| How to Clean Pumpkin Seeds Posted: 18 Oct 2018 01:00 AM PDT Pumpkin seeds not only make carving pumpkins more fun, but they're also a great snack. In order to eat them, the pumpkin seeds have to be cleaned to remove all of the pulp and strings. If you place pumpkin seeds in a bowl of water, the seeds will float and the pulp will sink to the bottom, making cleaning your pumpkin seeds a super easy task. EditRemoving the Seeds from the Pumpkin - Set up a work area to avoid a pumpkin seed mess. Dealing with the inside of a pumpkin can be messy. Cover your table or work area with plastic or paper towels so that you don't ruin anything. This will make clean up much easier.
- Cut a hole at the top of your pumpkin to remove the seeds. Your pumpkin needs a lid in order for you to remove the seeds, so cut a hole big enough for at least your arm to fit through. You can use a knife or tool from a pumpkin carving kit to carve a round circle around the stem of the pumpkin. The bigger the lid, the easier it will be to remove the seeds.
- If you wait until the pumpkin is at room temperature before cutting into it, it could help reduce the mess.[1]
- Remove the lid from the pumpkin. Once you've carved a ring around the pumpkin's stem, simply lift it up and place it to the side. Now you should have a hole at the top of your pumpkin big enough to reach down inside the pumpkin and remove all of the seeds.
- Use a scoop or metal ladle to remove the seeds from the pumpkin. Use a scoop, ladle, or even just a large spoon to scrape the seeds and pulp out of the pumpkin. Start from the bottom of the pumpkin and scrape up the sides, removing as much as possible.[2]
- If you happen to have a pumpkin carving kit at home, you can use the scoop in the kit to remove the seeds.
EditWashing off the Seeds - Put everything from inside the pumpkin into a large bowl. Take everything that you carved out of the pumpkin — all of the seeds, pulp, and strings — and put it in a bowl. Make sure the bowl is big enough to hold all of the seeds and extras with a little room to spare.[3]
- You can also use a large pot instead of a bowl.
- Rinse the pumpkin seeds in the bowl under running water. Turn on your sink and place the bowl underneath the running water. Start rinsing off the seeds while removing the large pieces of pulp from the bowl.[4]
- You can throw the pulp away or compost it once you're done.
- Repeat the rinse and remove as many strings as possible. Continue to rinse off the seeds and remove any other big chunks of pulp from the bowl. Start pulling off the strings attached to the seeds. It's easiest to remove them while holding the seeds underwater.[5]
- You don't have to remove every string or piece of pulp from the seeds. Many people say it adds flavor if you keep some of them, so it's entirely up to you.[6]
- Fill the large bowl containing the pumpkin seeds with clean water. If you have extra water in your bowl from rinsing, carefully drain it out and fill the bowl with clean water. Now all of your pumpkin seeds should be floating on top while the pulp and other pieces sink to the bottom of the bowl.[7]
- Skim the seeds off the top of the water and place them in a colander. Use your clean hands or a scoop to transfer the seeds floating at the top of the water to a colander. Once all of the seeds are in the colander, rinse them off with clean running water to remove any extra residue.[8]
- Spread the seeds out on parchment paper to dry. After the pumpkin seeds have been rinsed, spread them out on a piece of parchment paper. Try to make sure that none of them are touching each other so that they don't stick together. By using parchment paper as opposed to paper towels, your pumpkin seeds won't get stuck to the bottom.[9]
- You can let the pumpkin seeds dry naturally for 2-3 days, stirring them around occasionally so that both sides dry equally. You can also put them in the oven for 1 hour at to dry them out as well.
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| How to Wear a Large Scarf Posted: 17 Oct 2018 05:00 PM PDT With all the extra fabric, choosing and styling large scarves can get a little confusing! Once you have a few basic techniques down, though, large scarves can be the perfect addition to almost any outfit. Choose your desired style, weight, and color or pattern, then start styling your scarf with a variety of outfits. EditChoosing Your Scarf - Choose an oversized infinity scarf for a thick, layered look. Infinity scarves are a quick, easy option that involve barely any arranging! Just loop the oversized scarf around your neck, pull it into place, and you're all set. This way, you don't have to worry about tucking or dealing with long, loose scarf ends.
- Opt for a large blanket scarf for a variety of chic, wrapped styles. The blank scarf style gives you lots of freedom, with countless ways to style and wrap it. For the perfect oversized look, choose a scarf that matches the length of your wingspan (or the length of both your arms, lifted straight out from your shoulders).[1]
- Wear a heavy, chunky-knit scarf in colder weather to stay warm. Large scarves can be both stylish and functional! In the winter, choose oversized scarves made of thicker, heavier materials, such as cashmere or wool, to keep your neck and shoulders warm. Chunky-knit sweater material is also perfect for a winter scarf.
- Go for a lightweight cotton scarf during the warmer months. Since the oversized scarf will already mean an abundance of fabric, opt for a thin knit material when the weather starts to warm up. For example, in the spring, you could start transitioning your thick, bulky scarves to lighter, thinner oversized options.
- Stick with neutral colors for more versatility. If you're all about mixing, matching, and making each piece in your closet stretch as far it can, choose scarves in simple, clean neutrals. For example, look for materials in white, cream, tan, gray, or black. Neutrals can also include muted colors that go with lots of different outfits, such as forest green, cinnamon, or burgundy.
- Choose a scarf in a statement color to add a fun pop of color. Scarves are a great way to brighten up an otherwise-ordinary look. Go for a scarf in a statement color like mustard yellow, deep blue, or bright red, or a softer, sweeter color such as pastel pink, mint, or light blue.
- Pick out a pattern to add interest and depth to an outfit. Scarves are also an easy way to incorporate patterns into your outfit. Popular patterns like tartan, animal print, stripes, or abstract are perfect for layering over other textures like sweater material, denim, and leather.
EditDraping and Wrapping Large Scarves - Drape the scarf around your neck for an easy, stylish look. It doesn't get any easier than this! Simply drape the scarf around your neck, leaving the ends hanging loose down your front. Make sure to adjust the ends until they are equal lengths, then you're ready to go. This quick style is perfect for days when you need extra warmth but don't want the bulk of a scarf around your throat.[2]
- This works best with blanket scarves, folded lengthwise or rolled triangle-style.
- Put together a stylish, relaxed outfit by draping a long gray plaid blanket scarf over a black longline coat, a white top, distressed light wash boyfriend jeans, and some nice white sneakers.[3]
- Wrap your scarf several times for an effortlessly chic touch. Wind your infinity or blanket scarf around your neck one to two times, keeping the fabric loose and draped. On extra cold days, you can even wrap a blanket scarf up to three to four times around your neck, which keeps the fabric close to your skin and helps cover your mouth. With blanket scarves, you can tie the ends in the front or leave them loose.[4]
- This works best with oversized infinity scarves and long, rectangular blanket scarves.
- For a chilly night out, you could wrap a black and white patterned infinity scarf over a fitted black dress and gray suede boots.[5]
- Wrap your scarf handkerchief-style for a casual look. Fold your oversized scarf into a triangle in front of you, then cross the ends behind your head and pull them forward. Adjust the scarf so that the tip of the triangle and the ends are the same length, then tie the ends in a single loose knot, resting on top of the scarf.[6]
- If you prefer a simpler look, you can also tie the ends in the back, behind your head.
- This look works best with a large, square-shaped scarf.
- Rock this look by putting together a handkerchief-style tartan scarf, a black leather jacket, a gray t-shirt, loose-fitting jeans, and black ankle boots.[7]
- Wear your blanket scarf shawl-style for extra comfort and warmth. This style is another super-easy option that adds a stylish, polished touch to an outfit. Take a long, rectangle-shaped scarf or a large square scarf, folded triangle-style, and wrap it around your shoulders like a shawl. Let the ends hang loose down the front.[8]
- You could wear a long black-and-gray patterned scarf, shawl-style, over some sleek white trousers, a white turtleneck, and dark gray heeled boots for a chic, professional outfit.
- You can also add a belt to cinch in the scarf at your waist for a more silhouette-flattering effect.[9]
- Toss one end over your shoulder for a classic winter look. Drape the length of the scarf around your neck, letting both ends hang in the front. Take one of the ends and drape it over your shoulder so it hangs down your back, giving you a windswept, on-the-go look. This style will also keep the scarf close to your neck and provide some extra warmth for cold weather.[10]
- Use this technique with a gray and cream plaid blanket scarf. Complete the look with a dark gray longline coat, an oversized light gray sweater, black leather leggings, and some black pointy-toed heels.
- Tuck the ends into the neck of the scarf for a simple, neat look. Wrap a long blanket scarf around your neck once, bring the ends to the front. Loosen the loop around your neck and tuck both ends through it. Straighten up the ends for a clean, layered finished product.[11]
- Use this technique on a red patterned scarf and add a white long-sleeved shirt, a tan bomber jacket, black slim-fit pants, and black ankle boots.
EditKnotting Large Scarves - Add a loose knot to the cape style for a statement look. Drape your oversized blanket scarf around your shoulders, cape-style. Bring the ends of the scarf together to tie a loose knot at your chest, either centered or pulled slightly off-center. Keep the fabric loose and slouchy to achieve that chic, effortless effect.[12]
- This look is perfect for dressing up office wear. Wear a yellow and gray plaid blanket scarf, knotted cape-style, with a button-down chambray shirt, tailored black pants, and some charcoal ankle boots.
- Tie the ends of a blanket scarf into a loose knot for a polished effect. Wrap the scarf once around your neck, then pull the ends into a low, simple knot to keep them out of the way. This look is perfect for pairing with a professional outfit in the workplace.[13]
- For example, you could throw a loosely knotted camel-colored scarf over a charcoal blazer, white button-down, black fitted dress pants, and black heels or men's dress boots.
- Opt for the classic pull-through style for a professional look. Fold or roll your scarf into a long line, then fold it in half again, lengthwise, creating a loop at one end. Place the scarf around your neck so that the loop and the 2 ends are both in front. Pull the two ends through the loop, then adjust the fabric until the knot looks relaxed and effortless.[14]
- For a relaxed, professional outfit, pair a mustard yellow knit scarf, worn in the pull-through style, with a cream sweater and a pair of fitted light-wash jeans. Finish the look with some ankle-length or knee-high boots.
- Weave a simple braid to add interest to your outfit. Fold your scarf in half lengthwise, so one end is a loop. Place it around your neck so the loop and two ends are in the front. Pull one end of the scarf through the loop, then pull the bottom of the loop out slightly. Weave the second end over the top half of the loop and under the bottom to create a braided effect.[15]
- Wear this style with an oversized rectangular scarf in a pretty floral pattern. Add a simple white sweater, a pair of light wash jeans, and slip-on mules.
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| How to Decorate for Fall on a Budget Posted: 17 Oct 2018 09:00 AM PDT A lot of people don't even start to think about seasonal decorating until the holiday season, but there are lots of inexpensive ways that you can celebrate the arrival of fall as well! By incorporating natural elements, reusing items that you might already have, shopping strategically, and taking on craft projects, you can create a cozy autumn atmosphere in your home without breaking the bank. EditUsing Nature - Replace summer flowers with fall leaves. If you have vases that you typically use for flowers, consider swapping flowers for branches with colored leaves. If you live in an area where colorful autumn foliage is common, you can easily just find a branch in your yard or neighborhood to use.
- Before bringing anything from outdoors in your house, spray it down with water and let it dry inside the garage or another sheltered space. This minimizes the chances of bringing any bugs into your home. [1]
- Don't remove branches from anyone else's yard. You always want to be respectful of other people's property!
- Preserve fall leaves with decoupage. If you are able to collect some colorful fall leaves, you can preserve them by brushing a light layer of decoupage or a related product over their surface. You can then adorn your table or mantel with these leaves without fear of them drying, losing their color, or breaking. [2]
- Decoupage refers to an art form that involves gluing paper to other surfaces, but it also commonly refers to the type of sealant that is used to do this.
- Mod Podge is a popular brand of decoupage, as it functions as a glue, sealant, and finish all in one.
- Feature pumpkins in your decor. Pumpkins are an integral part of fall decor, and you can usually find them at grocery stores for relatively cheap! There are several ways you can creatively incorporate pumpkins into your fall decor.
- Remove the insides of the pumpkin and fill them with your favorite seasonal flower. Taller pumpkins work best for this, but the shorter ones can work too if you cut the flower stems short.
- Carve or paint them to make them one-of-a-kind. You can add your own designs to the pumpkins, or simply change their colors. White, gray, and other neutral-colored pumpkins can make for chic accents on a front porch or mantel.
- If you're not keen on the mess involved in carving pumpkins, consider buying fake ones! They're a worthwhile investment, because you don't have to replace them year after year.
- Use a tree branch as a table centerpiece. If you stumble upon a particularly interesting or pretty tree branch, consider using it as a table centerpiece! You can lay it length-wise on a table, and then arrange smaller pumpkins, gourds, corn husks, etc. around it.
- Remember to sanitize the item before bringing it into your home. Rinse it down with water and let it dry.
- Don't break a tree branch off of a tree for this purpose. It's best if you happen to find one that has already fallen.
- Don't place lit candles near a tree branch centerpiece, as this is a fire hazard.
EditRepurposing Items You Already Have - Turn tiered cake or serving platters into fall centerpieces. You can arrange small pumpkins, gourds, leaves, ribbons, and candles on serving platters that might have once featured a wedding cake. These can then function as table centerpieces, or they can be added to an entryway table for a beautiful autumn welcome into your home.
- Use scarves in fall displays. Knitted or patterned scarves that you are not planning on wearing can be featured in mantel or other fall displays. Scarves that are shades of brown or that feature a plaid pattern work best. You can weave them around pumpkins, vases, or other decorations to soften the look of an arrangement.
- Write a festive fall quote or message on a chalkboard. If your home has a chalkboard or whiteboard, you can write a quote about autumn or a festive message on it. There are so many poetic quotes from literature about fall that can help brighten a room. Some examples:
- "How beautifully leaves grow old! How full of light and color are their last days." - John Burroughs [3]
- "Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall." - F. Scott Fitzgerald [4]
- "Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree." - Emily Brontë [5]
- Make a fall potpourri. Beyond the physical appearance of your home, you can also create classic fall scents by making a quick potpourri with ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. A potpourri is a mixture of food items and spices that is meant to perfume a room. This can lend to a more warm and cozy feeling in your space. [6]
- Potential ingredients for a fall potpourri are orange peels, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Put everything in a pot of water on the stove and let it simmer all day, refilling occasionally with water. Enjoy the delicious smell it creates!
EditGetting Crafty - Use free printables. There are so many free fall printables online that you can use to decorate your home. When you find a quote or a design you like, you can feature it in a picture frame or affix it to a piece of unfinished wood, giving it a rustic fall touch.
- A simple online search for "fall printables" yields hundreds of results; Pinterest is another great source for these.
- Make a fall wreath. Your front door will be the prettiest one on the block with a homemade fall wreath. There are so many potential variations of this project. You can use leaves, corn husks, apples, berries, foliage, pumpkins, flowers, pinecones, ribbon, or fabric to adorn your wreath.
- You'll need to buy something that you can use as a frame for your wreath. This can range from a foam ring, a wire ring, or even a pool noodle! It just depends on the weight and shape of what you plan to attach to the frame. [7]
- If you know that you'll want to reuse your wreath year after year, then the best move would be to purchase fake flowers, foliage, or an artificial version of whatever you would like to use on your wreath. Then you won't have to worry about your wreath decaying over longer periods of time.[8]
- Create your own fall garland. People typically associate garlands with the holiday season, but you can quickly make one for fall as well! Tie twine around pinecones, and even attach flowers to the twine using bits of wire hot-glued to the bottoms of the flower heads (in place of stems).
- This project could be adapted to use leaves or other fall items that are light enough to be tied to a string. [9]
EditShopping Smart - Take advantage of post-season sales. Craft stores typically sell a lot of seasonal decor. However, once the season passes, they need to clear out their inventory to make room for the next one. This means big sales!
- Visit craft stores at the end of fall (typically late November, early December) to see what kind of discounts they're offering, and then store any treasures you find for next year. [10]
- Check out your local thrift stores. You can easily find old picture frames, vases, candle holders, and containers for very inexpensive prices at thrift stores! These items can then be seamlessly integrated into a fall display.
- Seasonal decor also often shows up as well -- it just might not be in the right season. Shop at thrift stores year-round, and don't be opposed to snatching up a fall wreath that you find in January. You can save it, and bring it out when the time comes! [11]
- Visit your local dollar store. Dollar stores typically offer seasonal decorations at very low prices. These decorations are often pretty small, and they wouldn't look great by themselves, but they can be integrated into larger displays. Small candles and faux gourds/vegetables can be used to fill empty spaces in fall displays or wreaths.
- Buy decor in neutral colors. Of course, the classic fall shades of yellow, orange, and red do have a certain charm to them. However, if you are looking to buy fall decorations, choosing neutral colors means that you can reuse certain pieces throughout the whole year. Shades of gray and white often complement natural items nicely. [12]
- Try to designate an area where you store your fall decor. If you have space to keep items throughout the year, you can reuse them again and again, thus saving money in the long run!
- Fall decor is definitely fun, but avoid cluttering up spaces with too many decorations.
- Do not place any lit candles close to wood decor or other flammable pieces.
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