Oh no. It's the time of year for ghosties and goulies and long legged beasties and things that go bump in the night!! If you're making a pumpkin lantern why not try making spicy pumpkin soup?

Simply put the pumpkin, a small peeled and chopped potato, about a pint of vegetable stock and some chilli powder and pepper (to taste) into a saucepan and simmer for about half an hour or until the veg are soft. Then blend and voila, a delicious and warming soup, ideal if you're going out trick or treating. Just don't forget to put your pumpkin into the composter on 1st November!

Have a good one!

On Saturday 27th October the RSPB are asking everyone across the country to feed the birds. If you don't already help out our feathered friends why not get a bird feeder and give them a head start in the oncoming winter. If you already help why not put up another one. Even if you live in a place without a garden you can get window feeders which stick directly to your window offering you a great view of the birds feeding.

For more information and great tips on what and how to feed the birds in your area visit www.rspb.co.uk and do your bit to help save our threatened garden birds.

can you help me build a forest and raise money to plant trees? By clicking my link below you will add a leaf to me forest. When 100 million leaves have been 'grown' over all the forests the company will give back 10,00 euros to re-plant trees. You can click every day and watch the forest grow. You can even start your own forest - let me know your link and I will reciprocate. Please click http://jackswoods.un-clic-pour-la-foret.com

Lets grow some trees for such little time.

It is that time of year when the trees bring out their autumn colours, the nights draw in and our thoughts turn to the central heating. STOP! Before you touch that thermostat have a look at these green tips to help you keep warm in winter as well as being eco-friendly and saving cash in the process.

This October is forecast to be bright and warm, so make the most of our most natural heater by opening your curtains and letting the sun stream in through clean windows (vinegar and newspaper are great for keeping windows sparkling). If you can take down those net curtains; you'll be amazed at how warm even the weak winter sun can make your rooms feel.

Check your pipes are lagged properly. Inadequate lagging and insulation contribute greatly to heat loss in your house. These days there are numerous green alternatives you can choose, such as wool, as although the cost is initially high you will notice the difference when your fuel bills start dropping!

If you have unused rooms in your house turn off the heating and close the door.

Block up drafts around windows and doors; simply changing to heavy curtains can make all the difference at night. Ensure that you draw them as soon as it gets dusk so that heat isn't lost.

If you can't afford double glazing you can obtain cheap, secondary glazing that will help reduce heat loss. For a real, cheap alternative why not try cling film. Sounds mad but it does the job.

Before you touch the heating look at yourself. Could you just put on a jumper instead?

Please visit my site at www.ecoready.info for more tips and advice on getting a greener lifestyle. It isn't as hard as you might think.