Fun, Friends, Family and Fall
All through the months of October and November, there are opportunities to strengthen relationships with fall time activities that create memories and lasting bonds between loved ones. At Lice Clinics of America, St. Charles this is one of our favorite times of the year! We would like to give you some great ideas on ways to celebrate with your friends, family, and neighbors.
But first, a word of caution. During Halloween children, in particular, can be more susceptible to head lice. Why is that? Sharing hats, helmets, eye patches, hoodies, jackets or any other type of clothing that lays close to the head can be a quick way to spread lice. It only takes a minute or two for a single louse to crawl its way onto a new, unsuspecting victim. Take care to warn children not to share headgear this Halloween. The results could be scary if they catch head lice.
- Attend a local Halloween Carnival. Spooky snacks, treats galore, donuts on a string, pumpkin toss, bobbing for apples…what could be more fun at Halloween? Many local recreation centers, schools, churches or community centers put on carnivals for the local public. Call or plan ahead to see if they have any contests you can choose to participate in. Costume Contests or Jack-o-Lantern Carving Contests are common and incredibly fun for families to enter. Maybe they even offer prizes to the winner! Check out one near you and get in the spirit of the holiday.
- Plan a day at the pumpkin patch. When you pay the admission fee for a pumpkin patch most often it includes a medium sized pumpkin or at least a discounted rate per pound for the pumpkin of your choice. That is a small price to pay for the fun your family will have! Hayrides, corn mazes, homemade apple cider, petting zoos and many other activities will keep you entertained for hours. Children and adults alike love to search the patch for that perfect pumpkin to take home. Not to mention the delicious seasonal food they have to enjoy like kettle corn, apple pie, caramel apples and much more. A helpful website to research local pumpkin patches is https://saintlouis.kidsoutandabout.com/content/pumpkin-patches-st-louis-st-charles-area.
- Try a new recipe for homemade chili and cornbread. Cozying up with a warm bowl of chili will make any fall night seem special. Couple that with some homemade cornbread and it’s a sure win. Some families have chili recipes that go back generations. Maybe yours does too? Ask a grandparent or aunt for advice. If not, it’s never too hard to open up a can of chili, add some of your own ground meat, onion, tomatoes and spices to dress it up a bit. Invite your friends and share a bowl together. You never know how much a warm, friendly meal can brighten someone’s season.
- Baking at home during the fall months is especially unforgettable. The smells of pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and apple can make any home feel cozy and warm. Try new recipes or dive into old classics with your loved ones. Take some extra treats to a friend or neighbor. Have you ever thought about roasting your own pumpkin seeds? Here is an easy, wonderful recipe that will become an instant favorite in your home.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
1 1/2 cups raw pumpkin seeds
2 teaspoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F
Toss seeds in a bowl with the melted butter and salt. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown; stir occasionally.