Having a long-term goal is a good idea, but be sure to set attainable expectations for yourself, including some milestones you can celebrate along the way to keep your motivation strong. Be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to fitness with your other life demands so you can set your goals accordingly.

Don’t skimp on skin care. The sun may not be as hot, but if you’re exercising outdoors, you’re still at risk for sunburn. Protect any exposed skin with sunscreen before working out.

*FF

*Photo courtesy of Getty Images

The post Fall Into a Fitness Routine appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

However, there’s still plenty of time to savor some of the garden’s best flavors before you close your door on the season. In fact, now is the perfect time to plant what are collectively known as “cool weather” crops — tasty favorites that thrive in autumn’s chill.

Bonnie Plants grows a wide variety of cool-weather veggies and herbs, perfect for fall planting. Availability of Bonnie’s fall varieties is limited to specific regions, so check your local garden retailers to find plants near you.

Select some hardy favorites to get weeks of crisp cabbage slaws, healthy kale bowls, crunchy cauliflower and broccoli or even hearty greens like collards or Swiss chard, perfect to pop in a long-simmering winter braise.

Other fall favorites include Brussels sprouts — delicious roasted with slivers of garlic, olive oil and a touch of balsamic vinegar — or any of the versatile salad greens like lettuce and spinach or flavorful herbs like cilantro that tend to suffer and bolt prematurely in sweltering summer sun.

Here’s six timely tips from Bonnie Plants to help you make your fall garden as enjoyable as your summer harvest.

1. Go big at home

Plant pre-started vegetable or herb transplants rather than seeds to squeeze every last moment out of fall’s compressed growing season. These plants love warm soil coupled with cool air and will start to grow quickly. Using transplants instead of seed also means you’ll be gathering tasty produce weeks earlier than you would with seed-sown varieties.

2. Stretch the season

While you can certainly plant cool-season veggies and herbs in pots or in the ground, a simple, commonly available garden product, a “cold-frame”, can help you extend your fall season by providing some added protection. A cold frame is a four-sided, clear box — open to the soil at the bottom — with a hinged lid. Because the ground inside stays warmer than the ambient air temperature, a cold frame protects plants long after unsheltered veggies start to fail. (On warm, sunny days, be sure to crack the lid open to prevent too much heat from building up inside.)

3. Prepare you plot or pot

If planting in-ground, be sure to clear the area of previous planted crops and weeds, as they may decay and harbor bacteria. Always bag, tie and discard debris. Turn up the soil’s top layer and add some bagged compost, and mulch. If planting in a pot, be sure to sanitize pots and use fresh, new potting soil, specifically formulated for containers.

4. Proactively patrol for pests

While pest numbers naturally decline in the cooler days of fall, they don’t disappear entirely. Common pests of cool-season plants include tiny, sap-sucking aphids, caterpillars (particularly from cabbage white butterflies) and harlequin bugs. Inspect your plants for tiny clusters of aphids or tell-tale holes in the leaves. Handpick caterpillars or harlequin bugs from plants and dispose of them or use a strong blast of water from a hose to dislodge aphids.

5. Embrace cooler, carefree comforts

With the warm days and cool nights of fall, less moisture evaporates from your garden or pots, so you’ll need to water less often. (Only water when the soil 2” deep is dry.) In addition, many cool weather crops handily survive light frosts, growing well until a very hard freeze ends their productivity. Better yet, chilly weather improves the flavor of many late-season varieties, including members of the cabbage family, kale, Brussels sprouts and chard, by turning their starches into natural sugars, making them a sweet and healthy treat.

6. Take time to relax

Just like plants, gardeners enjoy a break from the stifling heat of summer. With the leisure of cool days, fewer chores and less weeding as the garden begins to wind down, you’ll be able to enjoy the garden more while you wait to harvest your fall favorites to boost your recipes and brighten your table.

If you don’t want to give up on your garden’s bounty, pick up a selection of cool-season favorites from Bonnie Plants now — and keep your garden growing!

For more information on fall gardening and varieties, please visit www.bonnieplants.com.

*BPT

The post Fabulous Fall Flavors: Why Autumn is ideal for gardening, plus timely tips for success appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Now that Summer is just about over, it’s time to trade those summer shawls and bright accessories for warm knits and fun Fall jewelry. Check out these brands that will have you ready for Fall before the leaves change!

1. Charity Wrap

This is one of those brands that not only has an awesome selection or accessories, but also donates a portion of the proceeds to various organizations, such as Feed the Children! Favorite pick for Fall is the Emma infinity scarf; it has the perfect combo of softness and warmth that you’ll need for those chillier Fall days.

2. Khalama

Khalama is a gorgeous jewelry and accessories brand that is filled with Tibetan symbolism that’ll help ground you as the busy school year begins! Khalama takes the beauty of nature and Tibetan spiritual symbols, like the Buddha and koi fish, along with natural stones to create the perfect accessories for Fall and beyond!

3. Sh*t That I Knit

Not only do they have an incredible name, they also have an incredible line of knitwear that designed to last! From beanies to soft, warm, cowls, they have exactly what you need to stay warm for all of those hay rides…or maybe just school drop offs.

4. Sugar Bean

Get your funky Fall style on with Sugar Bean jewelry, an awesome collection favored by celebs that will make you feel like the rock star that you are! From fun lightning bolt earrings to simple gold cuffs, you can find the perfect look for you.

5. s.t.e.f.

If you’re looking for something super clean, classic, and ethically made, check out s.t.e.f- a brand straight out of Austin, TX. This made in the US brand has a great collection of clutches, cuffs, and clothes that will set you up for Fall!

The post Warm Up and Dress Up: Fall is (almost) Here appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Now that the hot and heavy days of summer are mostly behind us, it’s time to enjoy the beauty and bevy of all that the fall season can offer. From bike rides and picking produce from a local farm to costumes, holiday cooking and trick or treating, there’s something for everyone to engage in! Halloween is quickly approaching, and soon it will be Thanksgiving Day. So before this season gives way to the cold of windy days of winter, let’s take a look at some family-friendly activities that will ensure this fall is a memorable one!

Pumpkin Picking

When you think of fall, you often think of pumpkins and pumpkin carving, right? Well the tradition of picking pumpkins is indeed nothing new. But these days, there are often more activities offered at pumpkin lots for families than your average pick-a-pumpkin-and-go event. Many pumpkin lots offer mazes and games for children to enjoy, as well as beverages, such as hot cider. Families can make a mini vacation out of the annual trip to the pumpkin lot!

Some lots, such as the popular pumpkin patch at the Cal Poly Pomona campus in Southern California, even offer a selection of assorted pumpkins to choose from, thereby turning a run-of-the-mill pumpkin patch experience into an educational—not to mention colorful—delight for the entire family!

Pumpkin Carving

Along with the sheer fun of choosing pumpkins with the family, many pumpkin patches also offer pumpkin carving on-site! Kids can partake in pumpkin carving activities where prizes are distributed and, after the festivities are over, the carved pumpkins can be brought home for festive fall decorations that can adorn both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Be sure to check your local community for all the different events taking place, such as pumpkin carving lessons, contests, cooking classes, etc.

Want an enjoyable activity for the family? Why not bring your pumpkins home and carve them together with the family? Put a movie in or turn on some spooky tunes, decorate the pumpkins and, for a real treat, roast the pumpkin seeds for a snack!

Apple Picking

Though the fall season is quite famous for and synonymous with pumpkin picking, apple picking is a rewarding excursion for the family as well! Many farms open their doors for the fall season and allow their produce to be picked right of the tree.

In addition to apple picking, many farms even have small petting zoos and hayrides as well.

For an educational take on apple picking, find a farm that offers tours of its grounds. Also, if you’re in the mood for more sweet treats, try finding a farm that serves warm apple pie right on its grounds. These delicious desserts can also be purchased for the road or to take home. Many farms also offer canning or recipes for the apples you’ve just picked! There’s also always sure to be a general store or small restaurant that offers hot apple cider—perhaps even hard cider for parents—and a menu full of warm seasonal food often arranged around … you guessed it! … apples.

Corn Mazes

In addition to pumpkin and apple picking, many farms offer such exciting activities as corn mazes. These mazes allow children and parents alike the opportunity of moving through tall stalks of corn in an effort to figure out how to get to the other side, with prizes often thrown in for friendly competition. Whether it’s a family activity or a birthday bash on a local farm, corn mazes allow for both fun and problem-solving on a variety of levels!

Keep in mind that most corn mazes are not stroller-friendly, so plan ahead if traveling with younger children. Also, mazes can often be tricky and, at times, frustrating, so smaller children should always be accompanied by older children and/or adults to ensure that their experience is a pleasant one.

Family Bike Rides 

One of the things I remember about fall while growing up were the family bike rides! The weather was cooler and the leaves were all changing, the streets blurring by in oranges and browns and yellows! A family bike ride in the fall is a wonderful way to spend some quality time together with the family all while getting in a bit of exercise.

In addition to bike rides, hiking and walking trails make for memorable and enjoyable experiences as well. These excursions allow families to collect fallen leaves and acorns or pine cones, to commune with nature and with each other all while conditioning the body.

Families can even turn a bike ride or hike into a mini family vacation! Bring along a packed lunch and a board game, for instance. Or books and playing cards. Have a picnic out in the crisp fall air and indulge in the beauty of the changing seasons!

Costume Decorating

When it comes to Halloween fun, part of the merriment is deciding what costume to wear! Why not make the most out of it by not only helping your child in choosing creative costumes, but in helping to decorate and accessorize the costume(s) for the occasion! With Marvel superheroes and Disney costumes as all-time favorites, why not join in on the fun. If standing out from the crowd is your child’s forte, why not help in creating an original costume from scratch (or from household items that can be put together to create a low-cost, entirely unique costume).

And with many local groups and organizations holding costume contests for different age groups, your child will be sure to not only be noticed for all of the hard work, but they will also be able to enjoy the fun of a community of individuals partaking in the spirit of a noteworthy pastime!

Trick or Treating

This is of course the single most important event of the season—getting a plethora of free candy! Though parents and dentists alike might not be so keen on Halloween evening’s sugary whirlwind of fun, it is, after all, the highlight of October and, for many, the season.

Many parents opt to accompany their children while out and about for the night. Be sure not to be too overbearing as your children interact with other kids and scurry about for their candy treasure!

There are many community events that cater to a safe and more organized from of trick or treating. Malls, for instance, offer one such reprieve from the door-to-door exercise of asking for candy. Many malls stay open and allow children to go from store to store to get candy, gifts and fun prize for creative costumes.

For parents looking for a “spook-less” type of fun that still includes candy, costumes and prizes for children, many local churches and religious institutions put on their own versions of Halloween festivities. These events allow children a safe and secure environment on say, the church ground. There are a variety of activities, contests, and themed events as well as pumpkin carving, trick or treating and other assorted activities.

Cooking Together 

This Thanksgiving, why not be thankful for all the helpful hands in the family by having the entire family help out in the kitchen. Though not every recipe allows for little ones to help out or even for more than one person to get involved, with the variety of dishes that can be made for the occasion, there’s sure to be some way to allow each and every member of the family to play a small part in making a Thanksgiving Day meal by cooking together and also making memories that will last a lifetime!

The post Family-Friendly Activities to Help Make the Most of the Fall Season appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

(BPT) – Each year autumn marks a time for change – leaves turn colors, the air becomes crisp and parents everywhere prepare for their children to return to school. -The new season brings with it a shift in rhythms and patterns, including a new weekly routine for families as children go back to school.

For young children starting school, it’s important to maintain a learning environment even after the last school bell rings and they return home. Spend this time building family traditions and making learning fun by incorporating some of these fun indoor and outdoor fall activities into your seasonal routine. –

Explore the outdoors:

• Set up a scavenger hunt with your kids to teach them about the differences between the tree seeds — this activity allows children to run around the neighborhood learning about the wide variety of living things in their environment.
• Collect fallen leaves to create a beautiful fall collage. This is a fun activity for young children as they can use their imagination and creativity to design a unique image celebrating the fall season.
• Use a metallic marker so kids can write on the leaves, creating patterns or images, then place the leaves on wax paper and apply Mod Podge to keep the design in place as it hangs.

Build, create inside your home: Help your children build and create with a new toy line for fall 2013, the Mega Bloks Hot Wheels collection. Kids can now build, collect and race their favorite Hot Wheels vehicles from scratch with unique features like built-in missile launchers and a stunt test facility with crashing doors. -Construction toys can play an important part in the mental development of growing children.

Visit a local pumpkin patch: One of the most cherished fall traditions for families is spending a day at a pumpkin patch. Full of fun and games, the pumpkin patch is a perfect place for young children. Whether you’re making your way through the corn maze, interacting with the animals in the petting zoo, or enjoying a hay ride around the grounds, your family is sure to have a blast.

Halloween prep:

• Use the pumpkins brought home from the patch to design a spooky Jack-o’-lantern with your children. Let them design a face on the front of the pumpkin and cut it out for them.
• As Halloween approaches your little one will need a costume. Whether it’s shopping for the perfect costume or making one from scratch, use this time to learn more about your child’s likes and dislikes while encouraging them to express their creativity.
• Make this fall season unforgettable and continue to help your children grow by introducing these lifelong family traditions.

The post Fun and creative kids’ activities just in time for fall appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

(BPT) – People choose to garden for many reasons: Food is fresher and tastes better. It’s a healthy hobby that exercises the body. It saves money. Numerous reports show an increasing number of homeowners are growing their own fruits, vegetables and herbs.

As temperatures cool,-you may think gardening season is over. The good news is with a few strategic tips, you can keep your green thumb going and enjoy a plethora of autumn edibles for months to come. 

Step 1: Select second plantings

Second plantings are the plants you use for the latter part of the gardening season. Late summer is typically the best time to plant these varieties. Call your local extension offices or access information online to find regionalized planting schedules and recommended plant varieties.

The length of the fall season and when the first frost will likely hit are important considerations when selecting second plantings. Keep in mind that fast-maturing vegetables are ideal for fall gardening and they should be planted early enough to reach maturity before the first frost arrives.

Popular second plantings that yield a delicious late fall/early winter harvest include broccoli, lettuce, turnips, collards, carrots, peas, radish, spinach, leeks and beets. Some people even claim root vegetables and cole crops like kale and turnips taste better after the first frost.

Step 2: Prepare your garden space

If you plan to use your current garden space for second plantings, remove the early-season plants that are done producing. Add those plants to your current compost bin or create a new compost pile with easy-to-use, stylish options from Outdoor Essentials. Wood-slate bins blend well with the outdoor aesthetic and the design allows oxygen to circulate and facilitate the composting process.

Next, prepare your garden space. Elevated garden beds are growing in popularity because they look great anywhere in your yard or on your patio, and are easy to move if necessary. Raised garden beds from Outdoor Essentials elevate the plants so gardeners don’t have to bend over and risk injury. They are ideal for fall because gardeners can regulate the temperature of raised beds with ease. On hot days, move or add a shade netting to protect plants from the heat; when frost is a threat, cover the entire bed for protection.

While you’re getting your hands dirty, fall is the perfect time to plant spring flowering bulbs. A little outdoor work now and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful flowers when spring arrives next year.

Step 3: Enjoy the harvest

Tend your garden daily for the best results – it may just need a quick check for pests and proper soil moisture. Typical benefits of late-season gardening include fewer bothersome bugs and the soil has better water retention.

As plants grow, pick the fruits and vegetables and enjoy Mother Nature’s bounty. If your plants become crowded, pluck a few out to help remaining plants grow roots and increase the harvest yield. You may be surprised just how many cool months your plants provide you with fresh, delicious produce.

Fall is a great opportunity to keep gardening momentum alive. So get started and decide what second plantings are best for your space. In as little as 30 days you could be eating the freshest, most flavorful vegetables you’ve ever had, all while under the gorgeous autumn sun.

The post Autumn edibles: Tips for fall gardening and second plantings appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Trends come and go almost as fast as your children out grow their clothes!  With so much changing it’s hard to justify buying your kids pricey, trendy items that will get limited wear.  For me, picking out children’s clothes is about three things: versatility, wearability, and affordability.  I want pieces that mix and match for different looks, I want something that the kids want to wear and are comfortable in, and finally I don’t want to break the bank on clothes that wont fit them in a month.  Following those three key rules, here are two fun outfits for fall!

My go-to place for affordable and adorable children’s clothes is the Children’s Place and you can find all of the items in these two outfits there.  Keep in mind that these specific pieces are just ideas, if you have a go-to store, tell us about it in the comment section below!

For girls I started out with a great sequined sweater dress and some adorable black leggings with rows of sequins down the side.  Since most of little girls I know love two things, sparkles and the color pink, I thought why not give them both?  They have their whole lives to dress with “understated elegance”. This is the age where they get to match sequins with more sequins and feel like a total pop star!  Since the weather is starting to cool off, I added a dark wash jean jacket.  There are few pieces more versatile in a child’s wardrobe than a good denim jacket and it works nicely to balance out the bolder aspects of this outfit.  Next I added some basic wear-everywhere black boots with a fun bow detail on the back.  And finally, a cute bow headband finishes the look and makes taming wild hair a bit easier!  Not only is this outfit super comfy, but it’s also affordable and can be mixed and matched with your child’s other clothes!

For boys I decided to play with layering.  While I know that many adults are intimidated by layering, I am determined to prove that it is so much easier than people think!  Here is my no-fail formula. Start with a tee shirt.  I chose this fun “rock star” shirt from Children’s Place but your son’s favorite tee shirt will do!  Next, pick a button down shirt with similar colors.  I understand that trying to get a boy to stand still long enough to get all the buttons secured takes a great deal of talent, but you can let out a sigh of relief because with this look you get to leave the shirt unbuttoned! Yay! Then throw on a great utility jacket like this military inspired one.  The great thing about all of these pieces is that they can also be worn separately.  The tee shirt would be great for a play date, the button-down can be paired with khakis for a more formal event and this jacket could take you from fall all the way to spring.  Lastly, I finished the look with a pair of neutral cargo pants and cute grey sneakers and voila!, just like that you have a trendy outfit that looks straight out of a magazine! 

Product Info:  All products from ChildrensPlace.com

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