All Things Pumpkin!

Two years ago, I created a step-by-step pumpkin carving video, but this time I decided to take it in a different direction and create a stop motion video carving Tim Burton's Sparky from the recent movie, Frankenweenie. I downloaded the pattern from my go-to pumpkin pattern site, zombiepumpkins.com (It does cost money for the pattern) and got to work! Hope you like it!

I always feel so wasteful when I throw away all that pumpkin pulp so I saved a Tupperware container of the pulp to decide on something to make with it later. I found a cream of pumpkin soup recipe using tofu instead of cream, which works for me because I most likely always have tofu in my house and rarely have cream (and it's healthier). I modified the recipe a little because I didn't want mine to be too onion-y and I didn't have any bacon. I did have some sliced pork in the freezer so I just rubbed some salt on it... Not sure if that made it taste more like bacon..., but it was still super yummy! The bacon/pork adds a nice warmth to the soup while the tofu adds creaminess.

Whole Wheat Oat Bran Banana Muffins

I know it may seem like I have some kind of banana obsession with my post a few weeks ago being the banana coffee pie... but I don't! My family just buys bananas every week and they go bad so fast! I wanted to use the whole wheat flour I had bought previously for the pie, and based this recipe I found on SparkRecipes. It has whole wheat flour and oat bran, so it's yummy and healthy!

Time to prep: 15 min.
Time to Bake: 20 min.
Servings: 12 muffins

Cioppino

Cioppino is an Italian-American fish stew that originated from San Francisco. It typically has a plethora of seafood in it: crab, clams, shrimp, scallops, squid, mussels, and fish. On a random whim to check out DC's Eastern Market after work one day, I bought 2 fresh cod fillets and shell-less clams and made this version of cioppino. My version only has fish, clams, shrimp, and crabmeat. A lot more affordable than the original version!

DIY: French Seamed Envelope Pillow

I discovered this amazing website called Craftsy about a month ago, an interactive platform where you can sign up for a ton of craft-related courses taught by experienced instructors. I learned how to make this french seamed envelope pillow from the course, Sewing Studio: Fashion Fitting, Home Decor & More taught by Diana Rupp. I'll show you how I did it step-by-step so you can follow along and create your very own one too!

What is a french seam? A french seam is a double sewn seam where the raw, frayed edges are enclosed within the second seam. Gives the project a nice, clean look.

What is an envelope pillow? This pillowcase has two overlapping panels in the back for a hidden opening for the pillow.

Skills You'll Learn:
- Sewing a double turned hem
- Pivoting around corners
- Sewing a french seam