Chris Payton's

Chris Paytoncompliments of

479-601-6331 ·

Coldwell Banker HMF3589 N CollegeFayetteville, AR 72703

www.PaytonProperties.comcpayton@coldwellbanker.com

Back to school time bumming you out? Is the choice between home life and getting your kids

to school making you want to pull your hair out? Is the your garden looking sad and very

scary, but you just can't figure out how to help it? Take a deep calming breath and get ready

for some awesome ideas!

This month in Welcome Home magazine discover the better way to help your family get back

to school. It just might might make this year's school return your best ever. Read up on the

art of fall gardening and learn how to find the perfect plants for the season. Last but not least,

decode Trendy Fall Fashions of your most stylish autumn ever. This and much, much more

awaits you in our pages, so get to reading and make this your best back to school ever!

Please enjoy this issue of the magazine!

Have an successful September, and as always, Welcome Home!

compliments of

Chris Payton

Visit My Site

Email Me

479-601-6331 ·

Coldwell Banker HMF3589 N CollegeFayetteville, AR 72703

Table of Contents

Welcome Home is for entertainment purposes only. This magazine is not

intended to solicit other brokers’ listings. If you are currently working

with another broker, please disregard this information.

The information provided in this publication of Welcome Home or on any website maintained by U.S. Cybertek, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates, agents, representatives, licensors, licensees or employees (collectively Publisher) is intended as a general guide illustrating common methods of common practices, and the publisher makes no warranty or guarantee whatsoever of the safety, effectiveness, or other characteristic of any methods or products described herein. Neither does the Publisher assume any liability for information published in any website or other publication to which reference may be made herein. Readers are cautioned to review and comply with all written instructions, safety bulletins, and other materials provided in connection with any of the products mentioned herein and all products used in connection with any of the methods described. Neither Published nor any of its subsidiaries, divisions, affiliates, agents, representatives, licensors, licensees or employees shall in any case be liable to you or anyone else for any loss or injury or any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special punitive or similar damages arising out of your use of or failure to use any of the methods and/or products described in this publication or any other publication or websites to which reference may be made herein. Publisher disclaims all warranties, and any warranty or guarantee of safety, merchantability, or fitness for any part icular purpose l ies solely with the manufacture(s) of any product described or recommended or used used in connection with any methods described or recommended.

Editor in Chief - Phly Jambor

All pictures courtesy of sxc.hu or bing.com unless otherwise noted. Thanks to Wikipedia for Random Fact information and aid. Cover Photo

Welcome Home!

4 Recipe And Design A tasty recipe and a stylish home design how to.

5 Fall Garden Clean Up Is there any reason to use one? Looks like it!

6 Trendy Fall Fashions Slip into something stylish this autumn.

8 In The Kitchen. Drinkable Delights: Hot Apple Cider

9 Health and Wellness.Rock Climbing, the ultimate high.

10 Fourteen Autumn Indulgences Indulge your self and a few friends this Autumn.

12 The Right College How to find the college that is the best fit for you.

14 Gardening Tips and Tricks for Autumn What to plant, when to plant it and how to keep it healthy.

18 Surviving September Tips to help you child and family get back to school.

20 Products To Love! Hot trends and technological wonders of tomorrow.

22 City Spotlight Richmond, VA - History is gorgeous in the fall!

24 DIY Project - September Check out this super cool DIY - Giant Jenga!

25 Businesses That Make A Difference Gap, making a difference in so many ways, and not just fashionably!

Fettuccine With Portobello-Alfredo Sauce

Recipe and Design

Preparation:1. Prepare pasta according to package directions; drain.2. Remove brown gills from undersides of mushroom caps using a spoon, and discard gills. Chop mushrooms.3. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat; add mushrooms and garlic, and sauté 5 to 6 minutes or until tender. Stir in cream and milk. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat, and simmer, whisking constantly, 10 minutes. Stir in cheese, pepper, and salt; stir constantly until cheese melts and mixture thickens. Stir in 2 tablespoons parsley. Serve over hot cooked pasta. Garnish, if desired.

Linda King, Dunwoody, Georgia, Southern Living, JUNE 2004

Ingredients

• 1  (12-ounce) package fettuccine• 1  (6-ounce) package portobello mushrooms• 1/2  cup  butter• 3  garlic cloves, minced• 1  cup  whipping cream• 1  cup  milk• 1  cup  (4 ounces) shredded Parmesan cheese• 1  teaspoon  coarsely ground pepper• 1/2  teaspoon  salt• 2  tablespoons  chopped fresh Italian flat-leaf

parsley• Garnish: Italian flat-leaf parsley sprigs

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutesYield: Makes 6 to 8 servings

Instructions:1. Remove labels, tops, and bottoms of 26-ounce tin cans. Use an old-fashioned beer can opener to make triangular holes around the perimeter of the top and bottom of each can. Wear work gloves and be careful with sharp edges.

2. With a hammer and sharp nail, carefully punch additional holes in a pattern on the surface of each can. Aim for a simple, stylized pattern. Work with a spare can or two for practice, if desired.

3. Place each can in a terra cotta saucer with a votive candle inside. For a taller, fancier base, hot glue a pair of saucers bottom to bottom.

• 26-ounce tin cans• Bottle opener• Work Gloves• Hammer• Sharp Nail• Terra Cotta Saucer• Votive Candle

Tin Can Luminaries

These easy-to-make tin lanterns are the perfect accent to scatter around a porch or patio for a charming, folk art

touch.

Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens.com

What You Need:

Written by Robin Monarch. Courtesy of Articlesbase.com.

Fall Garden Cleanup

Fall garden cleanup can be a sad time for many gardeners. Why? It marks an end to the growing season and all the spectacular bursts of color they've enjoyed since that first sprig of green peeked into their gardens last spring.

Yet for other gardeners though, fall cleanup signals a time of preparation and anticipation. That's right. Garden preparation in anticipation of the growing season to come NEXT year!

Fall is the time to cut back, almost to the ground, most of your perennials. Do remember to leave some of those tall ornamental grass stalks or maybe some of that sedum 'Autumn Joy' standing though to give your garden a little winter appeal.

Think back. Remember how some of those flowers and plants seemed out of place or didn't look quite right where you planted them. And what about your garden items that were just plain unproductive this year? Fall is the time to move or remove those particular flowers and plants in preparation for next spring.

As most of your flowers and plants are dying back and will soon become decaying matter themselves, now is the time to supplement your garden with some good organic nourishment in preparation for the growing season next year. Fall is a good time to treat your garden to a nice 1-2" layer of compost all over it. Next spring your flowers and plants will surely thank you for it!

Have you been thinking of adding a new bed to your garden area? Fall is the perfect time to set up an easy in-ground bed that will be ready for you to fill with flowers and plants next spring.

Also, remember those garden workhorses ... your tools. Fall garden cleanup includes caring for those handy helpers that assist you with your gardening chores all season long. Give them a little extra attention before putting them to rest until next year. Wipe off any residual soil or dirt, sharpen any items that have become dull with use, and oil or lube any that may need it. Hang them up or put them in a dry place so they'll be easy to find when you need them next year.

Now grab those gardening catalogs from off the shelf where you set them after the planting was all done this year. There are so many gorgeous blooms out there just waiting to be chosen to be planted next season by some gardener. Use this gardening "down time" that's available in the fall and winter to decide which beautiful flowers and plants will be among those you plant in your garden areas next spring.

If you keep these things in mind, rather than being one of those gardeners who is sad that another growing season has ended, you'll be one of the gardeners who make fall garden cleanup a time of anticipation. Use this time to prepare for those spectacular areas of bloom that await you in the coming spring!

Take a sign from nature. The leaves are all changing colors, the weather is changing, and it's time for pumpkins and turkeys and some really great fashions. You can change colors too as it's time for a change of fashion. Phase out some of your summer shorts and tank tops for some great fall fashions.

Some of the best colors for fall are caramel colored browns, taupe, teal, copper, and other fall inspired colors. Jeans are always good no matter what the season, but you can pair them with pretty blouses in fall colors, and high heels. Also, letting go of the shorter shorts for some longer, ankle length shorts is a great idea. Not only will this give you a different look it will also help to keep you a little warmer.

As the weather cools off, and the evening brings a chill in the air, you can wear some really pretty fall colored cardigans or sweaters. Some prints that are toned down compared to the summer fashions are great for fall. Stripes, or small prints, even animal prints are all loved fashions of Fall. Purple is another great color for fall even if you are not a Red Hat Society member.

If the weather is cold where you live during Fall, jackets that are waist-length are great. These look really great with fall dresses and skirts as well as pants and jeans. One of the most amazing Fall jackets is the tie-front waist length jacket. This looks amazing with tight black stretch pants and boots. An oversized shirt is a great thing to add to this outfit. Pair it with some great accessories and a medium sized leather handbag and you've got a great fashion.

Tren

dy F

all

Fash

ions

Written by Mary Lu. Courtesy of Articlesbase.com

Hats are in for women during the fall. One of the most popular and beautiful hats is the beret. A simple black or brown one is a great idea, and you can wear it with pretty much anything. Try it with a longer straight skirt and a collared shirt and cardigan. This is a beautiful trendy look.

Accessories for fall are a must have. Layered necklaces and bracelets are hot, and you can compliment your more neutral toned outfit with colorful ones. Try orange, brown, or green ones. Dangling earrings, chunky bangle bracelets, and thick, bold jewelry is a hot fall fashion, and really gives your outfits the finishing touches they need.

Boots are great for fall, whether they're heeled or not. You can wear them with longer skirts, jeans, and even skinny black pants. These look fabulous with collared shirts, t-shirts, or sweaters. They are especially great when you pair them with the perfect fall jacket that will not only keep you warm but dress you up too.

Fall is a great reason to go shopping for some fresh new looks. If you just want to add some great pieces in to compliment your existing wardrobe, experiment with some different colors, or you've had it and are replacing the whole thing, use these tips to help you pick out the right fall fashions.

Ingredients:

• 12 or so small-to-medium-sized apples, assorted types (I used mostly Gala, Granny Smith & Red Delicious)

• 1 orange• 1/2-1 cup brown sugar• 4 cinnamon sticks• 1 whole nutmeg• 1 Tbsp. whole cloves• 1 tsp. whole allspice (optional)• water to cover

Courtesy of gimmiesomeoven.com

In The Kitchen

Hot Apple Ciderleft about 2 inches of space at the top of my pot.) Bring to a boil and boil uncovered for at least an hour, stirring occasionally. Then cover and reduce to a simmer, and allow juice to simmer for at least another two hours.

Periodically during the three hours, use a potato masher (or I used tongs, or you could just use the side of a spoon) to begin mash the apple and orange slices once they are soft. Feel free to also add more sugar or spices to taste.

When cider is ready allow to cool then strain apple pieces and whole spices into a clean pitcher or pot. If you feel like it you can strain everything through a cheesecloth and twist and squeeze to get every last drop.

Serve hot, and garnish with a cinnamon stick, fresh orange slice, or dried apples if you’d like. Store in the fridge and reheat as desired.

Ali’s Tip:

I have yet to try this in a slow cooker, but imagine it would make a fabulous batch of cider as well!

Directions:Wash apples and the orange, and then roughly cut into quarters. (Don’t worry about removing peels, seeds, or stems.) Place in a large stock pot.

Add sugar (I start with 1/2 cup, you can always add more later), cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves and allspice. Then cover with water, filling the pot until it is nearly full. (I

Health & Wellness

Rock Climbing

Ready to take on Rock Climbing? It is one of the fastest growing sports around, indoor as well as outdoors a lot of people are now joining what seems to be the new way to work out, and to strengthen yourself both physically and mentally. Rock climbing is no longer reserved to the professionals, even thought they are very much respected and looked up because of their amazing achievements and skills the art of climbing now belongs to the masses and it seems they love it. You will need to work hard and practice, keep a routine and workout plan, focus on the rock climbing skills but not neglect many other forms of workout to increase your muscle mass and you cardio power if you think of going out thee and climbing mountains, the climbing walls are only the beginning, but, as everything else in life, you will need to go through every step to reach your goal. There are many things to learn about rock climbing, first you will need to become familiar with the rock climbing equipment, you will surely need someone to walk you around the things the professionals use, the survival gear and all the right clothes that will make your life just a little easier when climbing to the top. There are some people that love rock climbing because of everything but the physical side of it, it is a huge challenge and something that is looked upon as a task that belongs to each individual, a test of character and something that will challenge you in the most extreme way, you should think carefully before diving into the rock climbing world, it is highly addictive and you risk that chance that some people will regard your actions as of a madmen. If you will choose to go with the rock climbing, you will probably discover a world of thrills and adventure, of passion and dedication, but also a world of hard work and training, planning and thinking about every step, rock climbing is not only climbing but it involves a lot of planning and thinking and working out many difficulties and obstacles. You can start off by getting a book, a rock climbing book may give you all the basic things you want to know so you can start thinking about getting serious about climbing, it is the closest thing you can have to a manual, if you want to get a book, take a good look at the selection because there are quite a lot of rock climbing guides around, find the one you will be most comfortable for you, and remember you may want to take it with you when you go out so make sure it fits in your backpack. If you are dedicated and a hard worker there is no reason that pretty soon you will outgrow your book and will need some professional hand to guide you around to jump a level, and this you can very easily find in the specialist gyms that have a climbing walls, you do not have to get a lesson every day, but a few tips and tricks from a person with real experience will do you a world of good, and increase your safety. Have fun, and stay safe.

Written by John Furnem. Courtesy of Isnare.com

For Autumn

Fourteen Simple Indulgences

As the kids go back to school, you can go back to you: your schedule, your friends, your goals. Here are fourteen simple indulgences to celebrate this season.

1. Grab a friend and set out for a brisk autumn hike in the prettiest area you can think of within a few minutes of your home. On your walk, make an agreement with your friend to neither gossip nor complain. See what new conversations arise under these guidelines.

2. Invite your girlfriends over for a Back to School tea. Have lots of "pamper me" items in hand. Do you (or any of your friends) know a massage therapist? Ask her to come and do back rubs. Eat decadent pastries and drink coffee or tea. Catch up on everything you may have missed during the hectic summer.

3. Start a circle journal to keep in touch with your friends. A circle journal (aka. "a round robin") is a book that goes back and forth among friends, each of whom adds a special contribution before passing it on. You can use a simple notebook and ask each contributor to add her favorite photos to a collage on the cover.

4. Treat yourself to a new magazine subscription.

5. Buy three copies of your favorite novel. Give one copy to your best friend, one to your mother, and one to your mother in law. You will trigger an interesting book discussion (or an enriching tradition of book swapping).

6. Invite over your neighbors for a steaming cup of hot mulled cider.

7. Take out a simple piece of paper and tell a relative whom you do not expect to see during Thanksgiving all the reasons that you are grateful for him or her. Mail it.

8. Bring the warmth of the coming season to your dining room table with a fall bouquet of fresh flowers. Choose an arrangement with vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange.

9. What are you most passionate about? Start a home business that somehow relates to this passion. Autumn is a great time of year to get a business started. The kids are back in school and the hustle of the holidays has not yet begun.

10. Find a book club to join, or start one of your own.

11. Make a quick mini photo album of your most treasured summer photographs.

12. Choose a charity that you and your family will support this season. Researching the charity will be a fun family activity, and then you can brainstorm all the ways you can raise money for this organization.

13. Know a good soup restaurant? Order takeout tonight. Make sure to include fresh bread!

14. Challenge yourself to offer a sincere compliment to each person you speak with today. Work on weaving the kind words into each conversation. Such a habit will transfer a feeling of goodwill to everyone around you, and it may help you overcome shyness. After all, now you always have something to say!

Now make up your own simple indulgences and bring the magic of the season to your every day.

Written by Susie Cortright. Courtesy of Articlesbase.com,

What are the benefits and importance of picking the right one?

The Right College

Studying in the right college will make a lot of difference in your career path. Sometimes, choosing a wrong college may even spoil your career. Hence, the importance of choosing the right college becomes significant.

Every student must be aware of the importance in choosing the right college. Moreover, they must be aware of the benefits of choosing the right college. This article will definitely help the reader to understand the importance

and benefits of selecting a good college.

Why it is important to choose the right college

Choosing the right college for study is very much important. The importance of choosing the right college is as follows:1. Only the right college can help in shaping the students' educational as well as career path.2. Only the right college can arrange for useful campus interviews.3. Only the right college can guide students regarding career plans.4. Only the right college can provide the proper timeline to finish the degree.

Benefits of choosing a good college

Students can enjoy a lot of benefits once they put their effort in choosing a good college. Some of the benefits of choosing a good college are as follows;1. A good college will provide the right exposure to the subjects and fields of study.2. A good college will provide the freedom and enjoyment required for a college life.3. A good college will guide in getting better jobs.4. A good college will guide the students to do better higher studies.

Only if people choose a good college, they can enjoy maximum benefit from their college education. All the points given in this article should be considered in order to understand the importance and benefits of choosing the best and right college.

Studying in the right college will make a lot of difference in your career path. Sometimes, choosing a wrong college may even spoil your career. Hence, the importance of choosing the right college becomes significant. Every student must be aware of the importance in choosing the right college. Moreover, they must be aware of the benefits of choosing the right college. This article will definitely help the reader to understand the importance and benefits of selecting a good college.

Why it is important to choose the right college

Choosing the right college for study is very much important. The importance of choosing the right college is as follows:1. Only the right college can help in shaping the students' educational as well as career path.2. Only the right college can arrange for useful campus interviews.3. Only the right college can guide students regarding career plans.4. Only the right college can provide the proper timeline to finish the degree.

Benefits of choosing a good college

Students can enjoy a lot of benefits once they put their effort in choosing a good college. Some of the benefits of choosing a good college are as follows;

1. A good college will provide the right exposure to the subjects and fields of study.2. A good college will provide the freedom and enjoyment required for a college life.3. A good college will guide in getting better jobs.4. A good college will guide the students to do better higher studies.

Only if people choose a good college, they can enjoy maximum benefit from their college education. All the points given in this article should be considered in order to understand the importance and benefits of choosing the best and right college.

Written by Randy Wheeler Article courtesy of Articlesbase.com.

When you feel that first solid bite in the breeze and you see the songbirds winging their way south, and the trees are bursting with fire-laden hues, you know you can't be spending the weekend curled up by the fireplace with a good book. Not for long. While the weather is still gardener-friendly, you must shorten your "to-do" lists for the coming of late fall and early winter. Now is the time to attack your lawn and garden by planting your spring bulbs, buying and maintaining your trees and shrubs, doing your late autumn lawn care, using common-sense watering strategies, building a compost bin and making your own compost, controlling the many common garden pests, and winning at the weed-whacking war before the sudden onset of the fickle, cold and all-enveloping winter season.

Planting Your PerennialsPlant the spring-flowering bulbs until the ground becomes frozen, and prepare your tender but tenacious perennials for the coming seasonal changes. Remember that in the milder climates, bulbs can still be divided and transplanted. Plant hardy bulbs anytime before the soil freezes, but it's best to plant them early enough so the root systems can grow before winter arrives. In some climates, you can plant until Thanksgiving or even Christmas. Late-planted bulbs develop roots in the spring, and may bloom late. But they'll arrive on time by next year. Be sure to position the bulbs at their proper depth. They must be planted so their bottoms rest at a depth two-and-a-half times each bulb's diameter. In well-drained or sandy soil, plant an inch or two deeper to increase life and discourage rodents. Bulbs look best planted in groups. So use a garden spade instead of a bulb planter, which encourages you to plant singly. Set the bulbs side-by-side and plant groups of them in holes the size of a dinner plate, or dig curving trenches and position the bulbs in the bottom. Water your bulbs after planting to stimulate the roots to grow. Interplanting creates maximum flowering in a tight space and eliminates bare spots when "dead" bulbs don't grow. For a succession of blooms and foliage, plant perennials around the bulb holes. As the bulb foliage dwindles, the perennials will grow, camouflaging the bulbs' yellowing leaves.

Choosing Your Trees and ShrubsOctober is a wonderful time to shop for trees and shrubs at the nursery. They're now showing their best and brightest colors there. You can plant them now and over the next few months, so that strong, healthy roots will grow over the winter. You must carefully plan out your landscape to choose which trees you wish to plant for providing proper lawn coverage and the most beautiful scenery. When an appropriate tree is purchased, selected and planted in the right place, it frames your home and beautifies your land, making both more enjoyable. Trees can greatly increase the resale value of property, and even save you on energy costs. Visualize

Gardening Tips And Tricks For Late Autumn

your new trees at maturity while realizing that some trees develop as much width as height if given enough space to develop. Picture each tree's size and shape in relation to the overall landscape and the size and style of your home. Trees peaking at forty feet do best near or behind a one-story home. Taller trees blend with two-story houses and large lots. Trees under thirty feet tall suit street side locations, small lots and enclosed areas such as decks and patios.

There are two basic types of trees you will be considering for purchase. Deciduous trees include large shade trees which frame areas with a cool summer canopy and a colorful autumn rack of superior colors. In winter, their silhouettes provide passage for sunlight. These trees can shade a southern exposure from summertime heat, and allow winter sunlight to warm the house. Evergreen trees have dense green foliage that suits them for planting as privacy screens, windbreaks or backdrops for flowering trees and shrubs. But they are handsome enough to stand alone. They do not lose their leaves, called needles, and provide year-round shelter and color. You should be sure to include a wide variety of both kinds of trees in your landscape to avoid losing them to diseases or pests. Buy disease- and pest-resistant trees. When buying a tree, look for healthy green leaves if it has any, and also well-developed top growth. Branches should be unbroken and balanced around the trunk, and on dormant or bare-root stock they should be pliable. Examine the roots, which should form a balanced, fully-formed mass. Reject trees with broken or dried-out roots. Avoid trees showing signs of disease, pests or stress such as wilting, discoloration, misshapen leaves, scarred bark and non-vigorous growth. Consider the size of the tree. Young trees have a better rate of success when planted, and most flowering trees grow quickly, so start with less expensive, smaller specimens. And be sure and buy all your plants from a good quality nursery with a decent reputation.

Don't prune a newly planted tree unless its form needs improving. Prune flowering trees in spring, after blooming, to correct unsightly problems. Crab apple trees are an exception and should be pruned in late winter. But you can remove diseased or dead branches anytime of the year, and much of this is done during the winter. Apply fertilizer when needed in the second and subsequent growing seasons. Mulch to conserve moisture, reduce weeds and eliminate mowing near the tree. Spread wood chips or bark four inches deep and as wide as the tree's canopy around the base. But don't mulch poorly drained over-saturated soil. Wrap tree trunks after planting to prevent winter damage from weather and pests. And stake young trees, especially bare-root trees and evergreens, to fortify them against strong winds. Stake loosely and allow the tree to bend slightly, and remove stakes after one year. Shrubs are often planted and used merely as foundation plants or privacy screens. But shrubbery foliage is vastly more versatile, and can go a long way toward livening up your landscaping. Countless varieties of gorgeously hued and beautifully leafed shrubs are available through nurseries and garden catalogs. You must start by learning what varieties thrive in your area. Try visiting your local arboretum, where you may view different kinds of shrubs and decide whether they fit your gardening plans. Decide what overall look you want at different times of the year, and then find out which shrubs will be flowering, producing berries or sporting colorful foliage at those times. Compare what you find to the inventory at your local nursery, and ask the professionals who work there lots of questions.

Understand the characteristics of each shrub before you plant it.

Flowering and fruit-bearing shrubs enhance a new home, but improper pruning and care will ruin the beauty of all your hard work. Some shrubs bloom on second- or third-year wood. If you're maintaining a shrub because you're hoping it's going to blossom, but you're cutting off first-year wood every year, it's never going to bloom.

Some varieties are a foot tall at maturity, while others reach over fifteen feet. A large shrub will usually require more pruning. Also determine the plant's ability to tolerate various soil conditions, wind, sun and shade. You don't put a plant that's sensitive to the elements in an open area. Use hardier plants to shelter it. Not all shrubs work in every climate. Witch hazel, for example, blooms in fall or winter and is hardiest where minimum temperatures range from thirty degrees below zero to twenty degrees above. It would not be a good choice for very dry, hot climates. But some shrubs such as buddleia, hydrangea and spirea perform well across a wide range of growing zones. Most shrubs are relatively fast-growing. Those that follow the shape and scale of a home will do more to make a home site look established. For example, if you have a long, ranch-style house the shrubs should be rectangular. If you have a two-story home, you're going to want some leafy shrubs that are a little more upright. You could try buying larger shrubs instead of trees because they don't cost that much more than smaller shrubs and they help a landscape look fuller. Larger shrubs will go through some shock recovery, but typically it doesn't take a shrub as long as a tree to bounce back. Position shrubs as if they are full-size, leaving ample room for them to fill out. Viburnum, barberry, honeysuckle and hydrangea are all good choices to surround almost any house.

Late Autumn Lawn CareAerate lawns in mid- to late-October, while the grass can recover easily. If you core aerate, make your cores three inches deep, spaced about every six inches. Break up the cores and spread them around. If your lawn needs it, thatch and follow with a fall or winter fertilizer. Even if thatching isn't needed, your lawn will be happy for a dusting of fertilizer to help roots gain strength before the spring growing season. Over-seed bald patches or whole lawns as needed. Rake and compost leaves as they fall, as well as grass clippings from mowing. If left on the ground now, they'll make a wet, slippery mess that's inviting to pests. Good gardeners use heavy-duty molded plastic for shaping neat edges of beds. You can buy these from garden centers, nurseries and mail order suppliers in rolls of flat, four- to six-inch-tall plastic, and the edging installs easily. You'll save yourself countless hours of removing grass and weeds that creep into your beds.

Watering Your Lawn and GardenYou can't forget about watering in the middle of fall. The summer's long over, but proper moisture now is key to your plants' survival over the cold winter months. You're likely to hear two pieces of advice on watering. One is that you should give established plants an inch of water per week, whether from rain or irrigation. The other is that personal observation of your own garden is the only way to judge how much water it needs. One fact about which there is more agreement: the ideal is to maintain constant moisture, not a cycle of wet soil followed by dry soil. Although overwatering can be as big a problem as under watering, most gardeners err on the side of too little. Your needs will vary through the year depending on the rate of evapotranspiration in your garden. Evapotranspiration refers to the two ways that plants lose water. There's evaporation, the loss of water to the air from soil, water and other surfaces. Then the other way is called transpiration, or water lost primarily from the leaves and stems of the plants. You can often obtain evapotranspiration rates for local areas from water departments and other agencies. You will see a graphic description of how a plant's natural need for water changes during the growing season.

In the meantime, keep these pointers in mind:1) Water when it's needed, not according to the calendar. Check the top six inches of the soil. If it's dry and falls apart easily, water. Your plants will also

show signs that they need water. Wilting, curling or brown leaves mean that your plants may lack adequate water. Meanwhile, bear in mind that excess water creates a lack of oxygen in plants, making them show similar symptoms to under watering.2) Water slowly, not more than one-half inch of water per hour. Too much water can be lost to runoff. This is why handheld watering cans or handheld hoses generally work only for watering small areas. 3) Water deeply. With established vegetables and flowers, six inches is a minimum. With trees and shrubs, water one to two feet or more. Shallow watering does more harm than good; it discourages plants from developing the deep roots they need to find their own water. Except when you are watering seedlings, soil should never be wet only in the top layer.4) Water in the morning, never during the hottest part of the day. Too much water may be lost to evaporation. Watering in the evening sometimes causes problems in humid climates, particularly with overhead watering, which wets all the foliage. Plants that remain wet at night sometimes come down with disease and fungal growth.5) Don't allow runoff. On heavy clay soil, one inch of water will probably cause runoff. At the first sign that water is not penetrating the soil, turn it off. Irrigate in an hour or so, after the initial water has penetrated. The increased use of piped municipal water and the invention of sprinklers have made mechanical irrigation the most commonly used watering method, particularly for lawns and large areas. Sprinkler irrigation works best with well-draining soils and shallow-rooted plants, or where a cooling effect is desired. But sprinklers have several disadvantages. They waste water, since much of it is sprayed on areas other than the root zone around the plant. Because much of the water is thrown high in the air, loss due to evaporation can be significant. Sprinklers can also foster fungal diseases and other problems with some plants such as roses that don't like having wet foliage. Sprinklers require good water pressure and are best used on plants which are not in bloom. Several types of sprinklers are available. Drip or trickle irrigation using low-flow hoses or emitters can save more than half the water that overhead sprinklers lose due to evaporation or runoff. It also reduces disease, because the foliage is never wetted. This type of irrigation never saturates the soil, so there is little bad effect on overall soil structure. Since the area that's watered is smaller, weed growth is reduced as well. And drip systems don't require trenching. You can design a simple drip system to direct low flows of water to individual plants, either by laying polyethylene tubing on the ground or burying it shallowly. Or you can buy a more sophisticated custom-designed system. But drip systems have their limitations. They don't work for lawns or broad areas, and they can be damaged if children or pets dig them up. The required number of emitters, misters and sprayers can add up cost wise. A drip system also may require a water-pressure reducer to keep low-volume fittings functioning properly. Soaker hoses are similar to drip systems in some ways, but are even simpler. Soaker hoses "leak" water along the length of the hose. You can buy flat plastic hoses or soakers made from recycled rubber tires, known as sweaty hoses or leaky pipe soakers. And garden stores are filled with many other kinds of gadgets and tools to help you water your garden, such as rain gauges, mechanical and electronic timers, and watering cans.

For small areas, container plantings and seedlings, watering cans work well. Make sure your can has an attachment so that water can be delivered like a fine rain. When picking a can, keep in mind that they are quite heavy when filled. A two-gallon container full of water is as heavy as most people can carry. Make sure that the handle and the rest of the can are designed for ease of carrying.

Written by Karen Cole. Courtesy of Articlesbase.com,

Surviving September:

It is that special time of year again. A time of new beginnings as we close another summer chapter and start a brand new school year. Summer can be a magical time for children. It is a time for many to relax schedules, play, soak in some sunshine, grow, and most importantly... rest. The fall is an exciting time filled with anticipation for a healthy and productive school year. It can also present many challenges for families as they attempt to adjust to a more demanding schedule and meet the needs of everyone in the household.

Here are some ideas:

Talk to your child. This helps them to process their feelings about what they have experienced and what they are looking forward to in their world.-Remember all of the fun activities from summer. Often times, talking about recent experiences helps them to look forward to and transition into new ones (encourages an understanding of time and change).-What is your favorite thing about school? Why?-Who are your friends? What do you like to do at recess?-What do you think of your class this year? Classroom? Teacher?

Tips to Help your Child and Family Get Back to School

-Do a timeline of his/her day. What did you do before lunch? After lunch? After school?

Prepare physically for the demands of school.-Set a good daily routine. Help your child develop an awareness of schedules and why they are important. This helps children transition to new tasks and provides structure and security in their world. -Set a bedtime routine and stick to it. Kids thrive when they are well rested. They are better able to attend and focus in class, stay healthier, and are generally happier during the day. (9-12 hours of sleep a night is optimal for growing children).-Provide healthy snacks and meals and try to have a set mealtime for the family.-Include appropriate grooming (bathing, oral hygiene, washing hands) habits in your routine as well.

Back to SCHOOL. An applied learning activity helps children to recall what they already know and build upon it. It also fosters a sense of achievement and confidence when learning new things. Help your child see him/her self as a learner.-Try to read every day with your child. Take turns reading a favorite book. Ask him/her questions about what is being read. Look at pictures and talk about what is happening in the picture (try to guess what will happen next). -Talk about the weather (science and nature). What will the weather be like today? In a month? In two months? What will be happening outside? Fall is a very exciting time to explore and learn about the changing seasons.-When you are in your neighborhood, talk about signs you see, identify familiar things such as objects, street signs, and neighbors. When walking or driving home, let your child direct you.. "Which way do we turn next?"-While at the grocery store, read the signs on the rows, read labels, read everything! Talk about grouping and why products are where they are and not somewhere else in the store. This helps children to build an awareness of order and ultimately supports problem solving in different situations.-Go on everyday math and science adventures! Talk about numbers and use different objects around the house to count, add, multiply and divide. Ask questions like: How many more will make 10? If I eat 5 how many will be left? When cutting a pie, talk about fractions and percentages. When cooking, read and follow recipe directions, talk

about measurement, and the science of cooking and baking. What makes things freeze? What is a solid? What is a liquid? -Build a calendar with your child! Kids LOVE visual stimuli and it will also help you to keep track of special events and activities. Pull out the school year calendar and write in all of the half days, holidays, and special events. You can even include what lunch is served at school each day. Use your imagination and have fun with the activity! It helps with counting, days of the week, and months of the year. They will take pride in marking off days of the week and have a way to look forward to special occasions. It also helps them to process what has happened in their world and prepare for what is next.

Meet the needs of your entire family. Your children are not the only ones who are experiencing a life change. A new school year can bring about added stress with changes in schedules and demands that your whole family must adjust to.-Plan an activity for the entire family to look forward to on an evening or weekend. The fun does not have to be over just because summer has come to an end.-Make sure you know the schedules of other family members. Everyone seems to have lots things to do. Add these activities to your calendar. -Set a time (and place) for your family to be together each day (ex. mealtime) so you can connect with each other about things that are important.-Everyone get your rest and do your best to make healthy choices.

Many warm wishes for a healthy and productive September and school year!

Written by Tracy Webb-Olson. Courtesy of Articlesbase.com

Products To Love In September

The unique and innovative Gardener is an ideal tool to use in any garden. With the sturdy chair and the durable detachable bag and tools, this item will become the focal point of any gardener's tool accessory. The detachable bag allows for multiple uses and creates a convenient storage compartment when needed. Features: A Trowel, Spade, Weeder, Hand held rake, Garden fork , canvas carry along tote and a sturdy foldable seat. Please click here for more information.

Of all the fall fashions I love the most, the beanie is the one that steals my heart! In this snowboarder chick’s opinion, there is nothing hotter than a dude, who knows wheat he’s doing on a snowboard, rocking a Burton beanie. The Sabbatical Beanie from Burton combines the best features of a beanie and a ball cap for a super cute fall style. Made from 100% Acrylic, this solid color ribbed Brim Beanie with a Skully Fit is sure to turn some heads. Please click here for more information.

A new edition of Better Homes and Gardens best-selling landscaping book. Packed with 408 pages of all-new material from the editors of Better Homes and Gardens books, this complete landscaping guide has everything you need to know transform your yard. More than 700 photographs and 100 step-by-step projects show you how to improve grading, plant successfully, build a deck, and much more. Plus an all-new plant encyclopedia! It's everything you need to know to improve your view. Cost estimate, time needed to complete, skill level, and material list included with every project. Please click here for more information.

FIELD TESTED

Reviewed by Rural Jungle Testing

Products To Love In September

One of the most important things on your first day of school, is having all the right equipment at hand. The Crayola Kindergarten Supply Pack contains 100 sheets of art paper, facial tissue, Crayola glue, Crayola 24 ct crayons, Also contains Crayola washable watercolors, Crayola washable markers, Crayola scissors, Plus a pink bevel eraser, nylon pencil bag, 6 pencils, Crayola glue stick, and 8 oz hand sanitizer. Great kit for a kindergarten student comprised of excellent quality supplies! Please click here for more information.

Tired of watering your sidewalk instead of your yard? Sick of setting up hoses so the hard to reach places get hit too? Find your love of lawn again with the Noodlehead N111C Flexible Lawn & Garden Sprinkler. This super cool looking sprinkler gets the water just where you want it. With flexible noodles that stay bent where you point them you will never have to worry about watering your lawn. Please click here for more information.

Tired of unstylish and boring backpacks? Have a look at this! The David King & Co Large Distressed Leather Laptop Messenger is perfect for all your carrying needs and most certainly not frumpy. Features include: padded laptop section fits a 16" laptop, two buttoned pockets and one zip pocket under the flap, main compartment contains a center zip pocket. pen loops, card holder and other organizer pockets also reside in the main pocket, Thick canvas and distressed-leather shoulder strap. Everything you need in one neat, not to mention stylish, grab and go bag! Please click here for more information.

City Spotlight

Richmond, VA

Written by James Brown, courtesy of Isnare.com

Richmond, Virginia is a city surrounded by history working hard to achieve a good future. Not far from Richmond on the James River is Jamestown, the first settlement in the United States by the British and 30 miles north of Richmond is Williamsburg, start of the Virginia colony.

The American Civil War raged through the heart of Richmond which was the capital of the old South and battlefields, houses, and memories from that time exist around the city still. Richmond has become famous for Monument Avenue, a long stretch of highway downtown which features huge stone statues of civil war heroes. Monument Avenue was also a bronze statue of tennis great Arthur Ashe who defeated racial segregation to become one of the premier tennis players in the world and work to ensure racial equality and understanding within the world of professional sports. However Richmond is much more than monuments and flags. It is surrounded by natural treasures.

Maymont ParkNear the center of downtown Richmond is Maymont Park. Once a 100 acre private residence owned by wealthy family named the Dooley's, they donated the entire estate to the people of Richmond for the future of the city. The park features a visitor center with aquatic displays, a children's petting zoo, an Italian garden, amazingly well constructed Japanese garden from two periods of Japanese history, and a horse carriage museum. Amidst all that is a sprawling open park for picnicking and relaxation. Maymont Park is free and open to the public and hosts many events to educate citizenry and visitors on conserving the land and natural resources of central Virginia.

Ginter Botanical GardensOne of the highlights to any trip to Richmond is a trip through the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. The sprawling environment features several specialized Gardens including: the four seasons Garden made of indigenous materials and mythical fountains, a healing Garden made of plants used for medicine and medieval healing, a sunken garden designed and shaped like ancient Rome and the Rose Garden framed around a reflecting pool set aside by the many colors of roses available. The Ginter Gardens also feature walkways and an educational center, a horticultural awareness center and a peaceful healing environment for anyone who needs a little rest and beauty in their lives. The Gardens charge a minimal fee for entering and participants can stay as long as they desire.

Cold Harbor BattlefieldBecause Civil War history plays so much a part in the Richmond landscape, preserved battle sites and houses can be seen in and around the Richmond area. By far the best preserved is the Cold Harbor Battlefield park. Located on Route 156 slightly south of Mechanicsville, Virginia approximately 25 miles from Richmond, this battlefield features a 1 mile paved walk through the last battlefield the south won on during the Civil War. Place markers show bunkers that have been preserved, Union and Confederate lines and lead to the Garthwright House a structure remaining from the Civil War that was used as a hospital for Union soldiers. Cold Harbor Battlefield offers a peaceful beautiful walk through history.

Among these natural delights is Richmond, a city full of technology, business opportunities with a nod towards its future economic development. Fortunately, with such natural delights and historical emphasis Richmond will never escape its past.

DYI Project - September

Courtesy of abeautifulmess.com

You’ll need:

• 2x4 boards (enough for 48 pieces 10 1/2 inches in length)

• 5 different colors of paint• Sand Paper• Sealant (Optional)

1. First you need to buy enough 2x4 boards to cut into forty-eight 10 1/2 inch pieces. You can cut the boards yourself or have them cut at your local lumber yard. Try to avoid wood that has large knots or holes in it.

2. Next sand all the edges, so everything is smooth and can slide easily across each other.

3. Last paint the ends in five different colors: Grassy Meadow, Field Poppy, Safe Harbor, Panama Rose and Crumb Cookie.

4. (Optional Step) Apply sealant if desired. If you do decide to seal also keep in mind that some sealers (like polyurethane) can change your paint colors (like tinting your whites more yellow). Although I do plan to keep my jenga set outside plenty, I will probably store them in the garage during the seasons with a lot of moisture to keep them from warping.

5. Have Fun!

At Gap Inc., social responsibility is fundamental to how we do business.

It means everything from ensuring that workers are treated fairly to addressing our environmental impact.

And it's now covered in depth on our new social responsibility website atwww.gapinc.com/socialresponsibility.

What are we doing to be a responsible company?We're working around the world to improve factory conditions and help women advance. We're designing more sustainable stores and products, and getting creative about protecting natural resources. We're continuing to

make Gap Inc. a company where people are proud to work and able to reach their career goals. We're investing in communities by applying business innovation to social challenges.

We've created a new social responsibility site.We've shifted from a printed report to a website – it's more informative, timely, interactive and environmentally friendly. 

There, you'll find up-do-date information about our programs and activities in four key areas (supply

chain, environment, employees and community investment), including videos, stories, detailed data, and a world map highlighting our work; there's even a section on the social and environmental initiatives of our individual brands: Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Piperlime and Athleta.

Check out www.gap.com to find out more.

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