How to Find the Perfect Pumpkin to Carve

Halloween is creeping in closer each day! Are you going to decorate your porch with jack-o-lanterns? Pumpkins are one of the best parts of Halloween. Now, who is going to the pumpkin patch to find the perfect pumpkin to carve? Do you know how to find the best pumpkin for carving?

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Tips for Finding the Best Pumpkin for Carving

The cooler weather, fresh air, and the big search for the perfect pumpkin is a great family-friendly activity. Bundle up warm and remember the following tips for finding the best pumpkin for carving.

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Color

One of the easiest ways to find the perfect pumpkin to turn into a jack-o-lantern is color.  When searching the pumpkin patch, look for a deep, orange color. The deep orange hue signifies the ripeness of the pumpkin.

The Thump Test

Yes, there really is a reason people knock on pumpkins. A hollow sounding pumpkin is ripe. Pick up and your pumpkin and knock on the side a couple of times. Listen carefully for a deep hollow sound when you tap the pumpkin with your knuckles. If your first pumpkin pick did not pass the thump test, keep looking.

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Check Your Pumpkin Over

Next feel your pumpkin over for bad spots. If a pumpkin is beginning to decay, dark spots or bruises may be noticeable. Press in on questionable areas.  Search for scratches or other imperfections.

The sturdiness of the pumpkin is essential. Using your thumbs, test the bottom of the pumpkin for firmness. A mushy pumpkin will not last until Halloween night. Try to find a pumpkin without any blemishes.

Cradle Your Pumpkin

Avoid picking your pumpkin up by the stem. If you break the stem, the pumpkin will decay at a faster rate. A firm, secure stem means a sturdy pumpkin.

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Heading out to the pumpkin patch for your perfect choice is a great Halloween tradition. When searching, take your time. Enjoying the atmosphere is part of October fun.

31 Drawing Prompts for October

Cooler days are perfect for arts and crafts. Drawing is one of the easiest art projects to begin. Even the local dollar store carries pencils, crayons, markers, colored pencils, and art paper. The possibilities are endless. Do you need a little inspiration? Check out the following drawing prompts for October.

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  1. Self portrait
  2. Mushroom
  3. Acorn
  4. Leaf
  5. Clouds
  6. Pattern
  7. Tree
  8. Squirrel
  9. Sun
  10. Sunflower
  11. Key
  12. Insect
  13. Harvest
  14. Windows
  15. Fence
  16. Curious
  17. Nature Scene
  18. Dragon
  19. Fairy
  20. Mermaid
  21. Pinecone
  22. Historical place
  23. Water
  24. Weather
  25. Family
  26. Friends
  27. Moon and stars
  28. Owl
  29. Crow or bird
  30. Artist’s choice
  31. Happy Halloween!

31 Journal Writing Prompts for October

Are you looking forward to October? Chilly evenings are a perfect time to write in your journal. Whether you are just beginning or have been writing in a journal for years, check out the following journal writing prompts for October.

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  1. How did September go for you, your family, friends, co-workers, school, community, etc.?
  2. What are you hoping to achieve this month?
  3. Are you still experiencing the effects of the pandemic in your area?
  4. Are you religious? How would you describe your spirituality?
  5. List 5 skills you want to learn in your lifetime. What steps are you taking to learn these new skills?
  6. Free write for a minimum of 10 minutes or longer.
  7. Close your eyes. Count to 5. Look to your right. Open your eyes. Write about the first object you see.
  8. When you visualize the future, what do you see for yourself, family friends, work, etc.?
  9. What are your top priorities in your life right now? Why?
  10. Write a letter to your future self.
  11.  Describe your life in 10 words. Why did you pick those words?
  12. Do you believe you are a good friend? Why?
  13. How do you cope with stressful situations?
  14. Describe your day in detail.
  15. The best part of today was ________.
  16. The worst part of today was ___________.
  17. Write a personal manifesto for living a fulfilled life.
  18. What is your main worry or fear that always seems to stay with you? What steps are you taking to ease this situation?
  19. Who is your oldest friend? How did you meet? How come you have been friends this long?
  20. If you decide to write a book, what genre would you pick? Why?
  21. Write a review of your favorite restaurant, book, or movie.
  22. My favorite fall activity is________.
  23. Describe a past role model who made an impact on your life.
  24. Describe a current role model.
  25. What kind of business or organization would you like to start? What is holding you back?
  26. If you could live inside of any novel, what storyline would you pick? Why?
  27. What do you believe is lacking from your life right now? What can you do to change it?
  28. Are you looking forward to the upcoming holiday season? Why or why not?
  29. What do you hope to accomplish in the remaining months of 2021?
  30. List the highs and lows for the month.
  31. Happy Halloween! Describe your day.

25 Romantic Movies to Watch This Fall

The fall season brings cooler temperatures. A chilly evening is a perfect time to cuddle under your favorite fuzzy blanket, sip hot cocoa, and watch a romantic movie. Not every romantic movie ends with happily ever after but watching the journey of love is a wonderful way to spend a night at home.

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Romantic Movie to Watch this Fall

  1. Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
  2. Love Story (1970)
  3. Always Be My Maybe (2019)
  4. When Harry Met Sally (1989)
  5. Runaway Bride (1999)
  6. Roman Holiday (1953)
  7. A Walk to Remember (2002)
  8. The Lake House (2006)
  9. Casablanca (1942)
  10. Save the Last Dance (2001)
  11. If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
  12. The Notebook (2004)
  13. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
  14. A Star Is Born (2018)
  15. You’ve Got Mail (1998)
  16. P.S. I Love You (2007)
  17. Autumn in New York (2000)
  18. Maid in Manhattan (2002)
  19. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
  20. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
  21. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
  22. Love and Basketball (2000)
  23. Titanic (1997)
  24. Sylvie’s Love (2020)
  25. Love Actually (2003)

What is your favorite romantic movie to watch during the fall season?

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How to Add Fall Décor to Your Home Without Breaking Your Budget

The fall season is here! Are you wondering how to decorate your home without a large expense? Using a little creativity, you can easily add fall décor to your home without breaking your budget.

Inexpensive Fall Decorating Ideas

Dollar stores, discount superstores, or thrift shops are great resources for finding inexpensive items to decorate your home.

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  1. Throw Pillows & Fuzzy Blankets: Place fall-themed throw pillows on your sofa or chair. A comfy fall colored fuzzy blanket is decorative and functional. Pick one with fall colors, maroon, orange, or red.
  2. Candles: Not only do candles make great decorations, but they also smell good too. The scent of apples, burning leaves, pumpkin, or pine brings the fall season indoors.
  3. Crafts: A fall wreath, mason jar décor, or leaf garland with fairy lights are a perfect addition to your fall theme. Pinterest has great ideas for fall crafts on a budget.
  4. Art: Buy inexpensive canvas from the dollar store and create your own art. Use reds, orange, brown, and all the other colors of fall in your artwork.
  5. Flowers: When you are at the farmer’s market, buy a bouquet of fresh flowers to display. Or pick up artificial flowers and a basket from your local dollar store to create a fall-themed center piece. Deep orange sunflowers are a great basic fall flower to start your basket.  
  6. Bring Nature In: Collect pinecones or acorns to place in a dish for display. Even dead flowers or thistles can easily turn into a center piece display. If you want to add color to your finds, use craft paints.
  7. Cinnamon Broom or Pinecones: During the fall season, cinnamon brooms or pinecones are available for purchase. Hanging a broom or displaying pinecones in a jar are a great fall accent. Plus, the cinnamon makes your entire home smell wonderful.
  8. Pumpkins & Gourds: What is fall without pumpkins and gourds? Whether you buy artificial or home grown from your local farmer, pumpkins and gourds are picture-perfect accents to your home.
  9. Dishtowels & Mugs: Fall themed dishtowels and mugs are easy to display in your kitchen. The best part is the low cost of these items.
  10. Porch Displays: Add straw bales, cornstalks, pumpkins, or mums to your front porch. Purchase or make a scarecrow to sit on top of the straw for added fun. When decorating your porch, do not forget your windows. Artificial leaves hanging in the window are a simple concept.

Autumn is a wonderful time of year. Enjoy decorating your home or living space. Even young children can help decorate for fall.

30 Autumn Quotes

Are you ready for the fall season? Are you looking for Autumn inspiration? Check out the following quotes. Every word helps bring out the Autumn vibes.

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  1. “I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.” Henri David Thoreau
  2. “It looked like the world was covered in a cobbler crust of brown sugar and cinnamon.” Sarah Addison Allen
  3. “Autumn seemed to arrive suddenly that year. The morning of the first September was crisp and golden as an apple.” J.K. Rowling
  4. “Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize.” George Eliot
  5. “I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house.” Nathaniel Hawthorne
  6. “I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift.” Dodinsky
  7. “Go, sit upon the lofty hill, And turn your eyes around, Where waving woods and waters wild Do hymn an autumn sound. The summer sun is faint on them— The summer flowers depart— Sit still— as all transform’d to stone, Except your musing heart.” Elizabeth Barrett Browning
  8. “Another fall, another turned page…” Wallace Stegner
  9. “Every leaf speaks bliss to me / Fluttering from the autumn tree.” Emily Brontë
  10. “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” F. Scott Fitzgerald
  11. “And all the lives we ever lived and all the lives to be are full of trees and changing leaves…” Virginia Woolf
  12. “There is something so special in the early leaves drifting from the trees–as if we are all to be allowed a chance to peel, to refresh, to start again.” Ruth Ahmed
  13. “The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves. We have had our summer evenings; now for October eves!” Humbert Wolfe
  14. “Autumn is the season to find contentment at home by paying attention to what we already have.” Unknown
  15. “Autumn days come quickly, like the running of a hound on the Moor.” Irish Proverb
  16. “Autumn is as joyful and sweet as an untimely end.” Rémy de Gourmon
  17. “It’s the first day of autumn! A time of hot chocolatey mornings, and toasty marshmallow evenings, and, best of all, leaping into leaves!” Winnie the Pooh, “Pooh’s Grand Adventure”
  18. “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” Albert Camus
  19. “The first breath of autumn was in the air, a prodigal feeling, a feeling of wanting, taking, and keeping before it is too late.” J. L. Carr
  20. “I remember it as October days are always remembered, cloudless, maple-flavored, the air gold and so clean it quivers.” Leif Enger
  21. “A wind has blown the rain away and blown the sky away and all the leaves away, and the trees stand. I think, I too, have known autumn too long.” E.E. Cummings
  22. “Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.” Unknown
  23. “It was a beautiful, bright autumn day, with air like cider and a sky so blue you could drown in it.” Diana Gabaldon
  24. “The leaves are all falling, and they’re falling like they’re falling in love with the ground.” Andrea Gibson
  25. “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” L.M. Montgomery
  26. “The heart of autumn must have broken here, and poured its treasure upon the leaves.” Charlotte Bates
  27. “If a year was tucked inside of a clock, then autumn would be the magic hour.” Victoria Erickson
  28. “Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” George Eliot
  29. “Autumn… the year’s last, loveliest smile.” William Cullen Bryant
  30. “A fallen leaf is nothing more than a summer’s wave goodbye.”  Unknown
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Enjoy the fall season!

30 Fall Hashtags

Hashtags draw attention to your social media posts. The official start of Autumn is just around the corner. Are you looking for fall-themed hashtags to add to your posts on TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, or Facebook? Check out the following list of fall hashtags for inspiration.

  1. #Autumn (Simple but effective)
  2. #Autumn2021
  3. #Fall
  4. #Fall2021
  5. #FallSeason
  6. #Leaves
  7. #AutumnColors
  8. #Nature
  9. #FallColors
  10. #FallDecor
  11. #FallTrees
  12. #ColorfulTrees
  13. #Trees
  14. #FallisHere
  15. #ColdDay
  16. #ColdFallDay
  17. #FallVibes
  18. #AutumnVibes
  19. #AutumnSky
  20. #FallWeather
  21. #WarmAutumnDays
  22. #ColdAutumnNights
  23. #AutumnDays
  24. #SweaterWeather
  25. #FallFoilage
  26. #Cozy
  27. #FallFootball
  28. #ILoveAutumn
  29. #FallFun
  30. #CelebrateFall

Simple Ways to Celebrate the Autumn Equinox

The first official day of Autumn is approaching quickly. In the Northern Hemisphere, the fall season brings cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and earlier sunsets. Are you looking for simple ways to celebrate the Autumn Equinox? Check out these family friendly activities to welcome the fall season.

Get Outdoors

Being outdoors is the best way to celebrate the Autumn Equinox.

  • Go hiking: Check out your local, state, or national park for nearby hiking trails. Most hiking areas post the difficulty of the trail. Basic trails are great for young children or just starting to hike.
  • Go on a nature walk: The fall foliage is perfect for taking pictures. You can easily turn your nature walk into a learning experience for your children or yourself.
  • Watch the Sunrise or Sunset: Spend time watching the day begin or end. Sipping a nice cup of tea or hot cocoa is bonus.
  • Go on a fall picnic: Pack a lunch and head out to the park for a fall picnic.
  • Bonfire night: Host a bonfire for family and friends. Don’t forget the S’mores. A warm bonfire on a crisp fall evening is a great way to start the season.  
  • Stargaze: Spend a cool, crips evening looking at the stars. Don’t forget the hot cocoa.
  • Outdoor Photo Shoot: Grab your camera or hire a professional for an outdoor photoshoot.

Get Crafty

Doing crafts does not require a large expense. Many dollar stores have fall accents perfect for crafty use. Or use items found in nature.

  • Fall wreath
  • Leaf rubbings
  • Center pieces
  • Door hangers
  • Mason jar crafts

Consider making an extra craft item to give away. A small center piece or door hanging could really cheer up someone’s day. 

Make a Harvest Meal

Plan a meal with an Autumn theme. Check out your local farmer’s market for fresh fruits and vegetables. Apples, corn, squashes, tomatoes, and other root vegetables are bountiful this time of year. Turn your abundant harvest goodies into delicious dishes.

  • Homemade Cornbread
  • Apple Bread
  • Apple Crisp
  • Stuffed Squash
  • Butternut Soup
  • Tomato Soup

These are only a few ideas to add to your harvest meal to celebrate the Autumn Equinox.

The Autumn Equinox brings numerous changes to the landscape. Step back and recognize the changing season. Make a gratitude list. Be grateful. Enjoy the moment, winter is coming.  

50 Activities for Your Fall Bucket List

The first official day of Autumn is almost here. Are you ready for new Autumn adventures? Gather your family or friends together and enjoy the season. Do you need ideas to add to your Autumn bucket list? Check out the following for inspiration.

50 Fall Activities to Add to Your Bucket List

  1. Decorate
  2. Go Hiking
  3. Go on a Hayride
  4. Go Apple Picking
  5. Fall Themed Puzzle
  6. Build a Scarecrow
  7. Go to a Corn Maze
  8. Drink a Pumpkin Spice Latte
  9. Go on a nature Scavenger Hunt
  10. Host a Chili Cook Off
  11. Go Geocaching
  12. Go on a Nature Walk
  13. Host a Bonfire Night
  14. Eat S’mores
  15. Eat a Cider Donut
  16. Drink Apple Cider
  17. Visit a Cider Mill
  18. Go to a Fall Sporting Event
  19. Tailgate
  20. Take Fall Family Photos
  21. Host a Fall Photo Shoot with Friends
  22. Play Football
  23. Jump in a Pile of Leaves
  24. Make Cookies with an Autumn Leaf Cookie Cutter
  25. Purchase a Special Fall Themed Mug
  26. Make Pumpkin or Spice Cupcakes
  27. Make a Homemade Apple Pie
  28. Plan an Autumn Picnic
  29. Plant Bulbs for Spring Flowers (Tulips are beautiful in the Spring)
  30. Make Homemade Applesauce
  31. Light an Autumn Candle
  32. Make Fall-themed Crafts to Giveaway
  33. Go to the Farmer’s Market
  34. Make Caramel Apples
  35. Drink a Spicy Tea
  36. Make Pumpkin Bread
  37. Go to Oktoberfest
  38. Read or Write by Candlelight
  39. Movie Night in your Pajamas
  40. Host a Fall Crafting Session with Friends
  41. Roast Chestnuts
  42. Take a Long Drive to View the Fall Foliage
  43. Make a Fall Wreath
  44. Collect Colorful Leaves
  45. Try a New Soup Recipe (Perfect for a chilly day).
  46. Replace Batteries in Smoke Detector
  47. Make a Corn Husk Doll
  48. Bake Apple Chips
  49. Make Granola or Trail Mix (Great for hiking)
  50. Grab Your Favorite Book and Read Outside

Enjoy the Autumn Season!

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Drawing Prompts for September

September ushers in cooler weather and rainy days. When you cannot get outdoors, embrace your creative side. Drawing is a wonderful stress reliever. By focusing on your art, you tune out your surroundings and relax. Do you need some drawing inspiration to get you started?

30 Drawing Prompts for September

  1. Self-Portrait
  2. Nature Scene
  3. Animal
  4. Eyes
  5. Clouds
  6. Sun
  7. Moon
  8. Galaxy
  9. Flowers
  10. Friends
  11. Family
  12. Love
  13. School
  14. Peace
  15. Historical
  16. Buildings
  17. City
  18. Trails
  19. Your Name
  20. Smiles
  21. Food
  22. Happy 1st Day of Fall!
  23. Trees
  24. Leaves
  25. Scarecrow
  26. Pumpkin Patch
  27. Fall Scene
  28. Colorful
  29. Fantasy Creature
  30. Artist’s Choice

Enjoy September!