Carving pumpkins is a fun fall activity that the whole family can do together, but young children require carving projects that are a bit simpler (and safer) than others. Check out these adorable ideas for kid-friendly pumpkin carvings that your little ones will love.

Candy-Cursed Jack-o’-Lantern [Martha Stewart]
This pumpkin pattern may be simple, but that doesn’t mean that it’s boring. Instead of placing a candle inside, it’s made to accommodate a bowl of Halloween candy. The oversized mouth acts as a serving bowl for the sweets inside, and the kids will love to sneak a few pieces from their pumpkin once it’s complete.

Mini White Pumpkins [Apartment Therapy]
Mini pumpkins are much easier for kids’ tiny hands to navigate, and this project will transform them into something truly unique. By adding beady red eyes and costume vampire teeth, the kids can create an army of cute pumpkin vampires to put on display.

Cat Face [SheKnows]
This cat face pumpkin carving pattern is a bit more modern than most. It features a splashy silhouette of a scary cat face, and animal-loving children will get a kick out of carving it after a visit to the pumpkin patch. Although some of the smaller details may require some assistance, it can be a fun collaborative craft for parents and children.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/William Warby

Are you partial to chic, modern furnishings, or is your interior design style more of the cozy, vintage-inspired variety? Knowing exactly what types of furnishings you like best will make it much easier for you to decorate your home at BLVD l Loudoun Station. Here are a few great online quizzes that will help you to zero in on your specific interior design personality.

What’s Your Decorating Style?
This quiz from Coastal Living asks a series of very abstract questions about your lifestyle, your drink preferences, and even your preferred clothing style to help you figure out your interior design style. It also makes recommendations for decorating ideas once your results are in.

Style Maker Visual Quiz
Take this visual quiz from Stylish Home is best for visual learners, as it shows you a series of photos in order to help you determine your home decor preferences. Instead of simply asking you what types of furnishings you like, it actually shows them to you to help get a more accurate response.

Decorating Style Quiz
Better Homes & Gardens offers this fun mix of visual and word-based questions regarding your decor preferences, your personality, and your unique needs. Once you complete the quiz, it offers a general idea of your home decor personality.

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr IQRemix

You’ve never had to watch your weight before, but it seems like all of those years of eating whatever you want are suddenly catching up with you. If you’re about to embark on your first diet, use these simple tips to stay on track and maximize results.

1. Think about it in the long-term. Instead of thinking of your diet as something that will eventually end, consider it a lifestyle change. That way, you’ll be able to maintain your results and even indulge in the occasional treat.
2. Aim for realistic goals. Instead of starting an extreme diet to lose a very large amount of weight each week, set realistic goals that you can safely and healthily meet. For example, aiming to lose 2 pounds per week is a healthy and attainable weight loss goal that will still yield major results.
3. Skip the fad diets. Instead of falling for a fad diet that cuts out a major food group or involves complicated meal plans, opt for a healthy diet that includes whole foods and balanced meals.
4. Keep it simple. Fill your diet with fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and the occasional healthy whole grains and you’ll have no problem shedding those extra pounds.

Healthy Weight Loss and Dieting Tips [HelpGuide.org]
The 25 Best Diet Tricks of All Time [Health]
Jillian Michaels: Weight-Loss Tips That Work [Health]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr natasia.causse