From Trader's Joe's to Ralphs and Armstrong Nursery there are pumpkins galore ready to take home for carving.
Unlike this YouTube video of a man who opts to use a gun to "carve" his pumpkin, you might want to try these tips offered by Kim Schubert, a HEARTS4 healing guild member for in Laguna Niguel.
Also a mom, and trauma intervention program volunteer, who has two kids, Schubert says:
1. Timing is a big thing, if the weather is too hot, carving too early won't work. The pumpkin will fall apart, so don't carve until two-three days before you want to show it off.
2. Choose a size large enough to scoop out the insides and create a decent front design.
3. Use a sharp knife to cut the top, and use a big serving spoon to scoop out insides. You can buy a tool kit if you are doing intricate carving at hobby stores.
4. Make sure you have a tiny candle to light it inside, but make sure to clean entirely so there is no pumpkin residue.
5. Bake seeds. Clean them off, rinse, remove stringy residue, spread on baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and low back until lightly brown.
"Pumpkin carving is a great neighborhood activity," Schubert said. "When my kids were younger, we'd make it into a party and at the end of the night line them all up. We'd have prizes and celebrate.
