Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

It's pumpkin season!!!  While technically you can make pumpkin dishes anytime of year, the fall is the perfect time for them!  I have a few favorites I'll be sharing with you over the next several weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.  I'd love to hear your favorites too...share with me in the comments!

We went to a pumpkin carving event at a local park yesterday.  They already have the pumpkins cleaned out and ready for you to carve.  The idea is for people to come and carve a pumpkin, leave it there, then come back the next weekend where they set them up in the park and have them lit!  It really is a fun time. 

Well, we had such a good time, we decided to come home and carve our own.  My daughter LOVED cleaning out the pumpkin and gave me the seeds to roast.  

So first fun treat....roasted pumpkin seeds. 

I started by putting the seeds in a colander and thoroughly rinsing them.  Use your hands to separate them while the water is running over them.  This helps loosen up any pumpkin guts still attached.  Then I spread them out on a baking sheet and let them dry out overnight. 

We decided to make ours sweet.  Here is the recipe we used...

1.5 cups fresh pumpkin seeds
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
sea salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Toss seeds in a bowl with olive oil, brown sugar, cinnamon and a pinch or 2 of salt.  Spread out evenly onto a greased baking sheet. 

Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring seeds halfway. 

Let seeds cool and then store in an airtight container.  Enjoy!

Now you have a cute, carved pumpkin and a yummy treat!

Back to School....Locker Set Up

It's back to school time around here and we are SLOWLY getting ready to head back.  My daughter is heading into 6th grade this year, so the excitement for back to school isn't as much as it was in elementary school.  This year brings changing classes and learning a new side of the building.  She also has a new locker and that brings excitement of decorating but nervousness of getting it opened!  

She got to go in this week and check out her locker and walk her schedule.  Decorating the locker was top of the list so off we went!   We started by checking out all the back to school sections at Target, Walmart and Five Below for locker decor. 

At her school you are not supposed to use tape on the lockers, so magnets are key!    My daughter had to have a mirror, dry erase board and pencil holder.  We also made a little banner out of some pretty pattern paper to add another fun touch.  

I saw several kids using wallpaper in their locker.  They sell a magnetic version but you could also use pattern paper, cut to fit it snug inside the locker and adhere with magnets.  Pictures are another fun thing to add to your locker to add personality!  

The sky's the limit when choosing decor items for your locker.  But in reality students don't spend that much time at their lockers, so keeping it practical is probably best.  

Organizing your locker is another thing to think about.  They make various shelves that can add space to the bottom of your locker.  This year she opted for the basic wire shelf.  This can help divide your books between classes before lunch and those after.  

We also like using baskets, pencil cups or boxes to store extra supplies in the top of your locker.  Staying organized is a key to being a good student.  You will know where your things are and assignments/supplies won't get lost!

EtchLife Shop

Have you all heard of EtchLife?  If yes, don't you just love their products!  If no, well then I'm here to tell you all about them!!!  I have recently become an Etch Girl or an affiliate with their online store.  This means I'm going to be sharing their wonderful products with you and if you shop through my affiliate link, then I will earn a little bit from your purchase.  

EtchLife is a Christian lifestyle brand that creates beautiful products to help each of us intentionally weave our faith into everyday life.  When we are seeing God's word and truths in our home, in the car, on ourselves and kids, it helps to keep us Christ focused.  These products are designed to help you learn God’s word, live it out, and share it with others.

This not on my own shirt is one of my favorite items right now.  It is so soft and comfy to wear.  I get comments/questions from people when I'm out and about, so it can be a great conversation starter!  It's also a great reminder that we don't have to figure out everything on our own.  God is with us in ALL that we do!

I love that the EtchLife products have verses tied to them.  These products are designed to help you live a gospel centered life.

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.  Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. 
-Proverbs 3.5 (MSG)

I would love for you to check out the EtchLife shop and come back to tell me what your favorite product is.  Or if you order, tell me what you order.  I know I've got my wish list!  I'll be sharing more of their amazing products here and on instagram if you want to follow along!

My teachings are precious...etch them on the chambers of your heart.    

-Proverbs 7.3 (MSG)   

Handmade Leather Earrings

Do you love the look of big statement earrings but don't want the weight of them pulling on your ears?  That was totally me about a year ago.  I love wearing earrings to accessorize my outfits but hated that larger ones were heavy, hurt my ears or even made them red and irritated.  I saw some leather earrings online and heard they were so lightweight.  I entered a giveaway and won a pair.  I was instantly in love with them!  I ordered another pair and then decided I wanted to try and make my own.  I had made jewelry before and had most of the tools I needed already on hand.  All I really needed was some leather and patterns.

After I had made several pairs, some friends expressed interest in them as well.  So I began selling them locally, but do ship for a small fee. A friend of mine hadn't worn earrings in years because of how they hurt her ears.  But when she saw these, she tried them and LOVED how they made a statement without being heavy or hurting.  All the hooks I use on my earrings are nickel free.  I have sensitive ears and I hear that from many friends too.  So I always make sure they are labeled as such.

There are so many fun patterns and colors of leather available.  I try to get what I can locally as to keep costs low.  My main goal was to make them super affordable!  It has become quite the fun hobby!  I cut all the leather by hand and assemble the earrings myself.  I often work with friends to create patterns or sizes they are interested in.

I have several friends who are oil users.  Guess what?!  These can be used as oil diffuser earrings!  You just put a drop on the back of the leather earring and wear your oils while looking cute!    

They also make great gifts for your family members, teachers or other earring lovers in your life!  I have them available in several different shapes and sizes.  My daughter is 11 and wears earrings occasionally.  When she expressed interest in wearing some, I created the small size with her in mind.  It has quickly become one of my most popular sizes!  If you are interested in seeing what I have available, check out my Facebook page June&Jo Leather Earrings.