pumpkin apple butter

This is the perfect fall spread for just about anything. It's spicy and not too sweet and I guarantee you'll be eating it by the spoonful!

1 cup pumpkin puree

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 tbsp maple syrup

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp water

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp clove

 Combine all ingredients on the stove and cook down for 15-20 minutes.

hearts and cookies

Valentine's Day is not particularly my favorite holiday, but I love any excuse to get out the sprinkles and bake festive cookies. I actually made two batches of heart cookies. The first were chocolate cookies, and the second(my favorites) were these beauties. I am already getting more into the Valentine's Day spirit more than I ever have- cookies can do that to you!

Orange and Dark Chocolate Scones

 

When I'm baking, I usually stick to muffins, cookies, or cupcakes. But when I came across this recipe for orange and dark chocolate buttermilk scones I decided to try and make them myself. I followed the recipe exactly(for once) and left them in the oven for just under 12 minutes. The fresh orange zest, flaky outside and soft inside make them the perfect breakfast or afternoon snack.

braided bangs

I am a victim of doing my hair and makeup the same for months until I find a new style I like. My latest obsession: braiding the front part of my hair! It's magical! It makes my hair look good even on the worst of days, and it's actually pretty easy to create- I learned from youtube. Here are some of my favorite ways I've seen this style!

pictures found here, here, and here

handbag inspriation

Since it is summer, I am always on the hunt for new bags and shoes to buy for school. I came across this picture of Kate Bosworth today and immediately fell in love with her bag! It's feminine, neutral in color, and still has edge with the studded bottom. The bag I found on Need Supply is extremely similar, and I could see myself using it as my everyday bag! 

 photo from just jared

bag from need supply co.

sequins

Another trend I'm loving right now is sequins on simple shirts. I recently bought a Madewell gray t-shirt with a black sequined pocket that I have worn more than I thought I would. J.Crew in my opinion does this trend the best by allowing anyone to dress this look up or down. I love the way this tank was dressed down and paired with distressed jeans and gold mismatched jewelry for a thrown together look.

photo from J.Crew

animal print

I've never been one to go for leopard print clothing, but lately there have been so many cute dresses in animal prints that are catching my eye. These dresses have feminine lines which balance the funk and edge of their print. I will most definitely be looking for the perfect animal print dress during my back-to-school shopping to pair with simple, sweet flats and a structured, cropped jacket! 

1. Pixie Lott

2. Tucker

3. Aqua

4. Miley Cyrus