A working mom trying to do it all ....and succeeding!
Halloween is coming and I’ve always wanted to make one of those fancy pumpkins. I have been making the old triangle eyes and nose pumpkins for 30 years!! It’s tradition. But I envy those house that have owls carved into them or pretty designs on them. This year I am breaking tradition!!
I received a box full of different Pumpkin Masters carving kits to play with. Instead of it just being my family I decided to invite my neighbor and her family over to make a night of it! We had a pumpkin-pizza party! I bought a pumpkin for each of my children, but my thirteen year old son decided he didn’t want to participate that night so I got to play instead! First things first. Got to get the insides out. But save those seeds!! I love me some pumpkin seeds. 
There were several kits to choose from. The kids choose a template from the Pumpkin Masters for Kids kit. Pumpkin Masters kits are available at most local grocery, drug, or craft store, and nationally at Target and Walmart. Savannah choose a cat and Hunter chose a spider. You have to tear out the page and cut the template out. Then tape the paper to the pumpkin. They even have the spots marked where to place the tape. The templates have holes in them and the kids then colored in the holes to create a design.
Then you remove the paper and take the saw and poke into the colored spots. It was a little difficult for the kids to do this and the adults had to take over for this part. Once you’ve sawed all the spots you can then poke out the cut pieces and viola! You have your design!
I got to try out the Decorating Punches Kit. It wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. I did need some help from the men. But it did come out pretty. (I need to clean out the holes)
Other kits include: Pumpkin Carving Kit and Surface Carving Kit. They also have Xtreme Strobe Flashing LED Lights that you can place inside the pumpkin.
Wondering weather or not you should try a Pumpkin Masters kit? I say go ahead! It’s a great way t0 spend time with family and/or friends. make a night of it! Plus it’s better than using those big kitchen knives!!
You can also submit a picture of your carving and have a chance to win one of six prizes! Pumpkin Masters is hosting their annual Pumpkin Masters Carving Contest. Just share your picture on Instagram or Twitter with #PumpkinMasters2013. Or submit via the Facebook app or send via email to: social@pumpkinmasters.com to enter for the chance to win one of six prizes, including $5,000 for the Best Pumpkin. Contest runs from October 1 – 31, 2013. Contest details and official rules here.
You can win a Pumpkin Masters carving kit, valued at $35 right here on Mommy Has to Work. You will get everything below minus the pumpkins! 
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
This post was created in partnership with Smart Ones®. All opinions are my own.
I am a breakfast eater. I love breakfast foods! Mostly eggs, bacon and potatoes. But those are not great foods to eat everyday. With the holidays a coming I need to watch what I eat so I can eat those special treats that I will be baking soon.
Smart Ones has some great options to choose from. They have a new oatmeal that you can take from the freezer and just pop in into the microwave with all kinds of yummy ingredients!
It comes in three delicious varieties: Apple & Cinnamon, Maple & Brown Sugar and Peaches & Cream. I received some coupons to try this tasty new breakfast and I chose the Apple and Cinnamon. It was easy to make and delicious to eat! The Peaches and Cream sound wonderful once winter comes.
You have a chance to win $5,000 at eatyourbest.com/inspiring.
Smart Ones® Oatmeal is a smart and wholesome way to begin your day. And it’s the inspiration for all kinds of smart beginnings – for you, your friends, and those in need. That’s why we’re launching the Inspiring Smart Beginnings sweepstakes, where one lucky Smart Ones® fan could win $5,000! What’s more, every time you or a friend share about the promotion, Smart Ones® will make a donation to Dress for Success® (up to $10,000), an organization that helps people in need get back on their feet.
Plus I have a couple coupons for you to try it too! Just leave a comment telling me what your favorite breakfast is.
