Home / Archive for September 2014

Made By Girl + Madewell Event NYC

12 Comments Edit
The Madewell event this past weekend went really well! - I loved meeting new people & seeing lots of you who I know just from my Instagram! My artwork was a hit & one of the favorite were the colorful pineapples!  It was such a fantastic experience doing this pop-up shop & was definitely cool walking in & seeing my art displayed in their store!

The collection on display included art from my Made By Girl shop & original paintings from my online gallery, Cocoa & Hearts.

If you have a store & are interested in having me do a similar pop-up shop there, feel free to email me with info!

A Cocoa & Hearts SALE is around the corner - stay tuned!!  If you want to be notified, please sign up to the newsletter here. They tend to sell fast.


My mom was the first one there... she stayed until I was done. Love sharing these moments with her.


Loved my geometric necklace by Kate Scheid from Scheid Industrial & my Leather Pocket T-shirt dress, by Madewell.



My husband below (to the right) busy putting in orders & making sure things are run smoothly. His tee shirt even said 'hubby' - such a cutie.


Jamie from Furbish Studio came by - isn't her hair cool?!



-images belong to madebygirl


Google+ Pinterest

FOOD: Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding with Fresh Berries

6 Comments Edit
Hi there! How are you? Jen from Lemon Drop Love here and it’s just about that time for a healthy hassle-free recipe, don’t ya think?

Well, I finally got on the chia seed bandwagon and I think you should too with this recipe. I made the most scrumptious slightly sweet, chia seed, vanilla pudding topped with fresh berries and crunchy granola. Since I made my first batch, I’ve been eating it everyday for breakfast and it has been such a happy and healthy way to start my day that I want to share this recipe with everyone I know. I think after you give this recipe a try, you will know exactly what I’m talking about. Now go make some and let us know what you think.


Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding with Fresh Berries


INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (preferably grade B)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Kosher salt
  • ¼ cup chia seeds
  • Strawberries and blueberries
  • Granola (I used KIND Cinnamon Oat Clusters)

DIRECTIONS:
  • In a medium bowl, gently whisk the almond milk, yogurt, maple syrup, the vanilla and 1/8 teaspoon salt until just blended. Whisk in chia seeds; let stand 30 minutes. Stir to distribute the seeds if they have settled. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  • The next day, in a medium bowl, toss the berries with maple syrup (I made sure to coat them evenly). Mix in the granola.
  • Spoon the pudding into small mason jars; mound with berries and granola mixture on top and serve. Or cover with lids and store in the refrigerator for the week.
Note: This recipe makes just about 2-3 small mason jars. If you want a full weeks worth of pudding, be sure to double the recipe.








-post and images by jen costea



Google+ Pinterest

FOOD: Chocolate Vegan & Gluten-Free Brownies

2 Comments Edit
Hi Made By Girl Readers, Amanda here from A Life Well Lived.  More and more I am finding that friends and family are having to cut things out of their diet for health reasons. I have some friends that are gluten free, some that are vegans and some that don't do dairy. But just because they have dietary restrictions, doesn't mean they can't have dessert. Not in my world!

Tofu_Brownies_1 Tofu_Brownies_2

So in attempt to help them and always have dessert to serve them when they come over for dinner, I have been testing out a brownie recipe that covers all of my bases. A brownie with a secret ingredient that is pretty weird but you can't taste.

Are you ready for it? Tofu. Here is my recipe for chocolate vegan and gluten-free brownies made with tofu. I know it sounds weird but I promise you won't be able to even tell. I tested them out on my husband and he had no idea and still doesn't know -  so don't tell him.


Tofu_Brownies_13 Tofu_Brownies_14 Tofu_Brownies_3 Tofu_Brownies_5 Tofu_Brownies_6 Tofu_Brownies_7

There are a couple tricks and tips to this recipe. If you are making these vegan, please be sure to use vegan chocolate and vegan sugar. Also, when you pull these brownies from the oven once they have a crispy top layer baked on them, they will feel like they are not cooked through but when you allow them to cool for at least two hours the ingredients firm up and look like perfectly baked brownies. They will, I promise but you have to show a little restraint before diving head first - sorry!

 Lastly, if you are like me, please feel free to eat the batter from the bowl with wild abandon. There is nothing raw in the batter so eat away.


Tofu_Brownies_8 Tofu_Brownies_9  

Chocolate Vegan and Gluten-Free Brownies  

Ingredients:

  • 11 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped or in chips 
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder 
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar 
  • 12 oz. silken tofu, blended in a blender or food processor 
  • 1 cup coconut oil 
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 
  • 1 tablespoon espresso or strong coffee 
  • 1 1/4  cup gluten-free flour 
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder 
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt Method Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. In a makeshift double boiler, melt semisweet chocolate. Stir continually with a heat-proof spatula to prevent burning or hardening, about five minutes. Mix in the cocoa powder and remove the pan from the heat. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine sugar, tofu, oil, vanilla and espresso. Stir in melted chocolate, then the flour, baking powder and salt. Pour batter into baking pan, making sure that it spreads evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until slightly puffed and top and edges of the brownie get crisp. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for at least two hour before cutting into squares. Makes about 14 -16 brownies.

 Tofu_Brownies_12



-post and photos by amanda fredrickson

Google+ Pinterest

DESIGN: ZARA HOME

2 Comments Edit
Hi there, Monika here from the ohmydeco blog!  The summer has come to an end, which means autumn cold for most of us, but also new exciting autumn/winter collections from our favorite brands!

Speaking of which, everyone knows Zara of course, but did you know that they also have a furniture and home accessories part of the brand - Zara Home? If you didn't it's time to have a look at their super affordable and chic stuff! Just have a look at the new arrivals below!




10 Decorative coral


-post by monika
Google+ Pinterest

My Go-To HAIRDRYER: Julien Farel

4 Comments Edit
During our weekend stay-cation at the Loews Regency this past August - I got to try out the Julien Farel hair care products & best of all the Julien Farel hair dryer. Who knew?! 

When I pulled the dryer out of the cute little bag & turned it on, the airflow was smooth & quiet. Felt fantastic over my head & scalp.  I was so impressed by how quickly it dried my hair and how smooth it felt,  I wanted to take it home with me.  Of course, that would be stealing, and I'm no thief. 
So, the people at Julien Farel gifted one to me, awesome.... & here is the result I captured with my iPhone pic. This is now, my go-to hair dryer.  It retails in his salon for $90 - not bad huh?  Totally worth it! You can call to purchase or just walk in & buy one!  (address below)



It's so important to have a good dryer, along with some great hair products. If you have a cheapo hair dryer, like I used to have....a few things can happen like:

  • They can burn your hair because they pack a lot of heat. 
  • It can take a lot longer to dry the hair - in turn, burning & damaging it.
  • I also had an issue with my old dryer, where my hair would get snagged in the fan piece on the end, that was painful.


When you're shopping for a hair-dryer, consider these things:
  • choose a dryer that has a variety of temps (cool,warm,hot)
  • Quiet dryers are just that, quieter. I always prefer a more quiet hair dryer, that's why this one is perfect. 
  • choose one that has a concentrator to direct the air to where you need it most.

You can easily spend anywhere between $80-$200 on a "worthwhile" professional hairdryer these days, and I def say you should!






Julien Farel Salon
540 Park Ave, New York, NY 10065
212.888.8988





-post by jen ramos
-bottom left image via hotel chatter


Google+ Pinterest

DESIGN: COLOR COMBINATIONS

3 Comments Edit
This fabulous color combo works great in fashion, why not to try it in the living space? 

Definitely a brave palette choice but doesn't it look pretty? This fun shade of yellow really makes a difference and looks great with both dusty and bright pinks! To use in moderation as a cushion cover, occasional chair upholstery or in an artwork! Or as a paint color for kitchen cabinets as below for more retro look!

1 via Decorpad  // 2 via NY Times // 3 via Abode Love // 4 via Livecreatingyourself


 
1 Pink sofa // 2 Ikat print love seat // 3 Damask cushion // 4 Pink cushion // 5 Elephant candle //
// 6 Abstract artwork // 7 Toucan cushion // 8 Rocking chair


-post by Monika ohmydeco
Google+ Pinterest

DESIGN: ASSYMETRICAL LIGHTING

4 Comments Edit
Its Lisa with Gem Daily with another trend that I have completely fallen in love with lately: asymmetrical lighting! These pieces add a bit of the unexpected, a little bit of contemporary and tons of personality. I just love to hunt for new lighting-they are the really special pieces in your home and have the ability to take a boring space to something much more interesting.

Take a peek at some of these spaces that are completely elevated by the asymmetrical lighting-so unique and airy!

kelly woodton via lindsey adelman lighting


living pink via domaine


-post by Lisa Fisbeck



Google+ Pinterest

FOOD: Watercress Salad with Creamy Poppyseed Dressing

7 Comments Edit
Hi Made By Girl! This is Jen from Pretty Eats coming to you with an elegant & refreshing (end of Summer) lunch, Watercress Salad with Creamy Poppyseed Dressing. The most gorgeous bunches of watercress have been popping up at my local farmer's market and I couldn't resist taking some home. Watercress is a powerhouse food, full of cancer-fighting nutrients, and great in sandwiches and salads. Pairing this peppery green with a light creamy dressing makes for a winning combination!


Watercress Salad with Creamy Poppyseed Dressing

Ingredients:

Poppyseed Dressing
    •    1/2 c plain whole fat yogurt
    •    1/4 c crumbled cheese, such as feta or goat's cheese
    •    juice of 1/2 lemon
    •    2 tsp poppyseeds
    •    1/2 tsp sea salt
    •    1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper

3 cups of fresh watercress




Directions: 

Simply whisk dressing ingredients, adding extra lemon juice to obtain desired thickness. Drizzle over freshly rinsed watercress and enjoy!



-post by jen olson via pretty-eats

Google+ Pinterest

Natori Event NYC

4 Comments Edit
Last week, I hosted a private shopping event at Natori - where Josie Natori showed up with this amazing outfit from her collection and mingled with guests! I got a chance to show guests my favorite Fall picks & even wore my main pick (see below) to the event! Her line is beautiful, feminine & sophisticated......I'm really looking forward to wearing my Panno Wool Vest again soon!

On that note, I wanted to give you a bit more insight on who Josie is....in case you haven't heard of this fabulous entrepreneur.

Natori was Started in 1977 by Josie Natori, it sells lingerie, sleepwear, dresses and other women's fashion as well as perfume, home furnishings and more in over 15 countries. What's more amazing is the story of Josie Natori, who was the first female to reach the rank of Vice President in the tough investment banking world - she left high finance & went into high-fashion after following her dream of becoming an entrepreneur.

The boutique is located in the Nolita section of Manhattan....and it's a gorgeous space - you won't want to miss visiting her shop! (See full address in photo collage below).



All my picks can be seen in person at the boutique in NYC.  
You can keep up with Natori on their website or their blog, Josie Girl.

Josie Natori Boutique
253 Elizabeth Street
New York, NY 10012
(646) 684-4934
Store Hours
Sunday: 12 PM - 6 PM
Monday - Saturday: 11 AM - 7 PM




-post by jen ramos


Google+ Pinterest

fashion: styling a lace dress

6 Comments Edit
Hello ladies, this is Sandra from Blasfemmes. We are getting closer to stepping into the Fall season and it's about time to start transitioning our Summer wardrobe to a more autumnal one. Today's moodboard gives two different ideas on how to style a lace dress. I love lace. It's always one of my favorite fabrics and it has undoubtedly a feminine and delicate feel to it. A white lace dress is something we most likely associate with Spring and Summer but I also think it makes a great transactional piece, perfect for the first days of Fall.

What do you guys think? 



  Take one: 1. Velvet by Graham & Spencer Vest // 2. Tory Burch Dress (pretty options here and here) // 3. Clare Vivier Foldover Clutch // 4. Gorgeous Cosmetics Eyeshadow // 5. Wonderelle White Roses // 6. YSL Nail Polish // 7. Aquazzura 'Sexy Thing' Sandals Take two: 1. Hinge Scarf // 2. Topshop Denim Jacket // 3. Tory Burch Dress // 4. Jules Smith Earrings // 5. Tom Ford Nail Polish // 6. Rebecca Minkoff Mini Affair Bag // 7. Ash Booties - post by sandra lopes¬
Google+ Pinterest

New FALL Wardrobe

4 Comments Edit
As we get closer to Fall weather - we usually end up buying a few items to fit the season.

As for me,  I ended up picking this leather jacket from Zara which is versatile and super chic at the same time.  It's the type of jacket you can wear almost everyday with a pair of jeans. If you want to get away from your plain-Jane black boots, try these cow hair booties by Matisse via Revolve. These will DEF give you a fashionable appearance!

Will you be shopping for a FALL wardrobe?

1.  |  By hater tee via style lately
2.  |  Suede ankle boots by gianvito rossi
3.  |  Rick owens biker jacket
4.  | Asymmetrical bra by helmut lang
5.  | AG Adriano Goldschmied
6.  | rebecca minkoff quilted affair via Neiman Marcus
7. | matisse wedge bootie
8. | balenciaga leather glove sandal
9. | zara leather jacket w/pointed hem



-post by jen ramos


Google+ Pinterest

FOOD: HEIRLOOM TOMATO SAUCY TOASTS

4 Comments Edit
Hello MadeByGirl! This is Jen from Pretty Eats making Heirloom Tomato Saucy Toasts.  You stll have a chance to grab them before the Summer is completely gone. Perfection is in simplicity with this recipe, inspired by Alicia Silverstone's The Kind Life. I absolutely love the flavor-packed tahini tomato sauce which we couldn't get enough of here (actually had to make a second batch!).

If you're craving something crunchy, savory, and fresh, these tomato toasts are a must-try!




 Heirloom Tomato Saucy Toasts Ingredients: 
 • 3 tbsp tahini
 • 2 tsp jarred tomato sauce
 • 4 slices sourdough bread, toasted
 • 2-3 tomato slices per toast
 • 1 onion slice per toast


 Directions:  
 • Mix tahini and tomato sauce together, set aside.
 • Spread each toast with sauce. Top with tomato and onion slices.
 • Broil toasts on low for 2-3 minutes and enjoy!





Google+ Pinterest
Subscribe to: Posts ( Atom )