A Few Tips For Picking a Pumpkin...

1.The very best place to purchase a pumpkin is at a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, as that way you're assured that the pumpkin is fresh from the field.

2.A farm stand would probably be the second best bet, as at least the pumpkins were picked nearby and did not have to endure the jostling that might occur during shipment to supermarkets.

3.It's important to look at the pumpkin from all sides before picking it. Look to make sure that the entire pumpkin is colored bright orange and that there are no bruises, soft spots, scars or signs of mold.

4.If it is possible, sit the pumpkin upright while it is still on the vine to make sure that it will sit level once you've brought it home to display.

5.It's important to make sure that the stem stays attached to the pumpkin. Pumpkins that are ready for picking should have dried, somewhat brittle stems that make them easy to pluck from the vine.

6.Carry the pumpkin by the bottom so as not to risk damage to the stem.
Pumpkins should be stored in a cool, dry place prior to carving/displaying them.

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October is here...ALREADY!

I honor the cold and offically feeling that summer is truely gone and fall is here I wanted to start this month off with one of my favorite recipies for your fall events!

TOASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS!! Oh yes so good and so easy!!

Preparing the pumpkin seeds for toasting was the slimiest activity we tried. Some kids loved it; others were totally grossed out. All, however, enjoyed munching on the freshly toasted seeds.

1 small pumpkin

2 tbsp. vegetable oil

Salt

Use an ice-cream scoop to remove the seeds from the pumpkin and transfer them to a large bowl. Now for the tough part: Separate the seeds from the pumpkin fiber (this is a messy job that you should do outside). To make the process a little easier, fill the bowl with water and let the pumpkin seeds soak. Have a bowl of clean water nearby and a colander, too. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Toss the rinsed pumpkin seeds into a smaller bowl, drizzle with the oil, and sprinkle with salt. Spread the seeds on a cookie sheet and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until slightly brown.

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Top Picks for Bridesmaids Gifts from Etsy.com

1. Plum Poppy Clutch - Etsy.com

This is a very pretty and unique clutch that will be a great addition to your wardrobe. The plum poppy is striking against the dark plum background. For a little extravagance the lining is silk dupioni and is a beautiful rosy pink that compliments the fabric perfectly. This clutch is pretty and classic and will look great at many different events from formal to casual
2. Journal - Etsy.com

The combination of daffodil yellow and silver grey is both elegant and refined. I have covered this journal in a beautiful Smock paper and used little details like scalloped edges and a luxurious velvet ribbon to create a truly unique masterpiece. You will be delighted with this journal.


3. Silver Bracelet - Etsy.com

This listing is for one of the two OOAK handmade CIRCLES-collection bracelets shown - choose between the matte-finished one (pics 2-3), or the black rhodium finished (pics 4-5). Both are sterling silver! Their width is 3 cm (1.2 inch).

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Win kate spade Designer Handbag

Wishpot and Avelle the New Bag Borrow Steal (think Sex in the City) have teamed up to bring you our latest giveaway. Enter to win this fabulous fun red kate spade Designer Handbag! Retail value $429

Here’s how to enter:
Tell us or show us what you want to carry in your Avelle Designer Bag!(Your fave accessories, your pets, your dreams, the kitchen sink and more….)

Go to wishpot.com to enter the drawing!Giveaway lasts one week. Wishpot will draw a winner on Monday Oct 5th. Good Luck!

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Creative Guest Book Idea

I used to be a HUGE scrapbooker when I had lots of extra time and money. But these days I am lucky if I get my pictures uploaded from my camera within a month of us doing something!


Earlier I was on MarthaStewart.com and was looking in their memories section on the wedding site. Looking over the cool guest book idea and random pictures from your guests idea...BAM.... I had this idea.

For any event where you want to remember who came you could set up a bowl or vase ( like pictured below) and have some great patterned or colorful paper for people to either just put their names on or words of advice.



Then have friends take more candid pics (in addition to your hired photographer if its your wedding).

You can get any type of scrapbook at your local scrapbooking or craft store. Put your pictures in with your guests advice/names along with mementos from the event. Great way to saver the moment and be able to look back in the future!


*Not so crafty but want a book....$10 a page for us to do it! Just mail us the pics and the mementos with an idea of how you want it to look and give us a month. Presto! You have an awesome book! Send us an email on our contact page

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Place Cards :: From Etsy.com

Searching on Etsy.comtoday and found the cutest shop Timless Paper! They have the cutest place cards that be used for any event. Check them out!!!

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Pumpkin Party

So its getting to that time again...it was 45 degrees when I left this morning Brrrrr!! Time to start getting out the pumpkin spice candles (personal fav) and start decorating for fall.

I LOVE FALL!!!

Not only are the clothes way cuter but I am a layering type of person who loves the boots, jacket and sweater combo, and HATS!! This is the start of my fashionista time of year. Not only that but why not have a party that is pumpkin themed? So fun to get your friends together!

Here is a great look for your entry. Not very expensive to buy some pumpkins and cut some basic stripes in them. Just enough to look like little lanterns. I know I plan to have LOTS of pumpkins on my steps and then do the simple cuts shortly before Halloween. You could also buy some great lanterns and mix them in with the pumpkins along your walk way.

I found these on Better Homes and Gardens and thought they would be cute favors or just good fall candy dishes for your parties. Pretty simple and fun!

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