Let's Talk Pumpkins

There is something quite special about this time of year, and the tradition of decorating for Autumn is becoming bigger and bigger here in the UK.  Something adopted from our friends across the water in America and Canada, it is something I am extremely happy about.  Any excuse to dig out the decorations has me doing a little happy dance. 

The tradition of carving pumpkins is still rife, however there are so many other ways to decorate a pumpkin and with the help of Pinterest you'll know exactly what I'm going on about.  I love the fact that it isn't all about jack o lanterns now and that pumpkins represent autumn as opposed to Halloween. 

Last year I met up with Laura from Life by Laura for a little crafty get together at my place where we both opted to paint our pumpkins as opposed to carving them, who says pumpkins need to be orange?
We both started off with white paint, giving our pumpkins a couple of coats to ensure the orange could no longer be seen.  Then for me, I used a sponge to paint on gold polka dots.  Very pretty right!?

Laura on the other hand decided to take it to the next level and dug out the crayons and heat gun.  First gluing the crayons to the top of the pumpkins to hold them in place and then slowly melting the wax to create an amazing and colourful effect.  Great for adding a splash of colour in time for Halloween that's for sure.

Photo courtesy of Laura

A second design I chose last year was hollowing out a pumpkin, then spraying it completely gold and filling it with pink flowers.  It was perfect for a special little girls 1st birthday party and made for a great centre piece, plus it looked fantastic beside the white a gold polka dot design too.  

It just goes to show that a pumpkin can look just as good without having to carve it.

So how are you decorating yours this year?

~ Gem x

My Annual Visit to the Pumpkin Patch

For the past few years now I have made sure a visit to the pumpkin patch is made around this time of year.  A tradition that has been brought over from our dear friends across the pond and one I am extremely grateful for.  They are definitely becoming more and more popular here in the UK.

I'm lucky to have one pretty close by to home in Basildon, Essex.  It is run by Foxes Farm Produce, you may remember that I visited them earlier in the year for their night time miaze maze.  They also have another site in Colchester.  If your close by it is well worth a visit, however I have seen a fair few on Instagram so they are pretty much all over the country now.

I'm not sure that I will ever tire from walking around looking at all the pumpkins, every shape, size and colour.  I literally just cannot get enough of them.

It always nice to be able to do something seasonal, not that I ever need an excuse.  Plus it felt great to be spending time outside in the fresh air too, something I feel that I've not been doing enough of lately.   

Being so early in the season I'm hoping to squeeze in another visit so watch this space.

~ Gem x

Feeling Autumnal

I have written my fair share of autumn themed posts over the years and it is no secret how much I love this time of year.  There really isn't much more I can add to what I've already said about my love for the season, other than the fact that with each year it grows and I become even more obsessed and fixated with anything pumpkin related.

I did wonder about writing another autumn themed post and in the end decided to just go with it.  I mean I know I am not alone in my joy at this time of year. 

I have found this year particularly different to the past few years living in the city, a far cry from the rolling countryside that's for sure, but I will make sure I make the effort to seek it out when I can during my weekends.  I'd be telling the biggest lie though if I didn't admit to how much I am missing that old lifestyle, they really are worlds apart and you notice the seasons so much more when you are living amongst the wildlife and nature of the countryside.

That said I have been trying my best to make my living arrangements as cosy and autumnal as I possibly can, which considering my limited space I'm pretty pleased with what I have managed.  It's certainly helping to ease some of the longing of life in the country and I'm embracing the season for all that it has to offer.

~ Gem x

October 2017 Bucket List

With the arrival of Autumn now in full force I intend to make the most of this month and embrace the season as much as I can.  I've no doubt that this will be supported with my trip to the states later in the month, and to say I'm a little excited is an understatement.  

* Hunt for conkers.

* Visit the pumpkin patch.

* Have my own little autumn photo shoot.

* Decorate a pumpkin.

* Capture the beauty of the golden coloured trees.

* Experience tailgating.

* Go to see a football game (of the American kind).

* Dress up for Halloween and embrace the occasion American style.

~ Gem x