Baby #squashes can be used too! If you're facing #frost, but you only have #squash babies on the #vines , pick them anyway & put them into soups, stews, sauces, chop & saute. There are so many possibilities. #cookingwithkimberly #squash #webchefkimberly #selfsufficiency #selfreliance #selfsustenance #permaculture #biodiversity #polyculture #homesteading #urbanhomestead #growingfood #foodforest #autumn #vegetables #babysquash #gardening https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj8mFm9uFYx/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

first frost

my ffxiv swap gift for Rain @wingsformypillow! Thanks again @sasslett & @ainyan for hosting 🩵

The chill in the air is usually first to arrive— a slight nip to accompany the frost glittering in the early morning light, destined to melt away by noon. Autumn was known for the shifting of colors in the leaves, their inevitable fall to blanket the land, and nothing sang sweeter than the elementals’ song slipping into softer tones.

The land's rest was near.

Her family started the season by visiting the local harvest festival, picking the finest apples fresh from the tree. Gracia chose each one with care, somehow managing to pick only the sweetest ones, hopping branch by branch as if by magic— a skill she only giggled about when asked. Arianna was thankful no one else had seemed to notice the peculiarities that followed her daughter, instead seeing her as just another jubilant child.

She made sure to purchase everything they'd need for the coming winter while she could—pumpkins and squash would be most useful; there was a line up of soups, stews, and baked goods that awaited them, recipes collected from friends and family over the years. Not to mention the smell of warm bread, and fresh cinnamon doughnuts that always left a special feeling in the crisp air: gratitude.

There was much she was thankful for, her family being first and foremost. A loving husband, precious children, and a wonderful cottage retreat? What could beat that? She was thankful everyday, yet something about the change in seasons made it more prominent. She was happy to be able to share it with them, these special times of the year.

Yet it was not the only thing she was grateful for. The land's bounty was another— elementals and nature pulling the land together and preparing for upcoming hardships. Autumn was just the sign of what was on its way; winter wandering closer, bringing with it a way for the land to rest before another round of growth and life.

The wind howls, bringing her attention back to the present.

“Mama!”

Her little one sits upon the living room floor, coloring pages from the newest book she'd gotten littered everywhere. She points towards the window, “Lookit!”

Arianna glances upwards, seeing a blur of pale green drift out of view. A wind elemental this close? The whistling wind reassures her it was only observing, most likely drawn here by the abundance of aether between the home's occupants.

“Yes, little greggers, did you see that? A wind elemental.”

“Again! Again!”

“It will come back, when it's ready. All the elementals are preparing for winter,” She sits on the couch across from her daughter, “Just like we do. Remember all the apples you picked?”

“Mhm! Yummy!”

“Well, right now some are being made into a pie. Enough to share with the neighbors, too. Autumn is all about harvesting and sharing with others.” The smell of cinnamon and apples fills the room. Harper must have taken the pies out of the oven.

“Can we have some too mama?”

Arianna grins, “Of course, and we can have it right here in front of the fire.” She holds out her hand for her daughter to take. They make their way to the kitchen, retrieve slices of pie that are still too-hot-to-eat but piled high with whipped cream. The three of them sit upon the floor, devouring their slices and feeding bits of softened apples to each other with their hands.

The fireplace is roaring, the warmth enough to lull one to sleep. It's cozy, this small piece of paradise. Curled up on the couch at last, Ari thinks to herself, this right here… I would never trade anything for this.

There would be many more nights, after the first snowfall, but they’d never compare to this one.

Trick or treat?!

Have some Autumn Frost squash! They develop a harmless and beautiful white bloom as they mature!

Change for the Better | AO3

Characters: Keith Howell, Yves Kloss, Licht Klein

Summary: A gentlemen's tea party with gentlemen's banter.

Word Count: 777 (we hit the jackpot with these 3!)

A/N: Part of @aquagirl1978 & @violettduchess's Fall Fluff Autumn Angst CCC. Thanks for setting this challenge up, you two! This one is going to fall under Fall Friendship Fluff.

Prompt: Changing seasons

Life changes too fast. First you’re waking up on the wrong side of the bed, then you’re tripping over breakfast to catch a breadcrumb of lunch before rushing back to work, and next thing you know it’s 1-in-the-morning and you’re still on your first cup of tea. It’s almost as if the only constant in life is that nothing was constant. That was how things seemed to be shaping up for Keith, anyway.

Though as much as life tried to throw alterations into Keith’s path, he persisted along with his head held high and a hand over his heart. Such was expected of him as a prince, after all. And it wouldn’t do for a prince to complain when there were those who had far more legitimate reasons to be upset. Like the farmer whose bull had grown old over the summer and can no longer help him in the upcoming harvest. Or the widowed noblewoman whose only son married for love despite objections to the girl’s commoner background. Or the red-faced young prince before him, whose once magnificent 3-tiered buttercream cake now only sat on the garden table with 2 levels.

“I swear, one day that man will eat himself into a coma. Mark my words.”

Yves muttered under his breath as he carefully ran a knife over the top of the remaining layers, smoothing out lumps of uneven frosting and disturbed autumn-themed sugar decorations. Between the sighs of despair and the huffs of wrath, it was hard to believe Yves still had air in his lungs to pick at his brother.

“It is only a testament to your unparalleled skill that Prince Jin targets your desserts alone,” Keith offered, craning his neck from his seat on the settee to get Yves’s attention. The canopy of red and orange leaves surrounding them limited his view, but he could still make out the agitated veins protruding on the side of his face. “Please, you need not make such a fuss over it. I think the cake still looks remarkable.”

“It looked ten-times more remarkable before he got his grubby hands all over it! But not to worry, Prince Keith, I am nearly finished repairing the most egregious damages.”

Keith wanted to say more, but Yves was locked in that mode he once heard Nokto describe as Ultimate Baker Beast. Yves would still listen and respond to those around him, but all his thoughts and actions were 100% focused on his hands, and he won’t snap out of it until he’s completely satisfied with his work. It was a talent Keith admired every time he saw it put to use, if not feared.

Instead, he reached past Yves, careful not to interrupt the complicated culinary surgery, for the plate of mini sandwiches and nibbled on one quietly in between sips of white tea. He smiled at the light taste of spreadable cheese mixed with herbs atop the bed of freshly sliced squash and wondered how the farmer was faring back in Jade. Certainly a lot more would get done if Keith was there to help, but he tried not to linger on that thought for long.

“How is it?”

Licht inquisitively poked his head around Yves’s figure from the other end of the table, a half-eaten dariole in one hand.

“Very good. I heard you prepared these sandwiches, Prince Licht? Excellently done,” said Keith.

“I was just following Yves’s instructions. The first batch had too much cheese, but I thought they tasted alright.”

“We’re trying to highlight the flavors of the season so you can’t hide the vegetables no matter how much you dislike them. And stop hoarding the darioles!” Yves piped in. Licht shut his eyes and popped the rest of the dariole into his mouth, as though that constituted his response.

Keith let out a chuckle. “I think it’s wonderful that you keep each other in check in the kitchen. Why, when left to my own devices I—” he paused, cleared his throat, and looked at his lap. “Well, let’s just say I never hear the end of it from the cooks.”

Licht opened his eyes and Yves finally looked up from the cake, both resting quizzical looks on Keith. Keith cupped his giant hands around his tiny teacup, feeling utterly undersized under their gaze, and took a long sip.

When he lowered the cup from his mouth, he found the plate of darioles placed in front of him and Licht walking back to his seat. 

“Well, nobody is perfect,” Yves said, cutting a piece of still-spotty frosted cake with a smile. “But that doesn’t stop us from trying our best to change for the better.”

Next I wanna do an autumn angst, but pretty cool that Keith got his route announced, amiright?

Tagging:@atelieredux @queengiuliettafirstlady @violettduchess @venulus If you would like to be added or removed from my tag list, please send me an ask or a message

headcanon: Skyrim wasn't always divided how we would imagine today, particularly not by falmer territories.

The Reach (modern jelhanna, solitude, & vale. druadach-wrothgar region)

diet included apple, juniper, echatere, vale deer, goat, rhubarb, grapes, gleamblossom, honey, rabbit

shared territory w/ nchuand-zel 

relations w/orsinium (still honored by both sides) 

Lots of trinimac-malacath worship

herding + hunting dogs used

Clothing is relatively simple. Often consisted of loose shirts, pants, boots, & belts. Was made with wool, cotton, leather, felt, & others. Ivory & bone adornments if you're really fancy. 

One of my characters, Nađis, is from this region

The Broken Cape (modern winterhold, windhelm, and southeastern solstheim)

Diet included snowberry, horker, caribou, snow-cedar, boar, fish, whale, seal, mammoth, lavender, mountain flower, beets, potato, lettuce, kohlrabi, frost mirriam

Known for magic & other research 

Saarthal was on the southeastern-most edge of this territory

Developed predecessor to stalhrim

Clothing had many dark coloured layers, covered by a styled sash. Decoration was rare, but made up for with rich dyes and complicated outfits

one of my characters, Faevhis, is from here

The Rift (modern riften-ivarstead, southern hjaalmarch)

Diet included lake & river fish, birch, apple, crab, lambsquarter, nirnroot, leafy vegetables, squash, propagated wildberries

dragon cult associations (elves of autumn field, forelhost)

The ruins beneath Fort Greenwall were part of this territory

Foraging for food is common, and small garden plots for spices and hard-to-find plants

Clothing often consisted of a long, loose outer robe & belt. Tight undershirts & pants were often worn beneath. Shoes were simple & easy to discard if you needed to fish something out of the river, or a similar situation. Decoration was not uncommon, usually in the form of beading or layering armour pieces over clothes.

The Plains (modern whiterun, falkreath & karthwasten)

Diet included deer, mushrooms, river grapes, wildberries, potato, cabbage, wheat, beans, mammoth, lettuce,

Nomadic, moving w/ seasons (forest in winter-spring, plains in summer-fall)

Clothes & armor inspired by wolves + foxes. Thick cloaks decorated in the image of a wolf were the centre-piece of falmeri plains fashion.

Hunting & gathering were important

The Marshes (modern solitude docks through eastern morthal)

Diet included fish, chaurus, mudcrab, apple, cabbage, tomatoes, beans, squash, melon, sheep

chaurus raising popularised

most similar to modern ideas of snow elves

crab-catching and other shallow water activities such as swimming, boating, diving

Small boats were common, but not often needed to traverse the landscape

Fashion relied on long, moderately decorated dresses & coats, an undershirt and hose, and jewellery.

Maelkias(my dragonborn) family, though she was born in windhelm

The Coast (modern dawnstar)

Diet included horker, snow-cedar, rabbit, seal, snowberry, potatoes, carrots, turnips, seaweed, mammoth, gourds, beet, frost mirriam

strong cultural ideals + values

Festivals & temples common

Activities included swimming (warmer months), ice-fishing, skating

Large port city built above and beneath land

The ice tunnels used for transport and shelter still remain

Clothing was usually simple & practical, shirt, coat, pants, boots & belt, but varied greatly in decoration. Embroidery, beading, jewellry, ornate weapons or armour pieces, and dyes were all common sights in this region. 

Destiel Month, 3 Nov.: Fight

"All right, the bad news is, you fought the tree and the tree won." 

deancas, established relationship, human cas

"All right, the bad news is, you fought the tree and the tree won." Dean knelt down and gently pulled Cas's grubby sweatpants the rest of the way off. "The good news is, the tree only took a little bite of flesh and didn't break any of your bones." 

Cas straightened out his leg. When he pressed on the shallow gouge on his knee, fresh blood welled up in it. Dean swatted his hand away and replaced it with a big cotton ball soaked in alcohol. Cas hissed and jerked. Dean clamped a hand on his hip to keep him still.

"I didn't think it would be so hard to pull up one tiny maple," Cas panted out. 

"It's been here longer than we have. We'll have to dig it out." Dean dabbed up the watery blood with a clean washcloth and smiled at Cas sympathetically. "Can I trust you to sit here and not touch that while I go get some gauze?" Cas narrowed his eyes at him and Dean's smile grew bigger. "Atta boy."

Dean heaved himself off the floor and rummaged around in the bathroom closet. Gauze, scissors, tape. By the time he'd returned Cas had also taken off his sweatshirt and both pairs of socks and was only dripping a little onto the floor, the crimson splatters stark in comparison to the white tiles Dean had just bleached clean hours ago.

Sighing, Dean knelt again. He made quick work of another swipe with alcohol and taped up Cas's battle wound. 

"I'm not going to be able to walk much with the tape like this," Cas said. 

"You're not going to walk much, period." Dean rose and helped Cas to his feet. "You're off the clock for the rest of the evening. Closin' time. Lights out."

"It's only 8 p.m." 

"Sun's down and we're both tired. Time for bed."

Cas gave Dean a crafty look. "You just want to watch your show, don't you? The one with all the time-traveling dragons."

"First of all, they're time-traveling wyverns from the year 8990. Secondly, I'm not doing yard work in the dark and neither should you." Dean took Cas's hands and led him out of the bathroom, Cas favoring his uninjured leg as they picked their way down the hallway to their bedroom.

And wasn't that an impossible thing. Dean's pulse jumped thinking about it. He and Cas had a bed. Collectively. Shared. In a small house that was also theirs, on a scrabbly, overgrown lot that Cas was determined to tame by planting season. Through the window Dean could see the outline of old bricks Cas had put down for the garden plot; in the moonlight, the yard still looked wild, lush weeds and volunteers from summer dying back slowly as autumn brought heavier frosts. It was all theirs to clear away and make ready for tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, potatoes, herbs, squash, all sorts of flowers that would bloom one month after another.

He'd never let himself imagine any of it – not the house nor the yard nor the simple, comfortable bedroom scented like a pumpkin spice candle they'd burned earlier in the day, and certainly not this good life with Cas, who was climbing into their bed gingerly and looking up at Dean with unwavering affection in his face. 

Dean climbed in beside him and put his arms around him. Felt the warmth of Cas's bare skin under his palms and Cas's breath against his throat. 

"We should buy a chainsaw," Cas said.

Dean loved him with every cell in his body. "No," he said firmly.

3 Movie Inspired Fall Dates: If you're on the lookout for delightful date ideas that encapsulate the essence of fall, look no further. We've curated a collection of enchanting fall movie date ideas that will not only kindle your love but also make the most of this captivating season.

Fall offers a plethora of opportunities to infuse romance and coziness into your movie dates. From outdoor screenings under the stars to creating fortresses of comfort indoors, these fall movie date ideas are bound to create cherished memories that capture the beauty and magic of the season. So, grab your favourite blanket, pop some popcorn, and let the autumnal cinematic adventures begin!

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MOVIES ON THE GO: Step 1: Park somewhere scenic at night Here are some suggestions: - Near a lake or ocean - Near a graveyard - In a forrest or park - Parked at a lookout Step 2: Bring a fully charged laptop and some DVD's or a downloaded movie Step 3: Bring blankets, pillows, warm drinks, and some good snacks

HAVE A THEMED MOVIE MARATHON: Step 1: Choose something to watch This could be movies by the same director, series, or movies with the same creature like vampires, zombies, etc. Step 2: Choose snacks that are themed to what you're watching Below are some suggestions...

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VAMPIRE MOVIES:

Blood Orange Slices: Serve slices of blood oranges for a fruity and appropriately themed snack, referencing the idea of vampires' affinity for blood.

Vampire Bite Cookies: Make sugar cookies shaped like vampire bites, with red icing to represent blood.

Garlic Parmesan Popcorn: Garlic is a common vampire repellent in folklore, so make garlic parmesan popcorn as a nod to this trope.

Red Velvet Cupcakes: Bake red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, resembling blood and fangs.

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ZOMBIE MOVIES:

Zombie Finger Hot Dogs: Wrap hot dog sausages in crescent roll dough, leaving a small section exposed to resemble a zombie's finger.

Brain Dip: Create a dip in the shape of a brain using cream cheese or hummus, and use red beet juice or raspberry sauce for a bloody effect.

Eyeball Cake Pops: Make cake pops shaped like eyeballs using cake crumbs and frosting, then decorate with edible markers or icing for the details.

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WEREWOLF MOVIES:

Full Moon Cookies: Bake cookies in the shape of full moons and decorate them with white icing to mimic the moon's glow.

Werewolf Paw Prints: Create cookies or brownies shaped like paw prints, using chocolate chips for the claws.

Moonlit Trail Mix: Make a trail mix with a combination of nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate chips, symbolizing a moonlit journey.

Bite-Sized Sausages: Serve mini sausage links as a nod to werewolves' love for meat, with toothpicks for easy snacking.

Howling Hot Dogs: Wrap hot dog sausages in croissant dough, shaping them like crescent moons or wolf howls. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SUGGESTIONS: Such as Tim Burton-themed snacks, Halloweentown-themed snacks, and more!

SEE MORE HERE

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FALL FLAVOURED NIGHT: Step 1: Choose a festive fall movie or series Step 2: Buy, eat, and make food with only festive flavours Here are some suggestions... Pumpkin Pie: A classic fall dessert made with pumpkin puree and warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Apple Cider Donuts: Soft and moist donuts with a hint of apple cider flavor, often dusted with cinnamon sugar.

Butternut Squash Soup: Creamy and comforting soup made from roasted butternut squash.

Caramel Apple Nachos: Sliced apples drizzled with caramel sauce and topped with chocolate chips and nuts.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin seeds roasted with various seasonings, such as cinnamon and sea salt.

Cinnamon Apple Chips: Thinly sliced apples baked until crispy with a dusting of cinnamon.

Sweet Potato Fries: Baked or fried sweet potato fries seasoned with a touch of cinnamon.

Caramel Popcorn: Popcorn coated with a rich caramel sauce for a sweet and crunchy treat.

Cinnamon Swirl Bread: Soft and fluffy bread swirled with cinnamon and sugar for a sweet and aromatic treat.

Spiced Apple Cider Muffins: Moist muffins made with apple cider, diced apples, and a hint of spices.

Pumpkin Cupcakes: A sweet treat made with pumpkin puree and warm spices.

Maple Glazed Almonds: Almonds coated with a maple glaze and toasted to perfection. ---

COZY FORT: Step 1: Build a fort in your living room Use blankets, cushions, and fairy lights. Create a snug space where you and your partner can escape into a world of movies and comfort Step 2: Add a touch of nostalgia by watching some of your favourite childhood movies or opt for heartwarming romance films that match the cozy atmosphere View my list of movies here

Step 3: Don't forget to make a tray of fall-inspired snacks, like caramel popcorn and pumpkin treats

Here's to autumn's embrace, to cinematic tales that thrill and delight, and to the memories you'll create with every movie night under the harvest moon. Happy watching and snacking!

Stay.

We bend and almost break under all we do not say. Smiling, laughing, passing time, knowing you can't stay.

Breathing in, drinking, scents and tastes of spring - warmth and sun and berry sweetness - a welcome not to overstay.

Though the garden, tended carefully, can last into fall, for all your begging, pleading can never make it stay.

Gather and freeze berries and squash and protect against the frost, hoping your favorite among them will manage to outstay.

I embrace the coming autumn - prepped, at ease, resigned, but in my mind, to this short sweet summer, still, please. Stay.

CMarsh 2022

12/12/22-Lakeside and home Blog 1 of 2: The wildlife 

There were some interesting aquatic birds in the bits of the lakes that were left unfrozen at Lakeside at lunch time, with the Tufted Duck numbers swelling to five males on Concorde lake I took the seventh and ninth pictures in this photoset of some. Its also the first or one of the first times I recall seeing four gull species on beach lake the ones the gulls go to most, with the usual Black-headed Gulls joined by Lesser Black-backed Gull and the Common Gull and possibly a second again, with one I see at Lakeside and in the area a fair bit but rarely on the lake Herring Gull. It was interesting to see lots of these on the ice, and seeing a few Mallards waddle across the ice towards the shore was a highlight of my lunch time walk. A joyful and uplifting winter sight that others enjoyed too, I took the fourth and fifth pictures in this photoset of this. Coot one shown in the eighth picture in this photoset and Moorhen were good to see again as well. It is nice how things get squashed into the lakes when the temperature drops and allows for nice close views of birds.

Once again as I watched the regular Great Crested Grebe, this time at very close quarters by the bridge that divided Kornwestheim and Concorde lake an unfrozen bit of water which was a smashing intimate view of this steely plumaged bird, the Robin which a few other people have seen it seems lately and got photos of came to greet me. It was a powerful moment of natural connection as it got very close to me and flitted around my feet and on vegetation, clinging to a tree trunk at one point and even landed on the bridge which was nice. This was such an uplifting and feel good moment, I took the sixth picture in this photoset of this. Robins are such a good species for these moments.

It was a good walk of passerine birds at Lakeside at lunch time too, headlined by a stunning couple of Goldcrests in trees in the southern fenced off nature reserve area. They were so beautiful to see, one in particular as it weaved between the thin lichen clad branches. I was fixated on them, and in what has been a brilliant run I’ve had of seeing these birds here through autumn and winter I finally managed a goal of getting some kind of picture of one including the third picture in this photoset. I can still count on one hand the number of Goldcrest pictures I’ve taken over the years so it really is something I’d love to photograph more, its so nice there are still birds I’ve not photographed as much that’s part of the fun and charm of my hobby. Blue Tit and Long-tailed Tits were good sightings too there seemed to be a bit of a group of them with the Goldcrests, and a rustic view of a Goldfinch on a substantial group of teasel seed heads late on in the walk along the northern path was a highlight. At home today Jackdaw, Carrion Crow on a street light which is always good to see I took the first picture in this photoset of, Blue Tit, Robin a bird of my day, Starlings seen well throughout the day were lovely birds to see, with a cute pair of Collared Doves sitting nicely on the roof out the back which was nice as the tenth picture in this photoset shows. 

Alongside the teasel seed heads plant sightings on my lunch time walk included the mustard in the second picture in this photoset seen well with yarrow and bits of shriveled cornflower still going in the flower bed area on the way to Lakeside, some red deadnettle still going after the frosts across the road and the mistletoe along the northern path in a tree at Lakeside. In my next post are landscape photos I took today and thoughts about this: https://dansnaturepictures.tumblr.com/post/703465219431776256/121222-lakeside-and-home-blog-2-of-2-the

Wildlife Sightings Summary: One of my favourite birds the Great Crested Grebe, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Moorhen, Coot, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, a few Blackbirds, Robin, Goldfinch, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Goldcrest, Starling, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon seen well on the roof as I got back at lunch time, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw and a Grey Silverfish in the en suite. 

Nothing is more synonymous with the month of October and Halloween celebrations than pumpkins. These cheerful orange globes ripen up and are ready to harvest starting around mid-September. Their growing season can last through November depending on nighttime temperatures and the arrival of the first frost. A member of the squash family, pumpkins are a plant species native to North America that is believed to have originated here approximately 9,000 years ago. They were an important crop for Native Americans who employed the pulp of the fruit in many dishes, added the blossoms to soups, turned dried pumpkin into flour, and ate the seeds as a nutritious snack. Today, pumpkin is widely consumed and enjoyed by many Americans in the form of pumpkin pie, pancakes, muffins and, of course, those ubiquitous pumpkin spice lattes (yes, Starbucks does actually include real pumpkin puree in their proprietary formula!). So, while pumpkin primetime remains underway this fall, here are some pumpkiny pursuits to peruse: Plastic free décor If you’re anything like me, you worry about the plastic footprint of your holiday decorations and try to avoid or minimize the use of plastic string lights, inflatables and other artificial pieces. The pumpkins from your farmers market are not only native and locally grown, they also offer an attractive, seasonal and plastic-free way to decorate for the fall. Simply plop a pumpkin or two outside your front door or somewhere on your porch, or make a more elaborate display using a few gourds, pots of mums and perhaps a haybale, and, boo(m), you’re ready for those hordes of Trick or Treaters and it can even last you through Thanksgiving.   Jack-o’-Lanterns The tradition of creating Jack-o’-Lanterns for Halloween originated in Ireland, where people carved ghoulish faces into turnips to frighten off a character named Stingy Jack whose soul had been left to wander the earth for eternity holding a piece of burning coal. When Irish immigrants arrived at these shores, they began to cut jack-o’-lanterns out of pumpkins which they found growing wild throughout this region. Carving pumpkins into demonic faces and other spooky designs for Halloween is always guaranteed to be a surefire hit with the kids! When purchasing a pumpkin destined for the carving block, ask the farmer to direct you to their selection of larger “carving pumpkins” versus “pie pumpkins” which are typically a fleshier, sweeter variety. Pumpkin for people and pets Pumpkins are an autumnal superfood! Every single part of a pumpkin is edible: the skin, leaves, flowers, pulp, seeds, and stems. Pumpkin is a naturally low-calorie food – it only becomes calorific when combined with the fat and sugar in many recipes like pumpkin pie. While pumpkins are made up of 92 percent water, they are an excellent nutrient-dense source of potassium, vitamin A and beta-carotene which is a powerful antioxidant. Pumpkins are also fiber powerhouses, with a single cup clocking in at seven grams of fiber which is more than two slices of whole-grain bread. Pumpkin is not only good for you, it’s also good for Fido and Felix! Cooked pumpkin can be fed to both cats and dogs to aid in weight loss, improve digestive health and supplement their diet.   A feast for wildlife Once the season has ended and pumpkins are past their prime, don’t just toss them in the trash! As long as they are not painted or coated, pumpkins can be added to your compost or food scrap recycling. Even better though is to place unadulterated pumpkins somewhere in your yard that is safely accessible to local wildlife, where they will make a tasty treat for a variety of birds and small mammals such as chipmunks and squirrels. The nutritious seeds are especially appealing to these critters who will chew through the flesh to get at the inner jackpot. But once the seeds are gone, they will also feast on and enjoy the pulpy flesh. And, presto, just like that your pumpkin will have vanished without leaving a trace or any signs of waste.

#squashblossoms #harvested , before the #frost sets in. These can be used straight away, frozen, pickled or dried. #edibleflowers #flowers #harvest #cookingwithkimberly #webchefkimberly #squash #flowers #squashflowers #yellow #permaculture #biodiversity #growingfood #foodforest #healthiswealth #healthylifestyle #blossoms #autumn https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj5lr4YO6tl/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Bundled - describe your ideal date.

Candy Corn - what's your favorite candy?

Cardigans - favorite autumn colors?

Crow - what's an unpopular opinion you have on autumn?

Costume - do you like to dress up for Halloween? Do you have a go to costume?

Cozy - describe your ideal fall day.

Fireplace - do you decorate for fall?

Fresh Air - what's something you're thankful right now?

Frost- anything you're looking forward to?

Handmade - do you like making presents?

Joking - favorite silly joke?

Oven - what's your favorite holiday thing to bake?

Quiet - how do you relax?

Vintage - favorite decade?

:D

Bundled - describe your ideal date.

Going to a museum/bookstore/library/farmers’ market and afterwards getting hot chocolate or boba tea or cider depending on the season, or more specifically for fall, going to a fall festival or farm and getting kettlecorn!

Candy Corn - what's your favorite candy?

Kit-kats!!

Cardigans - favorite autumn colors?

I love a palette of muted oranges and browns with a bright blue (like the sky) and maybe a dark forest green (like coniferous trees)!

Crow - what's an unpopular opinion you have on autumn?

I’m not really a fan of the gory/horror/scary aspects/aesthetic of Halloween. Like I’m not into skeletons or creepy stuff, it just uninterests me. I like jack o’lanterns and maybe some suspenseful, eerie spookiness. Like the inherent spookiness of a windy, rainy October night where the wind is loud in the trees and the air is cold. That I love!

Costume - do you like to dress up for Halloween? Do you have a go to costume?

Yes! It’s a little hard because most of our friends where we live now don’t really believe in dressing up as anything other than saints for Halloween. Nothing wrong with dressing up as saints but I don’t think you can’t dress up as other things (as long as you’re not like dressing up as demons or demonic things or going too hard with gore esp in front of kids). I did want to dress up as Zelda this year but have put off costume making too long. But I have a hobbit costume that I wear most Halloweens!

Cozy - describe your ideal fall day.

Hmmm waking up to a foggy morning and having some tea, then going to Mass then Adoration, playing with baby in the sunshine while cookies are baking, the weather is windy but sunny, then going for a long fall hike in the afternoon (and listening to the fall playlist in the car on the way there and back), having some apple cider to warm up, then making something like baked apple cider chicken or curried butternut squash soup with freshly baked bread for dinner, then having a bonfire in the backyard with s’mores and lots of blankets.

Fireplace - do you decorate for fall?

I wish but it’s not really in the budget, aside from buying a pumpkin or two. 

Fresh Air - what's something you're thankful right now?

I crocheted a pair of pants for the baby which, despite not using a pattern, came out really well, except that they are a little too long. But I know better what to do and am excited to make another pair (it’ll just have to wait until after Christmas so I can get everyone’s gifts ready in time). So I’m grateful that that worked out!

Frost- anything you're looking forward to?

I bought some beautiful sage green cotton yarn the other day and am gonna use it to weave a table runner!

Handmade - do you like making presents?

Yes!!!!! I already started putting together a list of Christmas presents to buy/make and what I have written so far is almost entirely handmade things. I just need to make them...

Joking - favorite silly joke?

Hmmmm I’m having a tough time with this one. Maybe this isn’t really a joke but I’ll put a blanket over baby’s head and go “where’s baby? where is she?” until she finds her way out from under the blanket (which usually takes 10 seconds). Then I’ll go “THERE SHE IS!!” and baby loves it. 

Oven - what's your favorite holiday thing to bake?

Hmmm I have lots of favorite things, but probably traditional German Christmas cookies. 

Quiet - how do you relax?

Knitting, crocheting, weaving, while baby plays on the floor, while listening to a podcast or music.

Vintage - favorite decade?

I don’t really have a favorite decade... I really like 40′s and 50′s fashion but that’s kinda it. And 80′s music.

Thank you for the ask!!! <3

Fall Gardening Tips and Tricks for Utah

As summer comes to an end and autumn begins, it's time to shift gardening focus from the scorching sun to the gentle, cooler days of fall. Fall gardening in Utah offers a unique set of challenges and opportunities, thanks to the state's diverse climate and landscape. To help you make the most of this season, Kilgore Landscaping Center gives you their fall gardening tips and tricks and offers a range of garden bed landscaping products. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a novice, discover valuable insights and practical advice for a thriving fall garden.

Understanding Utah's Climate Zones

Before we go into specific gardening tips, it's important to understand Utah's diverse climate zones. The state can be broadly divided into three primary climate zones: Northern, Central, and Southern Utah.

Northern Utah: Northern Utah experiences cooler temperatures and more extended periods of frost compared to other regions. Cities like Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Logan fall into this zone.

Central Utah: This region, which includes areas like Provo and Nephi, has milder winters and warmer summers than Northern Utah.

Southern Utah: Cities like St. George and Moab in Southern Utah enjoy a semi-arid climate with mild winters and hot summers.

Understanding your specific climate zone is crucial for successful fall gardening since it directly impacts the types of plants you can grow and the timing of various gardening tasks.

Plant Cool-Season Vegetables

Fall in Utah provides an excellent opportunity to grow a variety of cool-season vegetables as long as you have the correct garden bed landscaping products. Some popular cool-season vegetables to consider planting include:

Lettuce: Varieties like Romaine and Butterhead are excellent choices for fall salads.

Spinach: Nutrient-rich spinach is a cool-season favorite that can be harvested multiple times.

Kale: This hardy green not only adds visual appeal to your garden but also offers great nutritional value.

Carrots: Plant carrots in late summer to enjoy sweet and crisp roots in the fall.

Broccoli: Fall is an ideal time to grow broccoli, as it matures in cooler temperatures.

Cauliflower: Similar to broccoli, cauliflower thrives in cooler weather and can be a delightful addition to your fall garden.

Radishes: Radishes are a quick-growing crop that can be harvested in as little as 30 days.

Pumpkins and Squash: If you planted pumpkins or squash in the summer, they should be ready for harvest in the fall.

Plant cool-season annuals in late summer to early fall and spring-flowering bulbs in late September or early October. Perennials and shrubs can be planted throughout the fall, provided the soil is workable.

Revamp and Enhance Your Garden

Fall is not just a season for planting and maintaining. It's also an ideal time to revamp and enhance your garden space with the use of garden bed landscaping products.

Garden Borders and Edging: Installing decorative garden borders or edging materials can instantly elevate the appearance of your garden.

Retaining Walls: If you have sloped terrain in your garden, consider adding retaining walls to create terraced areas.

Pathways and Stepping Stones: Enhance accessibility and aesthetics by incorporating pathways or stepping stones like natural stone, brick, or concrete pavers.

Decorative Rocks and Gravel: Introduce decorative rocks and gravel to your garden beds for visual appeal, weed control, and moisture retention.

Raised Beds and Planter Boxes: Fall is an excellent time to install raised garden beds or planter boxes. These structures provide better control over soil quality and drainage while adding depth and dimension to your garden.

Plant Spring-Blooming Bulbs

For a burst of color in your spring garden, plant spring-blooming bulbs in the fall. Bulbs like tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths can be planted in Utah gardens during the fall months. Here's how to do it:

Choose High-Quality Bulbs: Select bulbs that are firm and free from mold or damage.

Plant at the Right Depth: Follow the planting depth recommendations for each type of bulb.

Provide Well-Draining Soil: Bulbs can rot in soggy soil, so make sure the planting area has good drainage. Kilgore Landscaping offers a range of garden bed landscaping products including raised beds to improve drainage.

Planting Technique: Dig a hole for each bulb or use a bulb planter tool. Place the bulb with the pointed end facing upward and cover it with soil.

Conclusion

Fall gardening in Utah offers a unique and beautiful experience, with the vibrant colors of autumn serving as a beautiful backdrop. By understanding your region's climate, choosing the right plants, and following essential planting and maintenance tips, you can create a stunning and delicious fall garden. Kilgore Landscaping Center is happy to answer your questions and show you which products are right for your garden.

Every item on this page was chosen by The Pioneer Woman team. The site may earn a commission on some products. Wake up to pumpkin pancakes and apple cider doughnuts! Later tonight, Halloween probably involves a costume change, a bag full of your favorite Halloween candy, and perhaps a marathon of scary movies. But why wait for the sun to set for all the fun? Start off your day of Halloween activities by cooking up a Halloween breakfast your whole family can enjoy! We've gathered the best Halloween breakfast ideas for a spooky brunch party, like eyeball doughnuts, bloody Marys, and pumpkin pancakes. Not a fan of sweets in the morning? There are also healthy breakfast recipe options, perfect for fueling up before a day in the pumpkin patch or a night of tricks! Kick the spookiest day of the year off with one of these eerie-sistible breakfast recipes. You also don't have to wait until October 31 to try these morning meals! The Halloween breakfast ideas ahead are just as tasty throughout the fall season. That's, in part, thanks to the many pumpkin recipes, maple recipes, and other seasonal fall breakfasts that we've included on this list. Try the roasted squash and bacon hash, apple fritters, or pumpkin smoothie to name a few. Of course, if you ask us, Ree Drummond's pumpkin spice muffins will be delicious whenever the craving strikes—morning or night! Candy is tonight, but no one said you couldn't also enjoy a sweet breakfast! Pair a stack of these with a pumpkin spice latte, and you'll be everyone's favorite cook. Get the Pumpkin Pancakes recipe. Even if trick-or-treating years are behind you, Halloween is a nostalgic holiday for adults too! And there's no autumnal treat more nostalgic than sugared apple cider doughnuts. Get the Apple Cider Doughnuts recipe. Orange you glad it's Halloween? Sweet and savory sweet potato hash is exactly what you need on this special morning. Get the Sweet Potato Hash recipe. Give your eggs a spooky touch by making them vibrant fuchsia—no dye needed. How? They get their color from beets! These are the best side for breakfast or brunch. Get Ree's Beet Pickled Eggs recipe. SHOP MASON JARS Don’t have time to roll out freshly baked cinnamon rolls? This easy cinnamon roll casserole recipe gives you all the flavor with half the work. What’s more, casseroles are the best for feeding a big Halloween brunch crowd. Get Ree's Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole recipe. Get your day started with some hearty homemade sausages. Fresh garlic and apple blend together for a fragrant delight. Get the Chicken Apple Sausage recipe. SHOP SERVING PLATTERS Before you pack in the sweet treats, grab a perfect spinach and egg breakfast. The beauty of quiche is that it looks fancy, but it's so darn easy. Get the Spinach Quiche recipe. Watching The Ring this Halloween? Well, we have a breakfast ring to match! It's a complete breakfast, wrapped with eggs, veggies, ham, cheese, bacon, and a flaky pastry crust. Get the Bacon Brunch Ring recipe. You won't need any candy after getting a bit of these candied pecans. They give this fluffy fall breakfast a delightful crunch. What's more, casseroles are the best for feeding a crowd. Get the Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole recipe. Come fall, there's nothing better than fried nuggets of cinnamon-flavored batter stuffed with apple chunks and covered with a dusting of powdered sugar. Best of all, you can make them ahead! Get Ree's Apple Fritters recipe. SHOP CASSEROLE DISHES These cinnamon rolls are just like Ree's classic sweet buns, but with a fall-inspired twist. The maple cream cheese frosting really takes them to the next level. Get Ree's Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls recipe. Don't be scared! These frightful treats are surprisingly easy to make. The key: store-bought doughnut holes! Get Ree's Doughnut Eyeballs recipe. Ree calls this smoothie recipe: "One of the creamiest, most delicious treats I'd ever tasted—almost like a pumpkin milksha

ke, but not nearly as sinful." Get Ree's Pumpkin Smoothie recipe. Don't resort to eating candy for breakfast! These pumpkin spice muffins will satisfy any sweet tooth—especially when topped with the delicious frosting. Get Ree's Pumpkin Spice Muffins recipe. These grab-and-go egg bites are great for taking with you before a day of Halloween festivities. You can even make them in advance and pop them in the microwave to heat them up. Get Ree's Individual Sausage Casseroles recipe. SHOP MUFFIN TINS No brunch party would be complete without this blood-red cocktail. Serve it up with a spread of DIY toppings, like pickles, olives, tomatoes, or bacon. Get the Classic Bloody Mary recipe. Seasonal acorn squash and smoky bacon make this savory breakfast filling enough to fuel you up for a day of scary fun. Top it with a fried egg for extra heft. Get the Roasted Squash and Bacon Hash recipe. What makes these pancakes taste just like a PSL? It's the combination of pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice spice, and instant espresso powder. The caramel sauce on top is just extra credit. 😂 Get Ree's Pumpkin Spice Latte Pancakes recipe. Give everyone a spook with these pumpkin hand pies! They’re flaky and deliciously filled with pumpkin puree. Candy eyes give them that Halloween touch! Get the Pumpkin Hand Pies recipe at Mike Bakes NYC. These simple baked doughnuts are dunked in melted chocolate, then finished off with a spider web design that's easier than you might think. All you need is a frosting-filled pastry bag and a toothpick! Get the Halloween Spider Doughnuts recipe at Kitchen Sanctuary. SHOP COOLING RACKS Use pumpkin-shaped cookie cutters to make these easy, homemade pop tarts. The sweet and spiced treats will get everyone in the family ready for Halloween. Get the Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts recipe at Weelicious. Whether you're throwing a Cat in the Hat-themed costume party or a monster breakfast mash, you can't go wrong with this green skillet frittata. It's filling, fun, and so tasty! Get the Green Eggs and Ham recipe. We've all had bacon for breakfast, but have you tried bacon-topped scones? This sweet and savory pastry is perfect for fall. Get Ree's Maple-Bacon Scones recipe. Since there's lots of candy and sweet treats on Halloween, starting your morning off with something healthy is always a good idea. Try homemade granola loaded with spices and served with yogurt or oatmeal. Get the Pumpkin Spice Granola recipe at A Classic Twist. Fresh spinach gives these scary pancakes their vibrant green color. But don't worry—the flavor is undetectable so even your kids will love these treats. Get the Monster Pancakes recipe at Freutcake. SHOP SPATULAS source