Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Roasted pumpkin seeds make a delicious healthy snack. I get my seeds from the market, where they sell pieces of pumpkin. The merchants usually throw the seeds away, but one of my favorite merchants gives them to me once a week. So, if you don't know how to make them, here's how I do it:

First, separate the seeds from the pulp, rinse them and drain them in a colander.

I dry them slightly with paper towels.

Spread them out on a cookie sheet with about two tablespoons of vegetable oil.

Bake in a pre-heated oven, 425°F, 220°C, gas mark 7. I roast mine for about 20 minutes, but the baking time may vary in different ovens, or if you like them very crunchy.

Stir the seeds once or twice during this time to make sure they are evenly roasted.

When they are a golden brown, remove from oven and add salt. If you are on a low-salt diet, you can add herbs, or other spices.

Enjoy these whenever you want to munch on something crisp!

Monday Moodboard: Get Some Sun!

Turning the clocks back is somewhat depressing: suddenly it gets dark early and we know that the days are getting shorter anyway. Everyone loves the sun and I'm an advocate of hibernation for humans! I wish I could sleep right through the winter! Most of us can't but we can surround ourselves with sunny colors. So, get out and get as much sun as you can and check out these European Street Team shops:

Top left: kreativlink

Top right: artwatercolor

Bottom left: ayca

Bottom right: malam

For more Monday moodboards featuring items from the talented EST, go to fleurfatale's blog.

A Trip to the States

I spent last week in the States, not for a pleasant reason, but I did get to spend time with my sister and her family, and we tried to have a bit of fun. Her house is decorated for Hallowe'en, and she lights her special lights each night: the jack 'o lantern, the devil, the skull...the house is aglow with spooky images! Lots of her decorations are from the early seventies; they decorated our house and our grandparents' house when we were kids.

Much to my surprise, my mother had kept a bust I did of my husband when we first met.

I was just out of art school and I did this in the living room of his apartment! Clay and plaster everywhere, you can imagine the mess. Well, I don't think it looks like him, not that he has changed much, but I didn't capture him too well. My kids laughed and said I should try to do better, it isn't a good likeness.

My mother also kept lots of photos, souvenirs, holiday cards, and believe it or not, this trophy that I received when I graduated second in my class from High School. Horrible, isn't it? But I suppose my mom kept it for sentimental reasons!

We had some blue crabs for dinner one night. I found them an especially beautiful blue color, so I had to take a "before" photo.

Vegetarians, look away, since the last photo is an "after" photo. All cooked and ready to be eaten!

Monday Moodboard

Well, it's Monday and my birthday! I've made my first moodboard, something festive featuring some of my favorite EST artists.
Top left: staroftheeast

Top right: carmenesque

Bottom left: fleurfatale

Bottom right: sigmosaics

To see other moodboards, go to FleurFatale's blog!