THE FAIRMONT FIVE online social coupons

The recent social coupon movement takes traditional "couponing" to a whole new level. Forget cutting around the dotted lines on your weekly ads. Online social coupons can be purchased directly through your email account, and they offer huge savings (often 50% or more) on a variety of local products and services. 

So here's the idea... Companies work with social coupon sites like Groupon or Living Social to offer special deals to costumers, but only if a predetermined minimum number of people purchase the coupon. If this number is met by the end of the time frame, the deal is on. If not, the deal is off and those that did purchase the coupon are reimbursed--thus the term "social coupon." 

It's a win-win situation, great deals for consumers and excellent exposure for companies to a wide, attentive audience. The catch? The coupon sites often take about half of the coupon proceeds, making the deal difficult for companies to front unless their coupon costumers return again and pay full price. But there are still plenty of great deals out there, just don't forget to read the fine print to make sure you really qualify for the deal (often returning customers do not). 

There are so many social coupon sites, so here's a round-up of our top 5 to get you started: 

1. GROUPON The instigator of the social coupon movement. Why Groupon? Easy to use, only one e-mail per day, ability to personalize your deals, $10 referral incentive, iPhone + Android app, excellent customer service. 
2. LIVING SOCIAL The most social of the online coupon sites. Why Living Social? Refer 3 people to the deal and you get the deal free, extensive variety of deals spanning 89 U.S. cities, only one e-mail per day, iPhone app. 
3. YELP DEALS The most intuitive place to find deals while searching for local businesses. Why Yelp Deals? Can be purchased directly from business pages on Yelp, not required to sign up for daily e-mails, simple integration with Yelp website or app, longer window of availability. 
4. DEAL GOODER Cause-related social couponing. Why Deal Gooder? 50% of the coupon sale goes to the local Charity of the Day, only one deal per day per city, available in Orange County and Los Angeles.
5. OC REGISTER DEALS Coupons recommended by writers who know Orange County. Why OC Register? Specific to the Orange County area, multiple deals each day based on specific area, easy to use. 

For a more extensive list, check out this article. Happy couponing! 

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools 

HOW TO be a calmer parent

Along with tidings of comfort and joy, the holiday season seems to always bring a little extra stress. Adding shopping and decorating and family parties to your already hectic schedule can make it easier to lose your cool. But when you're around the kids, it's important to handle stressful situations with composure to set a good example. According to psychologist Matthew McKay, Ph.D., coauthor of When Anger Hurts Your Kids, "Studies have shown that parents who express a lot of anger in front of their kids end up with less empathetic children. These kids are more aggressive and more depressed than peers from calmer families, and they perform worse in school."

So how can you avoid the parental temper tantrums? Here are some helpful tips from Good Housekeeping: 

• In that white-hot moment of anger, visualize your child as a baby. "Older kids and teens are not adorable like babies, and sometimes they can be very obnoxious. When you remember them as the babies they once were, that can do some good," says Sandra P. Thomas, Ph.D.
• Take a time-out and walk into another room. Gain some literal distance from the situation to regain your cool. 
• If your anger has already boiled over, the most important thing is to own up to what you've done wrong. Apologize sincerely, promise to try not to do it again, comfort your child and move on. Dwelling on the situation can make it seem more traumatic than it really was. 
• If you've gotten into an argument with your spouse that your child overheard, it's important to circle back quickly and do damage control, says Charles Spielberger, Ph.D. Don't explain all the reasons you were upset. Just acknowledge what happened and explain that you've worked it out and that you still love each other. If possible, emphasize what you'll do differently next time. 

For more tips and ground rules for short-circuiting your anger, check out this article. 

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools 

(Photo from EduGuide)

SCHOOL NEWS choc toy run headed our way

So, maybe Santas on Harleys isn't the most traditional holiday tradition, still it has become one of Fairmont's most beloved and highly anticipated ways to celebrate the season. This is our 12th year to participate in the OC HOG chapter’s annual CHOC Toy Drive.

Fairmont students, teachers and staff spend a month collecting toys, and about 30 bikers make the campus rounds in early December to pick them up. The OC HOG members will officially deliver the gifts to Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) on Christmas Eve. Fairmont’s presents, and thousands of other toys donated by area civic groups, will help lift the spirits of sick and injured children being treated at CHOC throughout the coming year.

Fairmont’s Judy Coderre has been the driving force (quite literally) behind Fairmont’s participation these 12 years. She’ll be one of the bikers making the rounds on December 9.

“Thank you all for your thoughtfulness and generosity. It’s a very rewarding experience to know that we all helped lift the spirits and put smiles on the faces of the young patients at CHOC,” says Judy.

Thanks so much to everyone who has already participated in this year’s CHOC Toy Drive. If you haven’t brought in an unwrapped gift, it’s not too late. You have until Friday, Dec. 9 to bring in your toy donation.  CHOC especially needs presents for toddlers and teenagers. For tips on what to donate, check out our blog post from last week.

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

SHORT STORY happy thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from the Fairmont Family!

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools 

THE FAIRMONT FIVE choc toy drive tips

The CHOC Holiday Toy Drive has become a Fairmont tradition.  We are so proud of our students and the entire Fairmont community for helping us collect dozens of boxes of holiday toys destined for the children who come to CHOC hospital throughout the year for treatment.  Sick children of all ages benefit from your generosity.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you make your toy selections.

1. The majority of CHOC's patients are under 3 years of age, so their greatest need is for toys and gifts for infants and toddlers.  Teethers, rattles, musical toys, shape sorters, dolls, cars and trucks, etc. are great gift ideas.
2. The hospital also has a great need for items for older children ages 13-18.  Electronics, video games, and craft kits are popular with teens. 
3. Make sure all of your donations are new and unwrapped. 
4. Non-toy items such as batteries, art supplies, and games are welcome. 
5. Due to the hospital's sanitation policies, please do not donate stuffed animals or hand-made items such as knitted/crocheted blankets, hats or socks, etc.

Be sure to get your gift donation in before the OC HOG Chapter Harley riders come rolling on to a campus near you on Friday, December 9.

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

SNACK TIME the pumpkin, a versatile vegetable

Traditional Thanksgiving feasting includes a variety of mouth-watering favorites, including roast turkey, stuffing, cranberries and especially pumpkin pie. Native to North America, the pumpkin has become a traditional sweet dessert, eaten during the fall and early winter, especially for Thanksgiving and Christmas in the US and Canada.

Pumpkins and other types of squash such as butternut and acorn, provide beta-carotene, a type of carotenoid, that acts as an anti-oxidant and converts to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is required by the body for vision and for maintaining healthy skin and mucus membranes.

Current research suggests that a diet rich in foods containing beta-carotene and phytonutrients such as lutein and zeaxanthin (other forms of carotenoids) may reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer.

Most often used to make pie, pumpkin can also be added to pancakes, custard, ravioli, soups, soufflés and more.

Even pumpkin seeds are popular. They are nutritious, tasty and make a great snack. Pumpkin seeds are great source of protein, minerals (such as iron and zinc), vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids (good for heart health). Check out this recipe for making pumpkin seeds at home. 

Enjoy this versatile vegetable, especially during the holiday season!

Contributed by Leslie K. Kay-Getzinger, MS, RD

Registered Dietitian/Clinical Nutritionist for Nutrition Management


(Image from Country Living)

ARTS & CRAFTS family thanksgiving activities

It’s the Thanksgiving holiday. Time to celebrate home, family and togetherness. Sounds great, but how do you translate these abstract concepts into real family fun? Here are a few ideas (that don’t involve a Wii).

Take a hike

Find a park or trail nearby and venture out into the great outdoors. Even if it’s just for an afternoon, you’ll soak up some sunlight (and extra vitamin D), get some fresh air, and give the whole family an opportunity to stretch their legs before (or after) the big feast. Make more of your hike by creating a family field guide where your kids can record the flora and fauna they discover.


Get crafty at the kids' table

When it comes to Thanksgiving preparations, the kids’ table is often an afterthought. This year, get the kids involved in dreaming up a fun theme and creating their own decorations. Think party hats, place mats, napkin ring...


Play a thanksgiving-themed game

Whether you’re headed over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house or hosting the relatives at your place, you may need an ice breaker or two to kick off the festivities. How about a game? Sure, there’s the traditional kids vs. adults football game, but here are some fresh ideas for fun and easy games, a few of which might become new thanksgiving traditions.

Photo credit: familyfun.go.com

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

FRIDAY FOLDER november 18

Highlights From This Week 
Thanksgiving Feasting 

Each campus will be celebrating Thanksgiving next week with lavish feasts on campus! Check out the e-newsletters below for specifics. Please note that all campuses will be closed Wednesday, November 23 for a teacher in-service and will remain closed Thursday, November 24 through Friday, November 25 for the holiday. The Fairmont family wishes you a very Happy Thanksgiving!! 

Edgewood Recognized at Robotics Tournament 

We would like to congratulate sixth grade students Pelin E., Priya K., Sahar K., and Florencia P. for their participation in the 2011 Robotics Qualifying Tournament. They won the Best Programming Award and were qualified to move on to the Championship at Lego Land, San Diego on December 3rd.

Mable Study Trips 

The Mable 4th and 8th graders recently returned from their study trips to The Ocean Institute in Dana Point and Washington DC. Check out the Mable e-newsletter for the highlights.  

Weekly E-Newsletters 
Anaheim Hills Campus 
Citron Campus 
Edgewood Campus 
Mable Campus 

December Lunch Menus 

AH Preschool-1st Grade

AH 2nd-8th Grade

Citron

Edgewood Preschool-Kindergarten

Edgewood 1st-8th Grade 

Mable 

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools 

family theater...A to Z

Sometimes the best gifts are those that make lasting memories. This holiday season, consider treating the family to an evening of live theater for a fun and memorable cultural experience. With so many great Orange County theaters that offer family-friendly repertoire, it's easy to find something that will leave everyone applauding. Here are a few of our recommendations...

• Segerstrom Center for the Arts Located in Costa Mesa, Segerstrom offers a variety of family-friendly shows, including the holiday classic Irving Berlin's White Christmas, which runs December 13-January 1. 
• South Coast Repertory Theatre for Young Audiences Neighbor to the Segerstrom Center, SCR strives to provide "kid-friendly theatre at family friendly prices." Their holiday show, Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!, runs from November 4-20 and is followed by The Borrowers in February. 
• Irvine Barclay Theatre On the UC Irvine campus, the Barclay is a great spot to see a variety of live shows, and their Family Pack tickets are perfect for groups of 4 or more.  This winter's shows include: Circus Incognitus over Thanksgiving weekend and The Nutcracker performed by Festival Ballet Theatre from December 10-24. 
• Laguna Playhouse What better location to see live theater than Laguna? The intimate playhouse offers family-friendly main stage productions, youth theater and teen-centered dramas. This Wonderful Life, a re-imagining of Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life, runs from November 25-December 24, followed by the youth theater production Hansel and Gretel and Cinderella in February. 

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools 

(Image from ArtsPR)

THE FAIRMONT FIVE thanksgiving leftover recipes

If you've been in charge of cooking the "roast beast" for many of your family gatherings, as I have, you know the joy of sitting down to a meal of leftovers the day after the big occasion. The hoopla is over and you can finally enjoy the fruits of your labors.  For some, however, the thought of leftovers conjures memories of conjealed cranberry sauce and dried-out stuffing (and various other science projects) curing on the refrigerator shelves until someone gets the honor of throwing them out.  Gross! 

Whether you like it or not, the leftovers are coming.  Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them.

1. Quick Turkey and Rice Soup 
2.  Herbed Turkey and Waffles 
3. Turkey Sandwiches with Shallots, Cranberries and Blue Cheese 
4. Thanksgiving Leftovers Turkey Shepherds Pie 
5. Sweet Potato Pancakes

Photo credit: Annabelle Breakey, Sunset.com

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools 

HOW TO take the best family portraits

There's nothing like a great family portrait, especially in time for holiday cards and greetings. But we all know that it can seem virtually impossible to capture that one fleeting moment when everyone is looking at the camera and smiling. We loved these helpful tips from photographer David Capron of Emotion Portrait Studios that we found in Coast Kids. Hope they help make your holiday portrait picture-perfect! 

• Schedule Accordingly. Plan the time of the shoot based on your children's best time of day. Avoid nap times and meal times, and make sure everyone has had a nice snack beforehand so there are no rumbly tummies. 
• Avoid the Matchy-Matchy. Capron recommends letting every family member have a say in what he or she wants to wear. This way, the picture will better express everyone's individuality and come out more fun and playful. Consider asking everyone to choose clothing in a particular color scheme instead of mandating matching dresses or shirts. 
• Get the Kids Involved. Ask each child to choose one belonging to bring to the photo shoot. This object will provide some comfort and tell the photographer about the child's personality. 
• Visit the Studio in Advance. Consider setting up an appointment to visit the studio and meet with the photographer before the actual shoot. The photographer can get a sense of your family's chemistry and the children will become more comfortable in the space. 

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools 


(Image from Light Stalking)

BOOK REPORT the giver

During this time of giving and thanksgiving, what better book to read by the fire than Lois Lowry's The Giver? An ideal read for young adults ages 11 and up, this Newberry Medal winner weaves the captivating tale of a boy named Jonas who lives in a controlled "Utopian" community. On his twelfth birthday, Jonas is assigned special training from The Giver. He soon learns that in order for the rest of the community to function so perfectly, The Giver alone must sacrifice and keep the memories of the true pain and pleasure of unregulated life. 

I first came across this novel in fifth grade when it was recommended by my favorite teacher and have since returned to it countless times. It's a story that provokes deep thought and appreciation for what might otherwise seem troublesome or challenging. Consider reading the story along with your son or daughter over the Thanksgiving holiday, and then reference these study questions to spark some great discussion. 

Contributed by Alyssa 

FRIDAY FOLDER november 11

Highlights From This Week 

Anaheim Hills DSL Football Champions
Congratulations to the UNDEFEATED DSL Football Team! They were 7-0 this season and are the Champions of the 2011 DSL Football League! Check out the Championship Game pictures on FLICKR.

Fairmont Students Help Make History

The Fairmont Private School third graders were part of making history on Tuesday, November 8 as they were part of the Gift of History Guinness World Record breaking crowd for the "world largest history lesson!" Read more about the event in this OC Register article. 

Citron Gives Back

Citron will be supporting the City of Anaheim's Thanksgiving Meal Project by collecting and donating food for deserving families' Thanksgiving meals. We love seeing our students become involved in service projects at such a young age. For more kid-friendly community service ideas, check out this blog post. 

Weekly E-Newsletters 
Anaheim Hills Campus 
Citron Campus 
Edgewood Campus 
Mable Campus 

November Lunch Menus 

AH Preschool-1st Grade

AH 2nd-8th Grade

Citron
Edgewood Preschool-Kindergarten
Edgewood 1st-8th Grade 
Mable 

Contributed by Alyssa 

HOW TO stay focused on school during the holidays

The holidays are coming, the holidays are coming!  Yes, I know, the stress and activity levels are already ratcheting up in your household as they are in mine.  There are parties and programs, travel and house guests, cooking, baking, buying....  If you think you're the only one affected by the hubbub of the holiday season, think again.  Our kids are also experiencing a dramatic shift away from their daily routines.  Sometimes this can mean a hiccup in their overall academic progress.  Here are a few simple tips to help keep your kids focused on their schoolwork during the holidays:

• Continue to create a calm, distraction-free zone for studying and homework.  This means turning off the TV (and the Christmas carols) and limiting the number of interruptions during your child's homework time.  You can still keep it festive by providing snacks and warm cocoa while he/she works.
• Limit the number of activities your children participate in during the school week.  Okay, so this may be a case of easier said than done, but even it your child can't opt out of a mid-week engagement, be sure he/she can be home for a reasonable bedtime.
• Stick to bedtime routines including nightly reading with your child.  Try to keep up the good work when it comes to bedtime stories.  Reading to your child just 15 minutes a night will boost his/her reading skills and provide much-needed downtime for the two of you to bond over a good book.
• Balance sugary sweets with healthy, hearty meals including a nutritious breakfast.  There's no reason to ban your children from enjoying holiday goodies, but a steady diet of cookies, cake and candy isn't the best brain food.  Sneak healthy ingredients into kid-friendly foods like pancakes, smoothies and spaghetti and you'll be fueling a healthy mind and body.
• Over holiday breaks, keep your child's mind sharp with educational activities.  Invite an aunt, uncle or grandparent to take the kids to a local museum for the day. Or, go to the library for an hour or two. Turn holiday baking into a math lesson.  Ask your children the history behind holiday celebrations and have them do some online research.  Encourage your child to keep an illustrated journal of his/her holiday experiences.
• Keep up your active lifestyle.  With shorter, cooler days, it can be difficult for kids to get the recommended 60 minutes of exercise they need to stay healthy and focus in school.  If a hectic schedule keeps you from heading to the park or taking walks around the block, encourage your kids to jump rope or work out indoors with fun exercise DVDs.

Photo credit: Microsoft Office online photo gallery

Contributed by Danyelle

fall fruits and veggies...A TO Z

Summer may be over, but here in Southern California we are blessed with a bounty of nutritious, delicious (and locally grown) fruits and vegetables all year round.  Harvest season is no exception, with vitamin-packed yams and sweet potatoes, winter squash, kale, spinach, cauliflower, apples, pears, citrus, kiwi fruit...I could go on.  To help you incorporate in-season produce into your family's diet, check out this listing from Food Fit of fall fruits and veggies complete with nutrition facts and recipes.

Photo credit: ifood.tv

Contributed by Danyelle

FAIRMONT FIVE celebrating veterans day

November 11 can come and go with little pomp and circumstance, but the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, our country deserve our recognition. Here are a few links to help you with everything from the history of Veterans Day to kid-friendly activities as you make this holiday meaningful for your family.

1. Brush up on your Veterans Day history with a quick video
2. Test your Veterans Day recall with an online quiz
3. Read poigniant veteran-related poems like In Flander's Fields
4. Donate to top-rated veteran causes
5. Have fun with hands-on Veterans Day activities

Contributed by Danyelle


(Image from: Microsoft Office online photo gallery)

SCHOOL NEWS mayor tait visits anaheim hills campus

The Anaheim Hills campus welcomed Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait to the campus today.  He read A Very Silly Mayor to the kindergartners of Room 2 and talked with them about city government.  We think he's a very smart mayor (and a very cool one) to have made time to visit some of the brightest students in the community!  Thank you, Mayor Tait.

Contributed by Danyelle

SHORT STORY operation candy drop

The Citron Campus donated an unprecedented 1,000 pounds of candy to military servicemen and servicewomen during Operation Candy Drop 2011! 

Contributed by Alyssa 

FRIDAY FOLDER november 4

Highlights From This Week 
Mable Students Advance to Orange County Spelling Bee
Congratulations to Mable 8th grader Liza and 7th grader Ronik for placing 1st and 2nd, respectively, in the 7th, and 8th grade Spelling Bee. Liza's championship word was exonerate. Both students will advance to the Orange County Spelling Bee where the winner advances to the National Spelling Bee Championship in Washington, D.C. Congratulations also go out Jade for rounding out the top 3 spellers.

Citron Gives Back

The annual Operation Candy Drop candy drive began Monday, October 24th. The Citron campus has been collecting Halloween candy for the servicemen and servicewomen in the military. This year our small but mighty campus collected over 1,000 pounds of candy! Next month, Citron will be supporting the City of Anaheim's Thanksgiving Meal Project by collecting and donating food for deserving families' Thanksgiving meals. We love seeing our students become involved in service projects at such a young age. For more kid-friendly community service ideas, check out this blog post. 

Hot Off the Press at Edgewood 

The first edition of The Eagle's Eye, the first student newspaper at Edgewood, has just been released! This is big news around campus! Pick up your copy at Edgewood and read a sample article in this week's e-newsletter. 

8th Grade Bonding at Anaheim Hills 

The eighth graders just returned from their annual overnight bonding trip. They enjoyed spending time together and making quality memories during their last year here at Anaheim Hills. Check out the e-newsletter for a great re-cap of the trips. 

Weekly E-Newsletters 
Anaheim Hills Campus 
Citron Campus 
Edgewood Campus 
Mable Campus 

November Lunch Menus 

AH Preschool-1st Grade

AH 2nd-8th Grade

Citron
Edgewood Preschool-Kindergarten
Edgewood 1st-8th Grade
Mable 

Contributed by Alyssa 

community service for kids...A TO Z

Edgewood students carry boxes of toys destined for hospitalized kids during last year's CHOC Toy Drive.  This year's collection starts on November 14 and culminates in an all-campus visit from the Orange County HOG Chapter bikers in early December.  Photo credit: OC Register

Sandwiched between the high jinks of Halloween and the frenzy that surrounds winter holidays, is November—the classic month for giving thanks. Somehow, Thanksgiving has managed to elude the commercialism of its counterparts and remain a day for celebrating the home-grown pleasures of family, friends and togetherness. For many, the sense of unity and fellowship extends outwards into the community as they give of their time and resources to help those less fortunate.

Imagine, a holiday more about sharing our collective blessings than hording our individual good fortune. It’s a concept easy to embrace as we approach this most thankful of holidays. Harness your good intentions now, before the rush, and plan to involve the whole family in making a difference this holiday season.

The benefits of giving back
Getting your children involved in community service has a host of benefits. Parents magazine’s Thrive in 2025: Raise a Kid Who Gives article lists a few. “Kids who volunteer do better in school and are less likely to try drugs, according to a study conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that promotes acts of citizenship and responsibility. The same organization found that people who regularly lend a hand tend to be healthier and that these wellness benefits increase if they start charitable work earlier in their life. Research also demonstrates that doing volunteer work that involves personal contact makes people feel better: There's a literal endorphin rush for the giver, the givee, and anyone watching. Plus, it builds confidence and self-worth in the right way, by showing kids that their actions matter.”

Find a cause
We loved some of the kid-friendly causes suggested by Parents such as Defenders of Wildlife which lets your child "adopt" an endangered animal and get a plush version of the wild animal to play with at home.  And, Project Knapsack, where your child can write a pen pal from a developing country and send him or her a backpack filled with school supplies.  Browse the causes at Changing the Present with your children to see what sparks their interest.


Simple ways to get involved

You won’t have to search for long, especially during the holidays, to find a food drive, coat drive or toy drive behind which to rally. Make the experience of donating more meaningful by involving your children in the process. Have them clean out their closets and pick the items they’d like to donate. Let them raid the pantry and load up a few bags of canned goods or personal hygiene supplies. Give your kids a budget and let them go on a toy shopping spree for kids in need in your community. Then, bring your children along when you drop off your donations.

Family friendly community service
For service-oriented activities you can participate in with your children, you’ll have to do a little pre-planning. Volunteer Family is a great resource to jump start your service project with ideas, family-friendly volunteer opportunities in your area, and advice for making the experience meaningful for your children. Another great resource is the book Doing Good Together: 101 Easy, Meaningful Service Projects for Families, Schools, and Communities, written by Doing Good Together’s Founder and Executive Director Jenny Friedman and Jolene Roehkepartian. Volunteer Match features local listings for volunteers with specifics about the cause, the type of work needed, and the amount of hours involved. When you’re ready to take your volunteering to the next level, consider taking a service-oriented vacation during Winter Break, Spring Break or over the summer. Cross Cultural Solutions and others provide international volunteer vacations.

When it comes to community service, the thought doesn’t count nearly as much as rolling up your sleeves and getting to work. Whether it’s simply donating to your local food bank or traveling across the world to build a school, the act of helping others is an experience to be experienced this holiday season. Let us know how you plan to get your family involved in giving back.

Contributed by Danyelle

THE FAIRMONT FIVE tips for family wellness

There's a chill in the air and leaves on the ground, which means fall has arrived--and so has flu season. Help your family stay healthy all season long with these tips from OC Family. 

1. Eat Healthy. Children and adults should eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and grains every day. Make vegetables fun by creating "colorful plates" with orange carrots, green broccoli, red and yellow bell peppers, etc. The more color the better! 
2. Be Active. Grown-ups should strive to be active at least two and a half hours each week and should encourage children to be active at least one hour a day. Activities should raise breathing and heart rates and strengthen muscles. 
3. Protect Yourself. Avoid disease and the spread of germs by washing hands frequently with warm water and soap. Take vitamins to build a healthy immune system. Encourage children to wear helmets, seat belts, sunscreen and insect repellent. Have an emergency supply kit ready just in case. 
4. Manage Stress. Balance work, home and play as much as you can. Quality rest and relaxation is vital. Remember that adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night and children need more, depending on their age. 
5. Get Checkups. Avoid frequent doctor visits to treat illness by scheduling regular preventative checkups. Based on your family health history and lifestyle, ask your doctor for ways to avoid health problems. 

We also love the rhyme-y Sniffle SOS page of the Puffs website. It's a great resource for health tips and flu season facts. 

Contributed by Alyssa 

(Image from Health e-Tips)

BULLETIN BOARD thankful for fall

As we ring in November, we're reminded to be thankful for the natural autumn beauty that surrounds us and the love of family and friends. We hope you find inspiration in some of these fall favorites. 

1. Custom Thanksgiving Invites 2. Fall Feast Place Setting 3. Fall Scrappy Trails Quilt 4. Gabrielle's Honey Pie 5. Pilgrim Finger Puppets 6. Crafty Napkin Rings

Contributed by Alyssa & Danyelle