FEELING...BLACK & WHITE

I kept things pretty simple this year for Halloween, and although I didn't get dressed up to celebrate, I still managed to eat way too much candy! Anyways, I just wanted to pop in and wish you a Happy Halloween and show you a few things inspiring me right now. I am always I huge fan of graphic prints and lately I've been loving black and white.

Shop These Items: Kate Spade Cat Burglar Hat // Baba Souk Graphic Cheese Plate // Sugar Paper Calendar // Leif Inkstroke Scarf // H&M Candle // Leif Blackwood Batik Salad Serving Set // Catbird Cat Eye Mask // Milkhaus Design Polka-dot Zip Clutch.

LET'S EAT: SKULL PUMPKIN PANCAKES

I'm a fan of skulls any time of year, but especially during Halloween, so it's not surprising that I fell in love when I saw these skull pancake molds. When I was younger Halloween was all about the costumes, but as I've gotten older I have noticed that I am more excited about spooky decorations and festive treats instead. Now, don't get me wrong. I love a good costume party, but sometimes the stress of finding, making and affording the costume I envision myself wearing on Halloween ends up with me spending countless hours with a hot glue gun or braving the crowds at the Halloween store. I have yet to decide if I will be dressing up this year, but I am almost certain that these pancakes have become a new Halloween tradition. Making homemade pancakes is definitely worth the effort and these pumpkin pancakes will taste amazing whether you have skull pancake molds or not!

QUEEN OF DIAMONDS

I am loving these brightly colored pillows and wall hanging, so much so, I may be inspired to try crocheting in attempt to make my own.

Image source.

LET'S EAT: ALMOND RAISIN GRANOLA BARS

As I mentioned before, I have a tendency to snack frequently and I rarely leave the house without throwing a granola bar (or two) into my purse before I rush out the door in the morning. It's actually a little embarrassing to admit just how many granola bars I eat on a regular basis and I am surprised it has taken me this long to try making them myself. Not only is it a lot cheaper than buying store-bought varieties, but they're surprisingly easy to make too. I modified this recipe by replacing the chocolate chips with 1/2 cup of golden raisins and 1/2 cup of slivered almonds, but feel free to use whatever mix-ins you prefer!

Side Note: When searching for granola bar recipes to try, I came up with an overwhelming amount of possibilities and it was difficult to know how each recipe was different, when so many use very similar ingredients. I kept wondering if each recipe would result in crunchy or chewy granola bars or if the flavor would be more sweet or more salty? Many of the recipes I found did not have a detailed description of the texture or flavor of the finished granola bars, so I have decided to give these a "tastes like" comparison to its most closely related store-bought variety.

In my opinion these granola bars are most closely related to the crunchy texture of Nature Valley Crunchy granola bars and are similarly as sweet. I will admit I slightly over-baked my batch of granola bars, so they may have been more crunchy for this reason, although they still tasted great. Also, these granola bars are similarly just as crumbly and brittle as the store-bought version, but again, this does not inhibit their taste and is just something to be noted. I hope this comparison helps and I would love to hear if you try this recipe and how they turn out for you!

Photography, design & styling by Jessica of SAS + ROSE. Recipe found here.

FEELING...SLIGHTLY RUSTIC

Lately, I've been inspired by items that have a rustic, handmade quality, and fell in love when I came across this tapestry. I can imagine it warming up a modern apartment that looks like this or adding personality to an eclectic bedroom like this. Although it takes a little more time and effort to seek out  original artwork, I love the character and personality it adds to one's home. Here are a few items that were inspired by this wall hanging, that I'm totally loving right now. Which is your favorite?

Shop These Items:  A Mano Waving Mountains Tapestry // Prisma Necklace by It Was And Will Be on Etsy //  Madewell Raindrop Ring // Baba Souk Little Magician Bracelet Trio // Leif Pebble Bud Vase // Crossing Arrows Stationery by Native Bear on Etsy.

SUBTLY SPOOKY

When it comes to seasonal decorating I like to keep things pretty simple, choosing a few festive items that complement my everyday decor, without looking gaudy or over-the-top. I love how this decor does just that and it has me inspired to start my own decorating now that October is officially here.

Image source.