Paper Pumpkins

I thought I would get a jumpstart on making decorations for fall. And I was doing really well; but I never actually made any blog posts about what I made. I couldn't believe that it was a month since my last post! I have a new appreciation for all the moms and other women who work and have successful blogs. This is hard work.

I found these paper pumpkins from Hostess with the Mostess. I loved the heart garland I did for my Valentine's Day Party, so I though this would be a great fall version, and they are very easy to make.

What you need: 

12"x12" or 8"x11" sheets of paper in orange and green
Paper cutter (or scissors and a ruler)
Stapler or paperclips
String

Directions:

Cut one inch strips from the orange paper. I used 12x12 because I scrapbook and have tons of paper. I had enough strips from one sheet for 2 pumpkins and a few extra strips.

Then cut the strips into the following lengths:
One 12 inch, two 10 inch, two 8 inch and one 7 inch. I also tried various other sizes to make the final shape of the pumpkin different.

Hold all of the strips together with the ends flush, put them in size order with smallest one in the middle and the largest on the outside. Staple or paper clip the flush ends of the strips. Then make the strips on the other side, line up and staple them together.

For the leaves I folded a sheet of green paper in half and made a sort of bunny ear shape with the fold at the 'bottom of the ears'. Then I made a slit in the middle and slid it on top of the pumpkin. The original pin suggested you make the bunny ears with an extra trunk at the bottom so you can tape that to the top of the pumpkin on both sides.

Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti

This is another recipe I got from a neighbor, even though there are plenty of recipes I could pin for it.  I was never a big fan of Spaghetti Squash when I was younger. My mom would even make it with brown sugar and I still wouldn't eat it. But a few months ago my neighbor made Spaghetti Squash and added marinara and italian sausage and skeptical as I was I loved it! And it's super easy to make.

What you need:

1 Spaghetti Squash
1 jar of pasta sauce
Italian sausage, meatballs or ground beef

Directions:

I cooked my spaghetti squash in the microwave since that's the way  my mom always cooked it, but the food network says you can also bake it in the oven or boil it in a pot.

I placed my squash in a corningware dish with about an inch of water in it and used a large knife to make three slits in the top to help it steam.  Then place saran wrap loosely over the top (so it can rise) but make sure it is secured on all sides.

The after picture (I forgot to take one before)

Cook on high 20-30 minutes, until it is soft and dents when you lightly push on it.

When it is cool enough to handle place the squash on a cutting board and slice in half lengthwise. Spoon out the seeds in the middle and the "gunk".  Be careful not to scoop out the actual squash.

After the seeds are out, spoon the "spaghetti" out of the squash and top with sauce and meet.