Coastal Pumpkins? 11 Ideas to Try!

Why not?

I have been saving images and ideas for over a year on our Pinterest Board "Autumn on the Coast", and am inspired to try out my creativity (and Tom's carving skills!)  Especially now that we have moved to Half Moon Bay - home of the World Famous Pumpkin Festival,  I think I am ready to try my hand at carving something fun for Halloween with a coastal twist!

What do you think? 

Too Cute!  A collection of Nautical pumpkins from the Galveston Daily News - templates included if you click Here

 From HGTV Gardens - looks so simple!  Just need a good glue gun, some pretty starfish (shells, or seaglass too!) and a drill. Or a boyfriend that knows how to use a drill...  Instructions Here

  A fish "Pirate"!  Love the creativity in this one - 

 Loved this idea!  Might have to "haunt" the Halloween aisle at the craft store for a skull.... 

   Coastal Living Magazine - they even have free templates that you can print out and use!

 Gorgeous Display from Sand and Sisal, this might be more work that I can manage, but they are soooooo cool.

 More cool ideas from Coastal Living - and more Free Templates!

  A party with blue pumpkins - coastal colors, but still a little "scary"!  (source unknown)

  A South Carolina Pumpkin from Southern Living Magazine... maybe I could adapt it with our California Palm Trees?

 So dang creative!  Check out the instructions at Sand and Sisal.

And of course, an adorable whale pumpkin!  Images and instruction can be found at Quaint Living - so cute, and she has a ship pumpkin on her blog too.

Have a wonderful weekend - will let you know what happens.....

The Perfect Corner for Watching Waves...

Good Morning!  Loved this little romantic corner spot created by Lisa McDennon Design from Laguna Beach, California.   How can you go wrong? View, view, and more view!

I really like the idea of adding ceramic stools to a room. They are great space savers and super versatile accents for side tables.  Pretty, plus very practical.  The white is very serene, but adding color or natural textures might work too!

Tobias Garden Stool

Veneta Woven Stool

Here are a few more ideas to inspire creating your own hideaway space; a place to dream, read, enjoy a cup of tea or simply stare out to sea...

Add a soft throw -

Timothy Knit Cream Throw

Light Blue and Cream Coral Throw (reversible!) 

And of course a pretty (faux) coral piece to accent!

White Branch Coral on Crystal Base

Aqua Coral on Crystal Base

Don't forget a good set of binoculars too!

Now to find a great book to get lost in.... Too bad that will have to wait until next weekend.

Summer Fresh Melon Appetizers

Tom and I are still pinching ourselves!  We have moved to Half Moon Bay, and are just a 5-7 minute walk to the beach... we fall asleep after watching the sun dip into the Pacific Ocean, listening to waves crash and the fog horn blowing continuously.  (not complaining - I LOVE it!)

We are having the best time exploring our neighborhood, including the Andreotti   Family Farm, open every single day, and less than a 2 minute walk from our house. (on the way to the beach)  I never know what I will find to bring home for dinner!  Summer squash, golden beets, fennel, sun ripened tomatoes....

Last week, they had just picked big, ripe juicy cantaloupes from their field just behind the "barn". Could not resist bringing one home!

Have to share my super-easy, but sort of fancy Melon Prosciutto Appetizers.  We ordered something similar at an Italian Cafe last summer while exploring the North Beach neighborhood in the city, and have been trying to recreate it ever since.  This time, I think we created perfection. Absolute delish for summer!

Ingredients:

1/2 ripe cantaloupe melon
8 oz. prosciutto sliced thin
1/3 cup good extra virgin olive oil
fresh ground pepper
balsamic glaze

1. Seed and peel cantaloupe, cut into 2-3 inch chunks. Wrap slices of melon with with prosciutto.  Set aside.
2. Drizzle olive oil onto plate or serving platter. Grind fresh pepper over olive oil. (to taste)
3. Arrange melon and prosciutto wrapped pieces on top of olive oil and pepper on platter
4. Drizzle balsamic glaze over appetizers.  I keep some the glaze in my frig for occasions like this, you can buy pre-made or super easy to make your own.

Yum.