Pumpkin Painting 101

Looking for a simple way to decorate your pumpkins?

Paint them!

I do enjoy carving them but they don't last long when you carve them.

So I thought painting would be the simple solution this year.

Here's my step by step directions to simplify the process:

Buy your pumpkins.

Wash them with water to clear away any dirt.

Let dry.

 Choose a few paint colors - I choose black, cream & mustard

Get out a paper plate for your paint and some painting supplies -

I used a small sponge brush, maker, glue stick, pencil, etc.

 Have a quality control agent inspect all of your materials to ensure top quality. 

Thanks Topher.

 I decided that I wanted to do some painting & stamping on my pumpkins.

I'd highly recommend doing some practice stamps to see how your stamp turns out.

 Make sure that your stamping items are dipped really thoroughly in paint.

Start by doing the top and work your way down and around your pumpkin.

Be careful not to smear or smudge.

 1st one done.

 I took advantage of the great striped sections that were already on my pumpkin

and used them as my guidelines.

I did not tape off sections because I didn't want this project to take FOREVER.

I just eyeballed it and wiped away paint if I got really far off my line.

 1 coat = streaky mess

Let dry for 30 minutes or so and add a second coat.

 Looking better.

 Be careful not too stamp with too much paint or else you will get drippy polka-dots.

A wet paper towel easily cleans up the mess.

 I stamped the mustard dots first and then went around and stamped little dots around it.

 After the white stripes were dry,

I painted the pumpkin stem black and added a black J.

I just eyeballed it so it wasn't perfect.

Next time, I'll put down wax paper so that my counter doesn't get trashed.

I ended up using a hand sanitizer cap, pencil eraser, maker, paint brush 

& lots of paper towels on this project.

 Almost done...

just need to dry for 2-3 hours.

 Seal of approval:

 I ended up painting all of my pumpkin stems.

I love the black one the best and would maybe paint them all black next time.

 My little pumpkin family looks great on my doorstep.

Give this easy project a try.

Kids and adults would have fun with this project.

You could even have a pumpkin painting party 

if you allowed enough time for the pumpkins to dry before your guests had to leave.

HF4F

Hooray for the weekend.

I'm thrilled that it's almost here

because I am ready for some R & R.

The best parts of my week were:

1. I finally tracked down mini m&ms in large quantities!

Thank you Wal-mart.

2.  My pumpkin painting project was a success!

3. I've been enjoying my fair share of these mini treats.

4. I'm d-y-i-n-g to make a little pumpkin patch of muffins.

 5.  Doesn't everyone put up a Halloween tree?

I have this little tree in my classroom and it makes me smile.

Happy weekend!

Linking up with Lauren

WIWW

Break out the fall clothes.

It's been c-h-i-l-l-y in Utah.

I think I'm going to need to get out my boots by the end of the week.

Here are my best looks of the week:

1. Going Green

 top - Marshalls (NEW)

*I loved the color & pattern of this top right away 

but I was skeptical that the fit would look good.

I was very pleasantly surprised and LOVED the shirt!

The moral of the story: ALWAYS try on clothes before judging them :) 

orange mum earrings - Polka-Dotty Place etsy shop

bracelets - Macys

crops - Loft

flats - Marshalls

 2. Date Night

blazer - TJ Maxx (NEW)

neon top & crops - Loft

 studded belt - Michael Kors

Animal Print flats - Bandolino

Gold earrings - Macys

chunky bracelets - Macys & World Market

 3. Baby It's Cold Outside

blazer & skirt - thrifted

brooch - Macys

belt - Micheal Kors

flats - Marshalls

I'm linking up with Lindsey

Super Easy Roast Recipe

I used to be intimidated by my crock pot.

I wasn't sure how to use it, didn't have any great recipes 

and I was nervous about burning down the house if I left it on all day long to cook.

I'm proud to say that I've mastered the cooking contraption

and wanted to share an easy, delicious recipe with you.

My sister originally share it with me and now we all make it.

Here's what you'll need:

1 packet dry ranch mix - Hidden Valley is my fave

2 packets of brown gravy

1 packet of dry Italian mix

Roast

Carrots

Red potatoes

Yellow onions

water

 Put your roast in first.

Surround with as many veggies as you can possibly fit into the pot.

Add enough water to fill up about half of pot.

Sprinkle all dry packets over the top.

 Cover and let cook for 8 hours.

Sometimes I assemble all of this and start it before bed.

Then refrigerate it and stick it in the oven to warm it back up in time for dinner.

This is a great option if you are nervous about burning down your place.

 The finished product:

Ah-mazing!!

This recipe easily serves 6-8 people

or is enough for 3 dinners for two people.

It reheats really well if you put it in a glass pan, 

cover with foil and heat for 2-30 minutes on 350.

Copy Cats

I have 2 copy cats living at my house.

Here are their latest imitations.

Hanging out in the bathroom.

 Need any help getting ready?!?!

Lounging

Bird watching

Sure do love those copy cats.

Patterned Scarves are a MUST this Season

Looks at these lovely ladies great scarves :)

Scarves with several different patterns/color combinations are all the rage!

I found mine at Charlotte Russe and Jacque's came from a shop in Vegas.

Do you have any scarves like this for the season?

Where did you find them?

Since we are friends, I'd love to have a heads up in the fashion department!

PS Mom, are you wearing the scarf I talked you into buying in Henderson yet??

If not, you should be or you should give it to me :)