by LaTanya Williams

If you and your family are looking for a creative way to participate in the fall activities before getting all eerie, why not try a good ole’ fashion pumpkin carving? According to Better Homes and Garden, the great jack o’ lantern began as a part of Celtic history. It later made its way into American tradition in the 1800’s and continues to be a popular annual craft today.  Whether you are hoping to spark creativity or ward off goons and goblins, you can try out these top tips for making this spooky harvest time staple.

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#1 Ready, Set, Carve

One the fastest ways to create a unique pumpkin is to use a carving tool kit. There are many different kinds of kits available at local hardware, retail, and craft stores. You might get a few weird looking slicers and splicers like a hole punch, a scooper, and a poker wheel. Other sets include sharp tools, hole cutters, electronic carvers, and pencils. Just be certain to find one that is safe and age appropriate for your family.

#2 Cutting Up for Crafts

Stencils might also come in handy while you carve out your next frightful pumpkin face. There are thousands of pumpkin patterns and stencils available online. You can easily search, click, download, and print patterns. You and your family can create silly faces, movie characters, unicorns, and animals or try carve-less pumpkin decorating options.

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#3 Fright Free Leftovers

There are also quite a few cool things that you can do with the pumpkin after Halloween. You can make a long list of leftovers, from savory hummus and baked bread to pumpkin spiced latte. If you have furry friends in your family, you can even make pumpkin dog treats. Best of all, according to Terri Coles of  Huffington Post Canada, these leftovers are filled with lots of great vitamins.

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Halloween can be lots of fun for families. Pumpkin carving gives everyone time to gather together and practice their artistic gifts. Whether trying out a super goop scooping stainless steel carving kit, using masterful stencil designs, or simply waiting for the post Halloween menu items, pumpkin carving is still a timeless tradition.

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Few cars match the Ford Focus’s style, space, and affordability. The 2017 Ford focus serves as an exciting addition to the Ford family with the same well known elements.  You can expect to be wowed by this year’s newest version.  It is also well priced at $16,775 and economically convenient with 25/34 standard miles per gallon.

Exterior

You will be immediately taken by the trendy, authentic body style. This new model is somewhat lowered with aerodynamic enhancing accents and a stand out exhaust system. The 18-inch aluminum wheels are also a fancy fit for this model. No matter what impressive colors you choose from Kona Blue, Race Red, Blue Candy Metallic, Stealth Gray or Oxford White, you’ll be easily recognizable when you arrive in this dapper new model. It is the ultimate representation of mod contortion.

Power

There is nothing left to be desired when it comes to power as well. This 2017 Focus screams get up and go. One hard press on the gas petal and you’ll find out just what this model is made of. Design features that cover this area include 350 horsepower, 350 pound feet of torque, and a remarkable all-wheel drive system that makes for a smooth day to day commute.

Engine

The 2.3 L EcoBoost engine is a major contributing factor the models reinforced navigation possibilities. Driving economical doesn’t mean driving without distinction. This well-crafted engine will motivate buyers to make a quick visit to the nearest lot for a test drive.

Performance

You can expect great things regarding performance. Each part has been purposefully aligned to improve speed handling capabilities, tire reliability, and distribution of power. This ride offers several options including normal, sport, and track driving functions that make for a varied driving experience every time you hit the road.

Interior

There’s more quality where that came from. The interior craftsmanship takes the wow factor to another level, unveiling Ford’s sheer finesse. You can expect intricate French seams on the seats, adjustable head rests, carbon fiber accents, and aluminum foot petals. Winters will pass quickly without much discontentment. The heated seats, mirrors, steering wheels will keep you warm. There are also a few dandy functions for the ecofriendly like soy based foam and other recycled materials.

Safety Features

It is safe to say that this is an excellent choice for drivers looking for a modernistic new look with polished additions. It received an impressive 5-star rating from the national highway traffic safety administration, which is the highest possible rating. When it comes to this car’s ability to keep you and your family protected on the road you can expect top level enforcement from multiple angles.

The 2017 Ford Focus offers the perfect mix of accommodating features at an affordable price, giving drivers a reason get excited behind the wheel. You’ll also enjoy dazzling technology features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto compatibility, and park assist. It is easy to call this new model quite irresistible, especially if you are already on the market.

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As a winner of the ‘World’s Leading Airline Award’ widely known for its explosive growth the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways gives international travelers many great reasons to pack their suitcases. Travelers can expect exceptional service, premium amenities, and first-class comfort as they journey around the world.  Skyscanner allows customers locate the most cost efficient options and book flights with ease.

Etihad’s onboard amenities are one reason why they are the fastest growing airline in our region. They know that guests prefer options. Passengers can access on-board wireless internet services to access the web using Etihad WI-FLY. They can also indulge in a wide range of movies, television series, music, news, sports, and gaming in multiple languages. Etihad has included the latest and greatest offerings to keep customers occupied for long trips.

Website

http://www.etihad.com/

Social Media Accounts

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/etihad.airways/

Twitter: twitter.com/ EtihadAirways

Instagram: @etihadairways

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With moderate temperatures all year long and inspiring architectural design that dates back to the Middle Ages, Lisbon is a must see for international travelers. Whether looking for new inspiration or the perfect spot to take a quick selfie, you will find many authentic venues to appease your senses.

Historical presence – The Belém Tower

The Belém Tower is one of many majestic centerpieces within this city. Its intricate stone features and eloquent structures are a sight to behold. Expect to be stirred by the works of Francisco de Arrudo, who infused the tower with Moroccan architectural design. The address is Av. Brasília, 1400-038. The hours of operation are 10.00 am to 5.00pm from October to April, and additional hours are available from May to September.

No boat required – The Port of Lisbon

The Port of Lisbon is located at 94, Rua da Junqueira and features a vast number of places to capture the essence of the land. It is a major port in Portugal that serves the needs of both tourists and businesses. Visitors can gain access to cruise onboarding, or take a simple stroll along one of four wondrous docks. There are also tons of unique places to grab a meal.

Artistic delight – Teatro Nacional Doῆa Maria II

For arts enthusiasts, the Teatro Nacional Doῆa Maria II in Rossio Square is another exciting tourist attraction. It is a historical building that features exciting performances, classic plays, and live entertainment. Rossio square is the perfect place for a timeless photograph, with enormous columns and magnificent waterfalls to enhance your background. The inside offers a wide range of thrilling opportunities to cater to your creative desires. It is located at Praça Dom Pedro IV, 1100-201.

Inspiration at a glance – Mosteiro Jerónimos

Showcasing prestigious architecture and lavish structures, the Mosteiro Jerónimos is another place of interest in Lisbon. This is a popular venue for artists, writers, and researchers who enjoy learning about past times. Visitors can discover over 500 years of history, authentic exhibitions, and cultural artifacts behind its glorious entryways. Tickets are available for €10 and admission is free on the first Sunday of each month.

A revered past – Rua Augusta Arch

While visiting Lisbon, be sure not miss out on the Rua Augusta Arch. This is another must see during your travels. The massive display of renowned figures and grand statues will leave you with a lasting impression. Fanciful structures, which include Celestin Anotole Calmels, Marquis of Pombal, Vasco de Gama, and Nuno Alvares Pereira, represent Portuguese’s rich history. This venue is located at Rua Augusta, 2. The hours of operation are from 9.00am to 7.00pm and there is a fee for building entrance.

Grab your selfie stick, your journal, or your canvas and expect to wowed by the fancies of this beautiful city. There will be plenty of reasons to fill your camera with magical moments. Whether taking a long shot to capture the elegance of the Belem tower, or an extreme long shot while catching a show at the Teatro Nacional Doῆa Maria II, you can expect a riveting experience. Lisbon is a classic and historical city with tons of exciting venues and features to fill your schedule.