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Happy Halloween 2011

October 24, 2011  |  fall
Jack-o-lanterns

Halloween and Beggar's Night are rapidly approaching (Monday, 10/31 from 6:00-8:00, to be exact, in most communities), so it's time to carve those pumpkins and make sure your front stoop is ready for little goblins and princesses! Carved pumpkins are at their best for only a short time: to keep them looking good for as long as possible, try these tips. Choose a pumpkin with a healthy, sturdy, intact stem. Look for a pumpkin that has not been stored in a big pile or on the damp ground. Pick a pumpkin with no nicks or bruises. After cleaning the insides out of the pumpkin, submerge it for about an hour in amixture of 1 teaspoon bleach to one gallon of water. Thoroughly dry the pumkin inside and out, then coat the inside and cut surfaces with a thin layer of vegetable oil, Vaseline, or WiltStop. Add some Halloween decor (now 75% off) and colorful mums (three $15!) and you'll be ready to welcome any little ghost or superhero who comes along!