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:

• Pumpkin Recipes
• Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
• Email me: KOswald26@gmail.com

Enjoy Halloween, fellow monsters!

Oh, and check back to see my carved pumpkins!

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

• "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:

• Click here!

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!

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: 
• Target: Mossimo Supply Co. Scoopneck Sweater: $17.99
• I prefer the Charcoal Heather, which is a gray color. 
• Also available in: red, blue, and yellow
• Very comfortable!
2. Shorts:
• H&M: Shorts: $24.95
3. Belt:
• Calvin Klein: Reversible Belt: $48.00
4. Necklace:
• JCrew: Unfortunately, I do not see the necklace online anymore, but check in the stores!
• Try this one instead: Bow Locket Necklace: $49.99 (on sale-originally $75!)
5. Socks: 
• Target: Mossimo Women's Over the Knee Socks: $5
6. Shoes:
• Tahari: Tally Bootie: $69.96 (outside of DSW they are $110!)

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:

• Trend Alert: How to Wear Knee High Socks
• Cupcakes and Cashmere
• Pinterest: (Not a member yet? Email me and I'll send you a Pinterest-request!)
• KOswald26
• Knee Highs
• Glamour: Knee Socks

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!

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?

• Rugby: Dewitt Wool Flannel Short: $128
• Not only expensive, but the sizes run bigger! 
• H&M: Tuxedo inspired shorts: $24.95
• Definitely more affordable and I just bought these!
• Rugby: Suede-Patch Flannel Shirt: $98
• I bought this over the weekend and love it! The suede patch on the shoulder is such a great touch. Oh, and if you are looking for a flattering shirt, then this is it!
• H&M: Cowl-neck Sweater: $24.95
• Cozy and chic with a pair of tights!
• I preferred the lighter color, but black is always classic if you go that route!
• Rugby: Winslow Ruched Jersey Dress: $98
• I love this dress. Imagine wearing yoga pants, but in dress form! I bought the green colored dress because I thought it was fitting for fall and winter. 
• H&M: Imitation Leather Jacket: $49.95
• Perfect light-coat for fall weather. Go for a biker-vibe or throw a scarf on for a softer-chic vibe!
• Target: Mossimo Ultra Soft Scoop Neck Sweater: $17.99
• Super soft and comfy. Perfect to throw on with jeans or shorts and knee highs! I recommend the orange color to welcome fall!
• Target, H&M, and Ruby all offer great knee socks and/or tights.

What fall makeup trends should you try?

• Winged Eyeliner: Visit Cupcakes and Cashmere for a tutorial!
• Recommend: 
• Eyeliner: Revlon: Colorstay Creme Gel Eyeliner: $9.99
• Mascara: Lancome: Hypnose Doll Lashes: $26
• Great volume and it doesn't clump!

• Brown Smokey-Eyes
• Recommend:
• Eyeliner: L'Oreal Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner: $8.49
• Eyeshadow: Clinique Color Surge: $27.00
• Mascara: L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara: $7.99

The queen of brown eyeliner!

• Wine-Stained Lips
• Recommend:
• Lancome: Rouge In Love (391: Fierry Attitude): $25
• Dior Addict (987: Black Tie): $30

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?--

Six Things: Welcome Nature's New Palette

Hello, my fellow bloggers!

Today, I decided I would mix it up a little bit. I have anxiously been awaiting fall because I love watching the leaves change. Oh, and I love sitting outside drinking a delicious caramel apple cider!

However, instead of boring you with text and descriptions of things, I am actually going to list 6 things you may want to consider trying to welcome fall. Enjoy!

Fall Fashion

Anne Klein: $109.00 (Head to DSW for ~$15 off!)
*Just bought them today and am super excited to wear them!

A Fun New Read

Cupcakes and Cashmere by Emily Schuman: $12.36 at Amazon.com

Check Out Another Blog

Emily's Blog: Cupcakes and Cashmere

A Chair Worth Reading A Book In

Pottery Barn: $1,699.00

A Gift For Your Nose 

Bath & Body Works: $19.50
I absolutely love this scent! 

A Drink to Warm You Up

Starbucks: Caramel Apple Spice: ~$3

Enjoy the last bit of summer before the nights become cool and nature changes her palette.

The Unicorn Winery & A Taste of Fall

I caught an orange leaf falling!

Hello, fellow adventurers!

I don't know about you, but I have officially spotted a few red and orange leaves peaking through the woods. And yes, we all know what that means...fall is right around the corner! Yet, I must ask, are you ready for fall?

Okay, I'm sure you are ready for fall, but don't you want to enjoy the last bit of summer? Grab a group of friends and head to a winery! The weather has been absolutely beautiful and will make your trip very memorable!

My Suggestion:
The Unicorn Winery

• It is not huge, but it is definitely cute! 
• They have a beautiful patio outside so you can sit and enjoy the pond. Oh, and relax!
• The vineyards are beautiful and if you are lucky, you might catch a few grapes on the vine.

Location:
489 Old Bridge Road
Amissville, VA 20106

Phone:

• (540) 349-5885

Hours of Operation:

• Monday-Friday: 12 p.m.- 5 p.m.
• Saturday-Sunday: 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Wine Tours:

• Completely free!
• Have a guided tour through the small winery and discover what really goes into making wine.

Barrels full of wine!

My Wine Suggestions:

• White:
• Chardonnay 2009: "Full bodied, lightly oaken with slight hints of vanilla, butterscotch & apricot. Wonderful fruit flavors that pairs nicely with lobster, scallops, and cheese."
• Price: $16 bottle/ $5 glass
• Traminette 2011: "Light & fruity with beautiful distinctive aromas; experience the citrus flavors of orange and grapefruit followed by hints of basil."
• Price: $16 bottle/ $5 glass
• Blush:
• Slightly Embarrassed: "Unicorn's unique blend of Seyval, Chardonnel, and Chambourcin that provides an off dry taste experience. Hints of Cherry, Raspberry, Strawberry. Great for picnics!"
• Price: $15 bottle/ $5 glass
• Red:
• Crimson Sunset: "Chambourcin grape with this style of wine making has a subtle sweet pomegranate and currant flavor. Most popular served chilled, can be served at room temperature. Pairs nicely with steak, hamburgers, and pizza. A red wine on training wheels!"
• Price: $16 bottle/ $5 glass
• Wine Tasting:
• Try all 9 of the wines offered for $5! Yes, only $5 for a wine tasting! If you ask me, that is a great deal!
• Types of Wine Offered

Food:

• Unfortunately, they do not offer a lot of food, but you are welcome to bring your own snacks.
• I suggest trying the "Simply Cheddar" ball for $9 and crackers for $3. 

• "...Is a cheese ball made with only the finest aged extra sharp cheddar cheeses without using any processed or cream cheese. It has a little onion for bite and fresh chopped pecans on the outside for crunch."
• Created by: Linda Weaver
• Waynesboro, Virginia
• www.simplycheddar.com

Have fun at the Unicorn Winery!

B and I enjoying a glass of Crimson Sunset.