Adventures Abroad

Adventures Abroad
Machu Picchu

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Pumpkin Seeds

Hello, fellow monsters!

All Hallow's Eve is now 8 days away! Of course, like many monsters I am antsy to roam the Earth once more. Okay, I'm just kidding...or am I?

A spooky cemetery near my house!
One of my favorite things to do as Halloween inches closer is to carve pumpkins. Furthermore, I really enjoy what is inside the pumpkin. Yes, the seeds are quite delicious if made correctly! So, lets take a look at my family recipe to making delicious pumpkin seeds!

Preparation:

  • Carve your pumpkin :)

  • Scrape out the pumpkin.
  • Save the seeds
  • Rinse the seeds and separate them from the pumpkin-goo

Baking:
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit
  • After seeds are rinsed and dried:
    • Toss seeds in olive oil
    • Throw on a dash of Tony Chachere's seasoning (Found at any grocery store: green bottle)
  • Throw on a nonstick pan
  • Place in oven for about 20-25 minutes (or until golden)
    • Flip 10 minutes into baking to ensure that they are evenly browned
  • Take out of oven and let them cool
Now What?
  • Invite your friends over for a movie night!
  • Place your baked seeds in a dish
    • Oh, and maybe grab some candy, popcorn, and other ghoulish treats
  • Throw in a horror/Halloween flick:
    • Martyrs (2008)
    • Trick 'r Treat (2009)
    • 13 Ghosts (2001)
    • Corpse Bride (2005)
    • Twilight Marathon (to prepare for November's release)
    • Black Sheep (2006)
    • Dawn of the Dead or Night of the Living Dead
    • Halloween Marathon
    • Beetle Juice (1988)
    • Hocus Pocus (1993) : my all time favorite Halloween movie!
    • Edward Scissorhands (1990): or any Tim Burton movie!
    • Young Frankenstein (1974)
  • Grab a blanket or light a fire!
  • Prepare to be scared!

  • Enjoy the last few days of Halloween!
Need more help:

Enjoy Halloween, fellow monsters!

Oh, and check back to see my carved pumpkins!

Monday, October 15, 2012

Where is the Great Pumpkin?

Hello, fellow adventurers!

Have you been looking for an activity to do during the beautiful fall weather? Well, look no further if you are in the Virginia area!

October is not only known for Halloween, but pumpkins! They can be used for decoration, food, and much more. Pumpkin picking is one of my favorite things to do in October.

Where to go:
  • "Belvedere Plantation is a 645 acre heritage farm, built in the 1760's on the historic Rappahannock River near Fredericksburg, Virginia. It is a working farm, with grain crops such as corn, wheat and soybeans. And who can forget the pumpkins!"

Address:
  • 1410 Belvedere Drive, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22408
  • (540) 373-4478
Cost:
  • Cackling Farm Pass: $16
    • Regular pass
  • Crowing Farm Pass: $22.50
    • Extra-value pass
  • Coupons and More
What to do: 
  • Explore the huge farm!
  • Cut your own flowers.
  • Shoot pumpkins
  • Feed/pet animals
  • See the owner's soon-to-be Thanksgiving dinner (Turkey!)
  • Watch the Pig Race
  • Eat :)
  • Ride the hayride to the pumpkin patch
  • Pick your own pumpkin off the vine!
  • If you have children:
    • Tons of playgrounds
    • Art tents
    • Activity tents
  • Shop for jams, food, toys, etc.
  • Corn maze!
  • Click here for more information!
Calendar of Events:
Picture Time:
 Above: Part of my lovely family.
 Right Side: Me sitting in a pumpkin patch. Yes, I am holding one of my whopper pumpkins! All you can carry for $26.95. My suggestion, find a strong person to walk 3 steps with all the pumpkins you want! 

My little sister and I trying out handmade pumpkin hats. If I remember correctly, the hat costs about $22.50.


I love feeding goats! Oh, and look at the size of the turkey awaiting a sad, but delicious fate.


Pay $5 for a white cup filled with as many flowers as you can fit. Yes, B and I cut all the flowers in our cup (sunflowers and wildflowers). I would definitely recommend going into the garden and picking out your own flowers!


Check out the pumpkin shooting. Adults give a small donation and children are free (no donation necessary) to direct and pull the trigger. Oh, and what are you aiming for? A target set up a long distance away! Good luck!!



 B and I having fun with one of the many scarecrows on the farm. And that may or may not be B rolled up into a hay bale. 


Sadie wishes everyone a happy fall!

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Fall Trend: Knee High Socks and Shorts

Hello, fellow fashionistas!

Previously, I talked about Falling For Fall's Fashion and I decided to try the knee high socks and shorts trend. So, if you read the whole blog post, then you clearly thought to check back for pictures of me.  Oh, and don't worry, I will tell you where I got my simple necessities for the outfit!

What I decided to wear on this chilly day:


1.) A smile is the best accessory!


2.) A simple, yet cozy, gray sweater
3.) Black tuxedo shorts with a black belt


4.) Gray knee high socks (Yes, I know they look blue in the picture)


5.) Black booties with cute buckles



6.) A simple necklace


Where to find this outfit:

  1. Sweater: 
  2. Shorts:
  3. Belt:
  4. Necklace:
  5. Socks: 
  6. Shoes:
Grand Total: $215.88

Budget Friendly Option:
  • Shop in your closet!! 
    • I guarantee you already have these pieces laying around. 
    • Mix & Match to make your own personal version!
      • Try out an orange sweater and stockings.
    • Instead of a necklace, add a chunky scarf!
    • Try pearls!
    • Or, throw on a blazer to finish up the outfit!
  • Remember, fall trends only work if you feel comfortable and confident in what you wear!
  • Oh, and always have fun with your outfit!!

Hair & Makeup:

  • H: I prefer Parisian hairstyle: Dried and natural!
    • However, you can try a bun, straight, or curly hair!
  • M: Today, I chose black eyeliner and mascara.
    • However, winged eyeliner would look great too!
Need help or inspiration:

Did you try out the trend? If so, share your pictures and story with me!
If not, give it a shot and show the world how confident you really are!






Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Falling For Fall's Fashion

Hello, fellow bloggers!

I realized that I have been M.I.A. for quite some time and I apologize. The only adventures I have been going on are to farmer markets, Starbucks, and to the mall. Yes, I know you think it is unexciting. However, you are wrong. I have learned quite a bit about fall fashion and decided I should share my knowledge. After all, fall brings out the best in fashion!

What are some great fall trends?


  • Shorts with knee high socks!

  • Comfortable dresses layered with: scarves, jackets, or jewelry

  • Jeans with a leather coat

  • Oversized cozy sweaters with: tights, jeans, or knee high socks

  • Country chic: 
    • Plaid shirts
    • Cowboy boots
    • Blazers


Where to find the trends?

What fall makeup trends should you try?
The queen of brown eyeliner!
Lancome Lipstick!

Well, I have not tried the knee high socks and shorts trend yet, but I plan to. Come back and I'll have some pictures of my new trends. Have fun being fashionistas!

--Do you have any fall trends that you tried and want to share? If so, what are you waiting for?--