How to Carve Halloween Vegetables

Looking to carve something a little different this Halloween? While pumpkins are a classic, the world of vegetables offers a whole gallery of unique and colorful alternatives for your spooky (or beautiful) creations. Here are some fantastic options, from quick-and-easy projects to more intricate displays.

These vegetables are great for simple shapes, stamps, or projects with kids.

• Potatoes: Perfect for carving into stamps, stars, or hearts. Their firm texture makes them easy to handle.
• Cucumbers: Ideal for slicing into graceful leaves, delicate flowers, or fan shapes. Their green skin adds a nice color contrast.
• Carrots: Excellent for crafting small flowers, birds, or letters. Their dense, colorful flesh holds fine details well.
• Apples: While tricky to hollow, large firm apples are wonderful for sculpting small faces or shapes. For longevity, you can dry your carved creation.
• Tomatoes: Their vibrant red color is perfect for miniature lanterns, rose carvings, or tiny baskets.
• Beets: Create deep crimson roses, hearts, or decorative balls. Be prepared for gorgeous, stain-rich color!
• Radishes: Small but mighty, they can be transformed into cute mushrooms, roses, or butterflies.
• Onions: When carved and opened, their layers create beautiful peacocks, lotuses, or chrysanthemums. Pro tip: soak them in water first to reduce tears!
• Butternut Squash: A top choice! Its shape, sturdy shell, and pumpkin-like consistency are perfect for both simple and classy designs.
• Watermelon: With a soft interior, it’s surprisingly carve-able. Just remember to create a flat base so it doesn’t roll. Best enjoyed quickly as it won’t last long.
• Turnips: A historical favorite—turnips were among the original jack-o'-lanterns! Their gnarly shapes allow for wonderfully creepy designs, though they are smaller and have a shorter shelf life outdoors.

Have you tried vegetable carving? Share your creations or tips in the comments!

Leftover Halloween Candy

Have leftover Halloween candy? Instead of throwing away candy, just freeze it. You can have it as a treat or use it in one of the recipes below.

Make Halloween chocolate bark. Make a creative chocolate bark out of leftover Halloween candy. Bittersweet chocolate is melted and topped with bite size pieces of all your favorite Halloween candies. Find the recipe here.

Make your own Halloween candy ice cream. Just start with a pint of your favorite ice cream. I would use vanilla or homemade banana ice cream (just use frozen bananas). Chop up your candy and fold it in. Refreeze the ice cream before serving.

Make Halloween themed popcorn. Just make popcorn and add your leftover candy after it has popped. You can also try adding 1/2 cup cranberries and Halloween pumpkins. Find the recipe here at Drugstore Divas. 

Add them to your cookies. Just make your favorite chocolate chip cookie dough recipe and add chocolate candy pieces instead of chocolate chips.

Make candy cookie bars. To make, use cookie dough and add your candy on top. Find the recipe here at Joy Food Sunshine.

Make your own trail mix. For a protein packed snack, combine nuts such as cashews or peanuts, dried fruit like raisins or cranberries, pumpkin or sunflower seeds and any candy leftover from trick-or-treating.

Make granola. This is a great breakfast snack. Bake your favorite granola recipe, then stir in chopped peanut butter cups and chocolate candy while it's still warm. It will melt in to the granola and then firm up once your granola cools.

How do you use your leftover candy? 

Global Sleep Under the Stars Night

Global Sleep Under the Stars Night is celebrated on August 8th to encourage people to experience the outdoors under the night sky. Sleeping under the stars can be a wonderful experience. It lets you admire the beauty of the night sky and feel closer to nature. Here are some tips on how to sleep under the stars:

Find the Perfect Spot

The first step is to find a good spot to watch the stars. Avoid places that are too cfowddd. It is best wto look for a soft and dry surface that is away from hard like trees and rocks.

You also want to have a clear view of the sky so avoid places with too much light pollution or cloud cover. Some examples of good locations are deserts, mountains, beaches or fields.

Check the weather

Check the weather before going out using a weather app or star map. Is it going to be too cold or rainy? Also check for wind and heat. 

You don’t want to sleep under the stars if it’s too cold, hot, windy or rainy. Check the weather forecast before you go and make sure you have a backup plan in case of bad weather. You can also use a weather app or a star map app to see the best time and place to see the stars.

Bring the right gear

Depending on the season and the location, you may need different types of gear to sleep under the stars. Some essential items are a sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, a pillow, a blanket and a flashlight. You may also want to bring a tent, a tarp, a hammock, or a bivy sack for extra comfort and protection. Make sure your gear is lightweight, durable, and easy to set up and pack.

Dress appropriately

You want to dress in layers that can keep you warm, dry and comfortable. You may also want to wear a hat, gloves, socks, and shoes to protect your head, hands, feet, and body from the cold, the sun, or insects. Avoid wearing cotton, as it can absorb moisture and make you feel colder. Choose fabrics that are breathable, wicking, and quick-drying, such as wool, fleece, or synthetic materials. 

Keep Safety in Mind 

You want to avoid getting bitten, stung, or attacked by insects or animals while sleeping under the stars. You can use insect repellent, mosquito nets, or citronella candles to keep bugs away. You can also make noise, store your food properly, and avoid feeding or approaching wildlife to deter animals. You may also want to bring a first aid kit and a phone in case of emergencies.

Sleeping under the stars can be a rewarding and memorable experience, as long as you plan ahead and follow these tips. 

How to Do a Basic Bubble Bath

Have you ever taken a bubble bath? Here is a basic bubble bath recipe.

Mix the following ingredients: 

• 1/4 cup warm, distilled water

• 1/2 cup Castille soap

• 1/4 cup coconut oil

Instuctions: 

1. Combine all ingredients.

2. Run under hot water. Soak in bath. 

How to Make a Jerk Tofu Wrap

Here’s a delicious recipe for vegan jerk tofu wraps that combines bold Caribbean flavors with tofu instead of meat. You can either grill or pan fry the tofu, and then wrap it up with other tasty ingredients. 

The jerk sauce uses pimentos berries and Scotch Bonnets. Did you know Scotch Bonnets are 12 to 140 times hotter than jalapeños? Adjust to your spice level and feel free to use the substitutes mentioned. Let’s get cooking! 

Ingredients:

• 1 wholegrain spinach wrap (can use any tortilla) 
• 1 block of extra firm tofu, pressed and sliced into strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 
• 1/2 cup jerk sauce (see below for details)
• 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped 
• 1/4 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cucumber, sliced 
• 1 mango, slice
• 1/2 fresh lime

For the jerk sauce: 

• 1 tablespoon pimentos berries (can use 1 teaspoon allspice to substitute) 
• 1-2 Scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to your preferred spice level, can use a few dashes of Tabasco sauce or 2-3 tablespoons chili powder to substitute) 
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 
• 1 teaspoon curry powder 
• 1 teaspoon salt 

Instructions:

1. Prepare the jerk sauce by blending all the ingredients for the jerk sauce in a 

   blender or food processor. Adjust to your spice level. 
2. Marinate the tofu strips into the jerk sauce mixture. 
3. Heat the olive oil in a medium high heat on a frying pan. Add the tofu strips and cook on each side until golden brown, about 10-15 minutes. 
4. To make the wraps, just layer a spinach or wholegrain tortilla with black beans, jerk tofu, cucumber, mango, fresh parsley and a squeeze of fresh lime. Add additional toppings, such as avocado or shredded lettuce, if desired. 
5. Fold the tortilla into a burrito shape. Serve your flavorful jerk tofu wraps warm. 

If you try this out or want to see more recipes, feel free to post in the comments. 

5 Summer Pizza Ideas

Looking for fresh, vibrant pizza ideas to enjoy this summer? These vegan recipes are perfect for warm-weather meals, from light savory dinners to sweet fruity desserts.

• Spinach Artichoke Pizza: Transform creamy, garlicky dip into the ultimate pizza topping. Get the recipe.
• Vegan Alfredo Pizza: Enjoy a rich and creamy spinach Alfredo pizza. Get the recipe.
• Hummus Pizza: A unique, healthy base using hummus instead of red sauce. Top with your favorite veggies. 
• Vegan Caprese Pizza: Features homemade cashew mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and a balsamic reduction. Get the recipe.
• Lemon Herb Socca Pizza: A gluten-free, protein-packed option made from chickpea flour. Get the recipe.
• Vegan Tortilla Pizza: A quick, crispy personal pizza perfect for using summer vegetables. Get the recipe.
• Butternut Squash Pizza with Apples & Pecans: A sweet and savory autumn-inspired combination. Get the recipe.
• Fun Pizza Bagels: A classic, easy-to-make snack. Get the recipe.
• Summer Fruit Pizza: A refreshing snack or dessert loaded with fresh fruit. Get the recipe.
• Summer Dessert Pizza: A sweet, crowd-pleasing treat. Get the recipe.
• Vegan Rocky Road Dessert Pizza: Sweet dough topped with chocolate hazelnut spread, chocolate chips, toasted hazelnuts, and melty mini marshmallows. Get the recipe.

Feel free to experiment with these vibrant toppings and enjoy your homemade vegan pizza party! 

8 Ways to Make Popsicles

Homemade popsicles are perfect for hot weather. While it is still summer, why not trying making your own popsicles? They are not too hard to make. These are some popsicle recipes I found on Pinterest that I would love to try out.

I love the bright yellow color and hint of chocolate on these Chocolate Passionfruit Popsicles.

These Cookies and Coconut Cream Popsicles are vegan and use coconut milk and Oreo cookies for a cookies and cream flavor.

These Blackberry Ombre Popsicles get their natural color from the blackberries.

For a breakfast treat, try these Easy Breakfast Yogurt Popsicles

Try making Thai Iced Tea Popsicles.

For something unique, try this Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Pudding Pops recipe.

I would love to try these Mint Chocolate Dip Popsicles that are also vegan.

These Pitaya Rosewater Berry Popsicles use frozen strawberries to give them a berry taste.

Have you ever made your own popsicles?

Fourth of July Festive Looks

Fourth of July is in a couple days. Here are some stylish Fourth of July outfit ideas to help you celebrate in patriotic style:

Classic Americana Look: Create a red, white and blue ensemble for that timeless patriotic vibe. The patriotic outfit above is from Windsor. 

Chic White Dress: Keep it easy and casual with a white maxi dress. Experiment with different necklines like a halter version or puffed sleeves

Family Barbecue: Opt for a festive graphic tee with jean shorts for an easy, casual look. Try a striped shirt dress in blue and white, paired with blue jeans.

Simple Denim Dress: A denim dress is perfect for a family party or event. 

Bandana or Headband: Tie a red bandana around your neck, head or bag handle for a versatile accessory. This is a great way to easily add some Fourrh of July colors to your outfit. I found a Fourth of July headband recently. It makes any outfit festive even if you are not wearing red, white and blue. 

Espadrilles: Complete your look with comfy and chic espadrilles like these patriotic ones from Utoimkio . Or add your favorite pair of red or blue flip flops. 

Classic Stars and Stripes Nail Art: Create a patriotic nod to the flag with red and blue nail art. Paint horizontal stripes with vibrant red polish on a white base. Add a pop of blue to one nail. This is an easy way to dress up any outfit.

Remember to have fun and celebrate in style! 

10 Essential Tools For Going Vegan

Going vegan is a great choice for both your health and the environment. Let’s explore some essential tools to make your vegan cooking journey easier:

1. Food Processor: A versatile tool for making veggie burgers, chopping veggies, and creating creamy sauces. It’s a game-changer for busy kitchens! 

2. High Speed Blender: Perfect for nut based cheeses, smoothies, and soups. Look for one that can handle tough ingredients like cashews. 

3. Spiralizer: Turn zucchini and other veggies into noodle like shapes for creative salads and pasta alternatives. 

4. Crockpot or Instant Pot: These save time and energy when cooking beans and curries. Set it and forget it! 

5. Tofu Press: Essential for draining excess water from tofu, ensuring better flavor absorption. 

6. Dutch Oven or Stock Pot: Ideal for simmering hearty soups, stews and vegan chili. 

7. Large Non-Stick Frying Pan: A spacious pan for sautéing veggies, making stir-fries, and more.  

8. Large Sheet Pan: Perfect for roasting veggies or baking plant-based treats. 

Remember, simplicity is key. You don’t need fancy gadgets—just a few reliable tools to create delicious vegan meals! If you’d like more details or recipes, feel free to ask! 

How to Cleanse Your Body

If you are feeling sick or out of touch with your body, cleansing your body can be a good way to get rid of bad toxins and feel better again.

• Dry skin brush before you take a bath or shower. I also like dry brushing my face, but use a brush made especially for your face so it has softer bristles.

• Take a warm salt water bath or steam in the shower.

• Deep breathing can help calm you down. Do yoga. Try just doing 20 minutes of yoga a day or picking up a yoga DVD or video series.

• Drink water. Try adding a couple extra glasses a day.

• Try eating healthier. Go on a cleanse or add a couple healthy foods in to your diet. Check out these 30 cleansing foods that naturally cleanse your body.

• Use a neti pot to naturally cleanse your sinuses.

• Try the hydro therapeutic technique of taking a shower with hot water and then switching to cold. Afyerwards, get under covers.

• Go for a run or walk. Try exercising at least 20 minutes a day or move your body in some way.

• Get a massage or do a self massage with your favorite oils.

• Try drinking hot tea with herbs in it or taking an herbal soak bath.

What do you do to cleanse yourself? Let me know in the comments.