Life Among The Blooms Vol. 33

Life Among the Blooms Vol. 33 is a recap of the week and about random things going on over at White Lilac Farmhouse and a tip for the week.

It is a chance to get to know me a little better and see what I have been up to.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT WHITE LILAC FARMHOUSE

Well, it has been an eventful weekend. My husband and I got the flu shot on Saturday. We have been getting it for years. However, we also decided to get the Shingles vaccine. I have an autoimmune disease and my doctor encouraged me to get it. We both got it.

Within 24 hours, we had reactions from it. Both of us experienced headaches and fatigue. Jim had an upset stomach. I have fever and chills. Thankfully, it only lasted for a day. Today, we are both back to normal.

Always consult your medical doctor about a vaccine and side effects.

Thankfully, we did not have any plans for the weekend. If you do, schedule your shot on a weekend were you can rest. Always read up on side effects of shots prior to receiving them to plan ahead.

TIP for THE WEEK

This is something new I will include in each of my newsletters, a tip for the week. I have gotten such positive feedback from people. Therefore, I will include something new tip for the week in my newsletter.

how to make your pumpkins & gourds last longer without bleach

You may have seen various ways to preserve your pumpkins to make them last longer for the season. What is my method of preserving pumpkins? I give them a good wash with Dawn Dish Soap.

Next the pumpkins are washed in the sink with vinegar and water bath for 20-30 minutes. You will use 9 parts water to 1 part white distilled vinegar.

Smaller pumpkins and gourds tend to float. Therefore, you will want to periodically turn them.

For larger pumpkins, I will use my garage sink or a large bucket to soak for 30 minutes.

Allow your pumpkins to air dry before styling them.

why I do not use a bleach solution

The main reason is that I like to dispose of my pumpkins in a compost pile or in the woods for wildlife. Bleach is toxic. You do not want it in the environment. Especially for wildlife to eat it.

do not put your pumpkins directly on concrete

You should never put your pumpkins on concrete as it will cause your pumpkins to rot. Concrete holds in moisture. Moisture will cause your pumpkins to rot faster.

Try sitting your pumpkins on something that will be a barrier to moisture. Keep them out of the rain too. I will always move my pumpkins to the porch if there will be rain in the forecast.

recycling your pumpkins for wildlife

When you are carving your pumpkins for Halloween, save the pumpkin seeds for birds. Let them dry out and then sprinkle on the ground or put in the feeder.

Cut up or break the pumpkins into smaller pieces for the deer. They enjoy pumpkins along with the squirrels.

If you have chickens, cows, or pigs, they love pumpkin and pumpkin seeds.

THIS WEEK ON THE BLOG

I made this beautiful pumpkin garland with unfinished wooden pumpkins, twine, beads, paint, rice paper and Modge Podge. Click to read my step by step tutorial Beautiful DIY Pumpkin Garland (Easy Craft Tutorial).

I shared my delicious chocolate chip recipe. It is the number one recipe that most of my friends and family request me to make. You can grab the recipe clicking on this link Chocolate Chip Cookies: More Than Just a Dessert.

SOME OF MY fall FAVORITES

Please Note: Affiliate links are used for your convenience at no additional cost to you. It helps to support my blog so that I can bring you more free tutorials. Thank you! Read my full disclosure here

I have many of these items in this year’s wardrobe.

inspirations for around the web

Each week, I enjoy sharing inspirations from other blogs. Here are some of my favorites!

OK, how adorable is this DIY Witch Broom? My good friend, Jennifer of Cottage On Bunker Hill made it with sticks and twigs from her yard. You can find her tutorial here. I love this cute idea.

I have another wonderful, foraged project to share. Look at this beautiful wreath from my friend, Rachel of The Ponds Farmhouse. She shares her tutorial on How to Make a Foraged Oak Leaves Wreath for Fall the Easy Way. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a beautifully decorated home for the season. Use items around the house and yard!

I love this idea that my dear friend, Kim of Cottage in The Mitten shared. She used a real pumpkin as a planter for her mums. Is this not beautiful? Check out her post HOW TO MAKE A FALL MUM PUMPKIN PLANTER ON A BUDGET.

Sweet friend, I hope you enjoyed these budget friendly projects from by blogging friends and my tip for the week.

Blessings to you, my sweet friend!

XOXO,