Five on Friday: Hey Pumpkin!

Happy Friday, y'all! Courtesy of Christina of Carolina Charm, Darci of The Good Life, April of A. Liz Adventures, and Natasha of Hello! Happiness.

Guys, on one hand, I'm running low on steam when it comes to this whole daily blogging thing, but on the other hand, I'm like, How is October almost over already?! Seriously, doesn't it feel like the month just started?

I thought this picture Natasha of Hello! Happiness posted summed my feelings about October pretty well:

Since today's the last Friday of the month, I figured I'd use my last October Five on Friday to share my favorite ideas for decorating pumpkins...

1. Pumpkins with paint. 

 

Want an intricate, delicate look to your pumpkin? Just use a doily stencil! Just another "Duh! Why didn't I think of that?!" Pinterest moment.

 

Aren't these chalk paint pumpkins gorgeous?!

2. Pumpkins with glue. 

 

Cover a pumpkin with glue and epsom salt for a sparkle that looks more classic than glitter.

Sequins. Need I say more?

3. Pumpkins with Carvings. 

 

Using cookie cutters and mallets to get intricate designs in the pumpkins is a genius idea for people lacking hand-eye coordination, like yours truly.

 

Don't you just love these coastal carvings?

4. Pumpkins with purpose.

What a cute way to put pumpkins to use- in a pumpkin toss, perfect for Halloween parties!

5. Pumpkins with tacks. 

 

These pumpkins are tacky in the best way possible!

 

It's a Special Day....

And I'm not trying to do the whole inspirational, "seize each day, because each day is beautiful in its own way!" thing, today. Although I still believe that's true, today is super special, because one year ago today, my sweet second cousin Charlotte was born.

 

Snapshots of my times with Charlotte in her first year!

Charlotte's mama, Jana, and I have always had a special bond. My brother and I are a good bit younger than the rest of our cousins on my dad's side of the fam, who all live north of the Mason-Dixon line (I'm not sure I could last through one of those frigid northern winters!). No matter our differences, Jana always devoted her spring breaks in grade school visiting her baby cousins in SC.

 

Lookin' good! One of the many things Jana was never "too cool" to do: play dress up with her baby cousin!

Even though I only saw her a couple times a year, for a week at a time, she was certainly the closest thing I had to a sister growing up. She was, and still is, an incredible role model, showing me what it looks like to be a smart, strong, funny, sassy, and beautiful person, who can be independent but still thrive in a relationship, like the one she has with her husband Brian. A year ago today, she added a new role to her already-long list of titles (wife, daughter, sister, cousin, friend, assistant-dean): Mom.

Jana and me last December at Detroit's Eastern Market!

Jana and Brian's daughter Charlotte Sue is the cutest baby, hands down. She has bright, blue eyes, the complexion and round cheeks of a China-doll, and the smile of an angel! Now, yes, I may be a bit biased, but even as an outsider, I know I'd still think she was so precious. In the past year, I've seen Charlotte go from just laying around, hanging out, to sitting up and babbling, to crawling and pointing... It's amazing how much a baby can change in a year, and it's seriously crazy how much said baby can change lives in a year! I cannot wait to see Charlotte grow up even more in the years to come, and I hope I can be there for her as much as her mom was there for me growing up.

Fourth Festivities! (Also, I love alliteration.)

With less than one week 'til Independence Day, I figured what better thing to blog about than fun and festive Fourth finds! Here are some creative recipes and crafts I found on Pinterest to help you get your 'Merica on! No worries if you're short on time, money, or crafting and baking skills... I've included a little something for everyone!

For the One with Time, Patience, and Dedication: 

Yeah, this cake is pretty adorable... A blog I read in high school, 17 and Baking, originally made this cake and it has taken on a life of its own via the internet! I love how this gal added some precious ribbon!

For the Health Nut: 

I love the idea of arranging fruit into the star spangled banner, but fruit-kabobs are even better! The germophobe in me loves that everyone can get their own fruit without touching everyone else's! Sadly, even after intense image-searching on Google, I couldn't find the original creator of these to give them credit, but at least the assembly is pretty straightforward!

For the Momma with a Glue Gun: 

You can find the original tees (or at least the first I can find) here, but I liked this one's big blue bow better! How cute is that?! I not-so-secretly wish I could still wear precious homemade things like this... Here's to being an early-elementary school teacher! ;)

For the One Who Wants to Look Like an Impressively Talented Baker: 

How about this for an American Pie? (Huh, huh?!?) Imagine showing up to a party with this and not telling anyone how simple it was to make... That's right! I thought it'd be impossible too, until I looked at the recipe! It includes canned filling and a box of ready-to-use pie crusts!

For the One Who Doesn't Mind Tediousness:

That whimsically cute wreath involves a looooot of felt folding, and while the detailed tutorial may be super helpful, I don't think I'll be making one any time soon!

For the Ones Who Want Their Cookies to Rock.... Kind of Literally!

Whoever thought to take regular sugar cookies, spread some frosting on them, sprinkle some Pop Rocks, and call them "Firecracker Cookies" is a genius! Not only is it simple, but it really makes the dessert stand out- or "pop", if you will! (I'm on a roll today.)

For the One Who Wants a Cheap Way to Make Their BBQ Bash Aesthetically Pleasing: 

These mason jars are the perfect combination of kitschy, rustic, festive, and they sure put the "fun" in functional! They could serve as more than just utensil jars; they could even hold this next little treat....

For the One Who Liked That First Kabob Idea:

Here's yet another easy patriotic kabob! These firecracker marshmallows would be fitting additions at any bonfire (I condone patriotism on the reg, not just on the 4th)!

Those were just a few ideas to get your Martha Stuart, Rachael Rae, and most importantly, Betsy Ross on! Hope everyone enjoys their weekend!