In a World Where There Are Octobers

I was in complete denial. I still want it to be summer. But after a run through City Park this afternoon, I couldn't ignore the leaves all around me, the smell of fireplaces, and the reality that Autumn is here. And then I ate pasta with pumpkin sauce. (Which may have been the final convincer.) So I've decided to warm up slowly, and enjoy what this new season brings. Summer was such a great season for me, and I think in part I don't want to let go of the warm fuzzy feeling when I think about our travels, time spent with friends, and all the time outdoors in this beautiful state. But October, oh October, it's here and I am ready for what it has for me. (And the snow is on Friday's forecast was a bit of a reality check!) 

So to warm up (or get crisp and cool) for Autumn, here are some October links, plus a few other good ones:

>>This October desktop calendar and iPhone background.

>>Tweed and Cordourouy mixed with leather and embroidery--on an classic baseball cap? Yes please. Quite possibly the perfect messy hair day life saver this month. A round up of favorites on Thoughts by Natalie.

>>A whimsical film, over at Darling, called The Mystery of Charm.

>>Venture Magazine's October Issue is out!

>>10 pieces to help your wardrobe this fall, by Kendi Everyday. (And how many of these items might we find at a thrift store?) 

>>A heart warming video about a father's love for his daughter.

>> Autumn Came for this super cute family.

>> A candle project.

>> My go to hair style as of late.

What about you, are you jumping into fall and throwing orange and yellow leaves up into the air, or are you slow to warm up to the season this year like me?

Matryoshka Dolled up Pumpkin.

It is still a bit too early in the season to carve pumpkins. Who wants mold come October 1st? Not me. But it is definitely the perfect time for some pumpkin decor sans jack-o-lantern. For this pumpkin design, I decided to try out a Russian nesting doll (also called a Matryoshka doll). I used the template below as a base for the shape of the doll on my pumpkin, and then added the details on the face and dress by hand. I used left over fabric paint, actually, but acrylic would work too. A thin brush for details, paint, and a pumpkin are all you need for this project. My plans are to get two more pumpkins, so that there is a small, medium, and large. Then I can line them up just as the cute little nesting dolls themselves are typically displayed. For more pumpkin inspiration, you can hop on over here!

Color {and taste} Translation: Pumpkins!

You know you have succumbed to the pumpkin obsession when you make a trip to the grocery store with the sole mission to find pumpkin flavored cream cheese and pumpkin bagels. It is only just September and the pumpkin craze is full force. I feel it in my bones, and in the air, as I walk past Starbucks each day and see a many pumpkin spice chai warming up a cup. It's not quite time to carve the guard and make art and decor with this little orange vegetable, but it is quite time to be inspired by pumpkins in the kitchen and home (and on pinterest, yes?).

photo source

I love the pinkish pumpkin colored wall paper in this retro design shot. This room beams fall, yet it is the lightness of the wall paper, white detailing, and decor that make it appropriate year round. Doesn't this print make you feel brave enough to paste some wallpaper in your home? You can check out more patterns and prints in the home on my growing Pinterest board--over here.

marthastuart / tatertots&jello

I absolutely LOVE the idea of using a pumpkin as a vase or bowl. These two ideas are my favorite upcycled pumpkin finds as of late. I had to look twice at the pumpkin flower holders, they are so subtle you almost miss that those are pumpkins! This weekend is going to be kitchen happy as I am going to try many of these delicious pumpkin recipes I have been seeing popping up all over. Here are a few I am super excited about:

Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese - A Beautiful Mess
Pumpkin Pie Protein Shake- 20minutemom
Pumpkin French Toast- Recipes for a Quarterlife
Pumpkin Beer Bars with Streussel Topping - Espresso and Cream
Baked Pumpkin & Butternut Mac n' Cheese- Dot in the City
{As good as Starbucks} Pumpkin Scones- Nancy Creative

Mmmmmm Spicey Pumpkins!

xo, Lauren