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To enter these contests, visit SanDiegoFamily.com, go to “Contests,” then “This Month’s Contests.”

Includes free printables!

Casa de Bandini is North County’s go-to Mexican restaurant for all things “fiesta!” Regularly voted one of San Diego’s most family-friendly restaurants, Casa de Bandini draws people of all ages to The Forum Carlsbad for its award-winning Mexican cuisine, giant margaritas, vibrant dining rooms and live Latin music. It’s sure to be a big hit with your family. Enter for your chance to win a $100 gift card to Casa de Bandini. Contest ends Oct. 31. www.SanDiegoFamily.com

• Art with Alyssa: Día de los Muertos Nichos

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Embrace the spirit of the season at the Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch & Fall Festival, located at the Carlsbad Strawberry Fields (Cannon Rd & I-5). Find the perfect pumpkins for carving or decorating. Kids can challenge their wits in the twisting Corn Maze or share precious moments with fluffy friends in the Petting Zoo, featuring sheep, goats, and rabbits. Take in autumn scenes on a tractor ride or walk through the Marigold fields and capture family memories with stunning photo ops at every turn. For teens and adults craving spine-tingling thrills, visit the Haunted Corn Maze, open October 6 (Fridays and Saturdays only) from 7-10 pm. Enter to win a family 4-pack of general admission tickets to the Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch & Fall Festival. Contest ends at noon on Oct. 6.

Join us for our 3rd annual Pumpkin Patch!

Enjoy the many activities on our farm. Fun for all ages!

September 29th - October 31st

Fridays 2-8pm, Saturday-Sundays 10am-8pm

$5 per person, ages 2 and under are free.

• Different varieties of pumpkins

• Pick your own sunflowers - $2 per stem

• Huge hay maze with a scavenger hunt included with admission

• Tractor ride

• Paint your own pumpkin kit - $10

- Small pumpkin (3lbs or less)

- Pumpkin painting kit

- Dedicated painting space at the farm

• Say “hi” to our farm animals

• Enjoy some fresh Julian Apple Cider

• Enjoy your lunch at our shaded picnic tables

• Pets welcome!

Design

Cover photo: All Colors Photography

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These are challenging times for a lot of people in our community. That’s why SDG&E offers FERA discount program for households of three or more who are struggling to pay bills. Even if you’ve never qualified for assistance before, you may be eligible now. Applying is quick, easy and completely confidential.

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Autumn Bliss

Fall is my favorite season! Cooler temperatures (hopefully), day trips to Julian, fall festivities, pumpkin treats and the launch of artisan crafts and maker faire season. This month is the Bernardo Winery Arts & Crafts Fair, the Harvest Festival in Del Mar and Queen Bee Market in San Marcos. I’m giddy just thinking about it!

Speaking of crafters and artisans, do you have children who love to tinker and create? Don’t miss our article “Maker Minded: Raising DIY Kids” on p. 18 for awesome tips on how to support and encourage would-be artists, architects and designers. Does your child’s school offer an arts program or maker space to support creative activities? With last year’s passing of Prop 28, it might be more promising this year. Flip to p. 14 to read about the arts funding now available at all California schools. Ask your school how their funds are being used.

I’m excited about a two-part series from our “Parenting with Purpose” columnist, Jody Cates, that delves into the importance of teaching kids to care. This month Jody covers why and how to teach self-care and caring for family. Next month, we learn how caring for others is a natural and necessary extension of the process.

We offer a bushel of fall fun in this issue. You’ll find pumpkin patches, fall festivals, Halloween events, Día de los Muertos celebrations and more. If you get overwhelmed, use our checklist on p. 30 to help simplify your family’s priorities. I added “Plan a fall weekend getaway” to the list because I often hear moms ask, “Where can I vacation with my family that isn’t too far?” I recently returned from a fabulous weekend at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort in Dana Point—and it only took 45 minutes to get there. Whatever activities you choose this month, here’s to a happy fall, ya’ll!

Lisa Gipson Managing Editor

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