Went to the Pumpkin Patch? Keep Your Pumpkins Preserved!

Went to the Pumpkin Patch? Keep Your Pumpkins Preserved!

  • SHANNON FOSTER-BOLINE
  • 10/7/18
 
 
As the Halloween inches closer and closer, a key craft of the season is pumpkin carving! To make your pumpkins last from now through Halloween (and maybe a little after), follow these tips to make sure your pumpkins are the freshest on the block:
 
1. Soak Your Pumpkins in Bleach. After gutting and carving your creation onto the face of your pumpkin, add it into a bucket of water with approximately three teaspoons of bleach mixed it. Let it soak for two to five minutes (don’t forget gloves to protect your hands from bleach!), then let the pumpkin dry. Your masterpiece, instead of falling apart in two days, will last up to a week longer!
 
2. Add Silica Gel Balls in Your Pumpkin. Crazily enough, this works! As silica gel helps to prevent moisture, your pumpkin will be much less moist and droopy after adding a packet of silica balls. Just put them on the inside of your pumpkin, and wait for this trick to work its magic!
 
3. Use Pumpkin Spray. Usually, pumpkin spray is sold at pumpkin patches, and one known pumpkin spray brand is Pumpkin Fresh. This just prevents fungus from growing on the pumpkin, therefore preventing decay. Every day, just spray some of this solution on your pumpkin to extend its life. Another spray option falls back on bleach some people want to just spray their pumpkins with a bleach mixture every day, and that works too!
 
4. Avoid Direct Sunlight. If none of these options seem appealing, not having your pumpkin in direct sunlight (until the day you really want it on display, or on Halloween) can help to keep it hydrated enough not to dry out, but also prevent it from getting too humid and drooping. This isn’t the most foolproof way to preserve your pumpkin, but nonetheless remains an option!
SHANNON FOSTER-BOLINE

SHANNON FOSTER-BOLINE

About The Author

ABOUT SHANNON FOSTER-BOLINE

Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant financial decisions people make — and it deserves thoughtful, strategic guidance, not pressure.

I’m Shannon Foster-Boline, a Realtor serving the Greater Knoxville area, including West Knoxville and surrounding communities. I work with buyers, sellers, and relocation clients who value clear communication, strong preparation, and a calm, informed approach — especially in higher-value and more complex transactions where details truly matter.

My role goes far beyond opening doors or managing contracts. I help clients evaluate options, anticipate challenges, and make confident decisions aligned with their long-term goals. Many of my clients are busy professionals, move-up buyers, and established homeowners who want an experienced advisor they can trust to manage the process efficiently and thoughtfully.

With more than 1,100 homes sold and over $270 million in lifetime sales, I bring deep local market knowledge and real-world experience to every transaction. I’ve represented a wide range of clients — from first-time buyers to luxury sellers — and I tailor my approach to fit each client’s priorities, timeline, and decision-making style.

MY APPROACH

Clients often describe working with me as steady, strategic, and reassuring.

I believe:

  • Strategy matters more than urgency

  • Local market insight matters more than national headlines

  • Clear communication reduces stress and leads to better outcomes

  • Preparation creates leverage — whether you’re buying or selling

My approach is best suited for clients who are prepared to engage thoughtfully in the process — with clear financial readiness, defined priorities, and an appreciation for strategic guidance.

I’m especially well-suited for clients navigating:

  • Move-up purchases and higher-value sales

  • Coordinated buy-sell timelines

  • New construction and well-designed modern homes

  • Established and architecturally distinctive neighborhoods

  • Complex negotiations requiring experience and composure

EXPERIENCE & LEADERSHIP

In addition to client work, I’ve been deeply involved in real estate leadership and education throughout East Tennessee. I’ve served in multiple leadership roles within East Tennessee Realtors® and Tennessee Realtors®, including President of East Tennessee Realtors®.

I hold several advanced professional designations, including:

  • Certified Residential Specialist (CRS®)

  • Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI®)

  • Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®)

  • Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE®)

  • Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®)

These credentials reflect my commitment to education, ethics, and professional excellence — but my focus always remains on delivering thoughtful guidance and strong results for my clients.

BEYOND REAL ESTATE

Outside of work, I’m a mom, partner, and avid gardener who values community, connection, and a well-lived life.

I love travel, historic architecture, and exploring neighborhoods — both locally and abroad. Those experiences shape how I connect with clients who are navigating meaningful transitions and making big, often emotional, decisions.

CONSIDERING A MOVE?

Whether you’re actively planning a move or simply thinking ahead, I believe good decisions start with good information.

If you’re looking for an experienced, steady, and strategic real estate advisor — someone who values quality over volume — I’d be honored to help. If you’d like to better understand my approach and who I work best with, you can learn more about how I work with clients here.

Work With Us

We understand the elements of the individual needs and the unique process of each transaction. At the end of the day, we want you to walk away feeling that you have received an amazing experience with our team and that you have been able to realize your dream of selling or buying a home!

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