You should do this before purchasing a pumpkin in the store, and again when you get home. You want to buy a pumpkin that is the same color and texture throughout. Darker, mushier portions of the pumpkin indicate rotting. If you notice some parts of the pumpkin have rotted after bringing it home, cut these parts off with a knife before cooking the pumpkin. If you don't have a vegetable brush, a rough, clean cloth should work. This will help loosen up any dirt and debris, allowing you to easily rinse off any contaminants. You do not need to use water here. You will rinse the pumpkin off later.  Pumpkins can be very big, so this takes some patience. Make sure to scrub down the entire surface of the pumpkin. Make sure not to scrub too hard. You don't want to end up scraping off the skin of the pumpkin. You can just use tap water here. Simply run the pumpkin under the faucet in your sink. Make sure to turn the pumpkin as needed to rinse off all sides. If you see any dirt or debris sticking onto the pumpkin, gently rub it off using your fingers or a clean cloth. Once you've cleaned the surface of the pumpkin, you slice the pumpkin in half. Slice the pumpkin down the middle using a sharp knife that slices evenly. Be sure to go slow and keep your fingers away from the blade to avoid accidentally harming yourself. A serrated spoon, such as a grapefruit spoon, works great to remove pumpkin seeds. You can also use an ice cream scoop. Scrape the spoon along the inside of each half of the pumpkin. Remove all the seeds from inside.  Once you have removed the seeds, your pumpkin is ready to cook. When carving a pumpkin, you need to make sure the inside walls are very smooth. This is not necessary when cleaning out a pumpkin to cook. Do not worry too much if the sides are uneven or a little mushy. Just make sure to get out all the seeds.

Summary: Inspect the pumpkin for any rotten parts. Scrub the outside of the pumpkin with a vegetable brush. Rinse the pumpkin under water to remove any dirt. Cut the pumpkin in half. Remove the seeds.


A package plan is one where a traveler purchases airfare, hotel, meals and ground transportation as a bundle. A package doesn't need to include all these elements, but generally combines at least two of them. This often gives you cheaper flying rates. Often you will find package deals with rental cars and cheaper tickets in the suburbs of Los Angeles.

Summary: Determine which type of package plan you want. Look for packages that offer hotel and airfare in the off-season. Think about flying into Los Angeles airports on the outskirts of the city.


Pull up that ugly chain link or prefab slat fence and put in a new one made from whitewashed boards, molded concrete, or wrought iron. These types of rugged materials are perfect for creating a bit of pleasant contrast. The result will be a blend of bohemian and contemporary that’s virtually timeless.  Design and construct a fence to your own specifications yourself, or call a contractor to have it done professionally. Be prepared to pay $1,500-3,000 USD for installation, depending on your preferred materials and the amount of ground you have to cover.  Fences are also useful for keeping out scavenging animals and protecting against wind and water erosion. Go with a privacy fence 6 feet (1.8 m) in height or taller to preserve the peaceful seclusion of your garden. Turn an ordinary backyard garden into an idyllic outdoor sanctuary by embellishing it with man-made accents. Draw inspiration from antique Greek sculpture or keep things uniquely with vivid modern art installations. Even a simple piece of yard art like a gazing globe or sundial can add some much-needed flair. You can find affordable premade concrete statues and other accessories at most gardening stores. Place miniature fairy houses and figures in small containers like flower pots, wash tubs, and hollow tree trunks to create the appearance of tiny homes or villages. These playful setups have become increasingly popular among homeowners with limited garden space. You can find them online or make your own. The rippling water and soft tweeting of birds will introduce the element of sound, delighting the senses. Since these pieces command so much attention, they’re best saved for the central part of your garden or perhaps an outlying corner that you’re particularly proud of.  Putting in a self-recycling fountain may require you to modify your underground plumbing. These types of water fixtures tend to attract small animals, which could present a problem if you use your garden for growing vegetables. Pick out some broad, flat stones and use them to direct foot traffic through a winding garden path. You can simply collect these yourself, or purchase them to the exact size and specifications that you’re looking for. Be sure to arrange the stones appropriately so they each sit at a natural walking distance.  Alternating between darker and lighter colored stones can offer more visual depth. You could also lay down wooden planks in place of stones for a more enchanting woodsy feel. As an alternative to conventional landscape lighting, try hanging multicolored string lights or oriental paper lanterns. Set up soft-glowing spotlights to showcase impressive sculptures or floral arrangements, or place tea lights between plants and in open area to mimic fireflies.  Be careful if you’re using real candles for illumination. They can become a fire hazard if you forget about them or kick one over by accident. If you have a table in the lounging area you set up, you could also make a tabletop fire bowl to set on top of it for another cozy light source.

Summary: Build a fence. Put in statues or other ornaments. Bring to life your own fairy garden. Install a fountain or bird bath. Line footpaths with stepping stones. Upgrade your outdoor lighting.


" The noun form of the verb parar is typically used to talk about stops or stations used in public transportation. You can also add a descriptor. For example, "parada de autobús" means "bus stop." For example: "La siguiente parada es Bruselas y la última Copenhague." ("The next station is Brussels and the last station is Copenhagen.") When a goalkeeper makes a save, or a defender prevents a goal from happening, you may call this a "stop" in English. Similarly, in Spanish you can call it a "parada." For example: "Su parada excelente ganó el partido." ("His excellent save [stop] won the game.") " If a car or truck is broken down, you might refer to it as "parada," or "stopped." This word can also be used to refer to other types of machinery that are broken or out of service for any reason. For example: "La hélice está parada." ("Our propeller is stopped/jammed.") " Parada is a noun, but parado is an adjective that can also be used to describe something that is stopped or standing still. Since parado changes form to match the gender and number of the noun it modifies, it can also be parada, but it isn't always translated in the same sense. For example, "ha parado de llover" would be translated as "the rain has stopped." But if you said "el portero estaba parado al lado de la portería," that would mean "The goalie was standing next to the goal."
Summary: Refer to train or bus stops as "paradas. Use parada in sports to talk about a save. Refer to a broken machine as "parada. Distinguish between "parada" and "parado.