{autumn}

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AUTUMN  marks the transition from summer to winter, best noticed by the color change in leaves and the harvest.

I used to think Spring was my favorite season.  Turns out I love the transition of seasons – all of them equally.  Mainly for the first couple weeks then I’m ready for the next..haha.  Here’s what we’ve been up to as we transition to autumn…..

PUMPKINS – Pumpkin washing?  Anyone else seen this all over instagram and pinterest?  I decided to give it a shot to see what all the hype is about.  To extend the life of gourds and pumpkins (used for indoor decor) dunk pumpkins in a mixture of:

1 gallon water

2 tablespoons bleach

a squirt of dish soap

Rinse and dry well.

We shall see if these last an extra couple of weeks.

BAKING – Let’s chat a little bit about Betty Crocker’s Candy Corn cookie mix.  Look at the box and then look at my cookie sheet.  Yikes!!  This was a total FLOP!!  Really, honestly this was the best I could do.  I’ve never failed this miserably with a baking project and this came out of a box!!  Bailey and I followed the directions on the box to a T.  At least they tasted good??

DECORATING – Bailey needs a decorated (un-carved) pumpkin for her 4H meeting next week.  I found this donut kit at Target.  For $3 it was a perfect project for a nine year old.  Paint + stickers….that’s it.  She was so proud of the finished product and I can check it off my to-do list.  It’s a win-win.

donut pumpkin kit

BOOED – I have a feeling that when October rolls around, all my friends with kids secretly dread this tradition.  “You’ve been Booed.” Myself, I love it.  I’m also a sucker for ANY Holiday Tradition.  Peeps – it’s for the kids.  So here’s the scoop: The doorbells rings and you see a couple of kids running (thinking they were sooo sneaky) down the driveway.  Open the door to find a little festive holiday goody.  Your kids are going nuts, because this is pretty much the coolest thing that has ever happened (I told you).  Then you enjoy the treats.  Place the “We’ve been Booed” sign on your front door.  The instructions explain that within 2 days you need to do the same for one other family, friend, or neighbor.  Then your kids get to be the super sneaky Boo’ers.  It’s that easy!  This is where parents get overwhelmed with, “I don’t have time” or “I’m not creative.”  Come on – you are most likely going to Target tomorrow anyway, right?  I’m going to help you out.  Check out my photo below.  This is our “Boo” basket for this year.  This cost me roughly $10.  Glow sticks + chalkboard banner + pumpkin decorating kit + cupcake mix + frosting + halloween straws + led lights for carved pumpkins.  I grabbed almost everything from the $1 bin.  Other ideas – homemade or store bought baked goods + movie night basket + hot chocolate theme + halloween decor + pumpkins.  I have also linked some free printable Booed signs from my all time favorite printable creator The Tom Kat Studio.  They are super cute and easy to use.  Now that you see how simple you can make this – let’s start booing again friends.  Promise your kiddos will have the best time and ask to do it year after year.  They will also love you forever 🙂

spider boo sign + boo sign

COSTUME – A gumball machine it is!  Bailey told me she had been dreaming of this costume.  Thank you Amazon for making this nine year olds dream come true.  We are Halloween ready.

Gumball Machine Costume

Happy fall y’all!

xoxo stacyb