FOOD: Molten Chocolate Cake

Hi there, Amanda here from A Life Well Lived....bringing you a delicious treat while Jen is away in California. One of the reasons that I love food and cooking food, is that it is a great  way to take care of people.  People love getting served their favorite foods and I love making it for them. I was recently emailing with Jen from Made By Girl about her favorite dessert & she said she loves all things chocolate.  So I dug deep and came up with my all time favorite chocolate decadent dessert - molten chocolate cake. Since I can't actually make this for her (I live across the country) a blog post is the next best thing, right?  This cake is moist, delicious, deeply chocolately and best part of all, totally easy to make. So next time you meet someone who loves chocolate like Jen, try this recipe - I promise it will make them happy!

Molten Chocolate Cake:

• 9 oz bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, broken into pieces
• 10 tablespoons butter
• 3 eggs
• 3 egg yolks
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons flour
• pinch of salt
• vanilla ice cream (optional)

Preheat the oven to 400°. Butter and lightly flour with cocoa powder six 6-ounce ramekins. Tap out the excess cocoa powder. Set the ramekins on a baking sheet. In a double boiler, over simmering water, melt the butter with the chocolate. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with the egg yolks, sugar and salt at high-speed until thickened and pale. Whisk the chocolate until smooth. Quickly fold it into the egg mixture along with the flour. Spoon the batter into the prepared ramekins and bake for 12 minutes, or until the sides of the cakes are firm but the centers are soft. Let the cakes cool in the ramekins for 1 minute, then cover each with an inverted dessert plate. Carefully turn each one over, let stand for 10 seconds and then unmold. Serve immediately, topped with vanilla ice cream.

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DESIGN: New Fall Home Collections

With fall in full effect and so many new collections out on the shelves, I thought I would put together a group of my favorite fall pieces for 2014. I quickly jumped to Rebecca Atwood's website as a starting point because I have been dying over her new patterns for the fall, the colors are so muted and perfectly moody for the holiday season.

After bouncing around to my favorite sites, I quickly found that black/gray, white and gold color combination is still as relevant as ever. From serving trays to textiles, this combo makes simple designs sophisticated, elevated and proven to blend well with different styles.

Another trend that has surprised me with its staying power is natural texture.  Storage pieces, accessories and layers are all about a chunky knit or weave and keeping the material true to its natural form. Natural textures are the easiest way to add warmth and complexity to a space.

rebecca atwood designs: pillow 1 //  pillow 2 //  pillow 3

nate berkus for target: stool // candleholder // storage bin

h&m home: candle // pillow // coaster set

kelly wearstler: candelabra // vanity mirror // tray

I hope you enjoy some of my favorite fall collection pieces in the home decor world! Be sure to check out my blog, Gem Daily! xo

-post by Lisa Fisbeck

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FOOD:Pomegranate & Roasted Delicata Autumn Salad

Welcome Made By Girl readers! Jen from Pretty Eats here with a gorgeous Autumn salad you'll want to eat for lunch, and then again for dinner! I am so inspired by the colors of Fall / the warm colors of Delicata Squash are a perfect pairing with hearty, earthy green kale. A quick roast in the oven is all the cooking needed, and simply assemble the rest of the ingredients for this seasonal celebration on a plate.

Pomegranate & Roasted Delicata Autumn Salad Ingredients: 
serves 2 

• 1 small delicate squash, seeded and sliced into 1 inch rounds, *reserve seeds 
• 4 cups kale, rinsed and chopped 
• 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds 
• 2 oz goat cheese 
• 1/3 cup candied walnuts 
• extra virgin olive oil & red wine vinegar 
• salt & pepper Directions: 
• Preheat oven to 425f. 
• Place squash slices and seeds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with a touch of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake in 425f oven for 15 minutes. 
• In a large salad bowl, mix kale with 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss well and adjust seasoning if desired. 
• After roasted delicate squash has cooled for a few minutes, cut rounds in half. 
• Serve up plates of kale and top with squash, roasted squash seeds, walnuts, goat cheese, and pomegranate seeds. Enjoy! 

 -post and images by jen olsen

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DESIGN: Chic Items to cozy-up your home

While Jen is away for a few days - I'd like to bring you some cozy, but Chic home items for your home. As you know, the calendar fall has officially arrived and it's just the matter of time before the real cold weather hits.  If you are anything like me you probably love spending the cold evenings at home with some tea and a good book rolled in a blanket.  I'd love to cozy up my house this fall to make it even nicer to stay in.  If you are also looking for chic ways to prepare your interior for winter days, here are some super chic items to do so! Keep warm x 

1 Fur pillow via Barneys  // 2 Bedroom chair // 3 Sheep rug  // 4 Wooden candle holders // 5 Walnut beside table via matt blatt //  6 Nate Berkus stool // 7 Wall light  // 8 Throw via zara home  // 9 Cozy slippers  //10 Printed feather cushion

-post by Monika ohmydeco 

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My Living Room Art for Sale!

We will be moving next month & I am selling the large original painting I did for my home, because it will not fit in the next apartment above the sofa.

It is very LARGE & measures 47"x 58" - you can purchase frame & mounted (with the black floater frame at a discounted price) if you are local NYC pick-up.  If you are anywhere else in the USA, we can ship it rolled in a tube minus the frame cost and for only $24.  You can check out pricing and info on Cocoa & Hearts.

 This painting is very special to me & has been in my home for 3 years - I hope it goes to a home that will love it! The art will be shipped or available for pick-up Nov 4th - when I return from my trip. If you have questions, pls email us.

-image by jen ramos

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FOOD: RUSTIC APPLE TART

Hi there! Jen from Lemon Drop Love here and I wanted to share an easy, but incredibly impressive dessert. This rustic apple tart is perfect for fall and you can eat it warm, at room temperature or cold for breakfast, an afternoon snack or, of course, dessert ( I ate it every which way and it was always delicious). In the past I’ve been a little intimidated by tarts and pies because I never want to mess up the crust recipe, but this little dish is fool proof and I’m looking forward to making this tart again and again with all different types of fruits and berries.

Rustic Apple Tart

INGREDIENTS: (recipe adapted via Ina Garten)
For the dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon sugar
12 tablespoons (11/2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced
1/2 cup ice water
For the apples:
4 Granny Smith apples
1/2 cup sugar
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, small diced
1/2 cup apricot jelly or warm sieved apricot jam
2 tablespoons water


DIRECTIONS:

• For the pastry, place the flour, salt, and sugar in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Pulse for a few seconds to combine. Add the butter and pulse until the butter is in small bits the size of peas. With the motor running, pour the ice water down the feed tube and pulse just until the dough starts to come together. Dump onto a floured board and knead quickly into a ball. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
• Roll the dough slightly larger than 10 by 14-inches. Using a ruler and a small knife, trim the edges. Place the dough on the prepared sheet pan and refrigerate while you prepare the apples.
• Peel the apples and remove the stems and cores with a sharp knife. Slice the apples crosswise in 1/4-inch thick slices.
• Place overlapping slices of apples diagonally down the middle of the tart and continue making diagonal rows on both sides of the first row until the pastry is covered with apple slices Sprinkle with the full 1/2 cup of sugar and dot with the butter.
• Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the pastry is browned and the edges of the apples start to brown. Rotate the pan once during cooking. If the pastry puffs up in one area, cut a little slit with a knife to let the air out. The apple juices will burn in the pan but the tart will be fine!
• When the tart's done, heat the apricot jelly together with the water and brush the apples and the pastry completely with the jelly mixture. Allow to cool and serve warm or at room temperature. 

 -post and images bu jen costea

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Society Social

If you follow design blogs, you've more than likely heard of Society Social. This super chic business began in 2011 by Roxy Owens.  She started designing bar carts & with six original bar cart designs, magazines like HGTV & House Beautiful took notice! She grew up in her family's furniture factory, so this biz came naturally to her.  This girl is brains & beauty for sure....she offers one of a kind pieces along with custom colors & styles to suit your taste.  

I would LOVE to own one of her pieces for our next apartment....as I will start decorating sometime next month! Can't wait.  Here are some of the gorgeous collections you'll find on her site Society Social.

Have a good weekend! I will be in California for a few days starting Monday - but there will still be posts up while I'm away!

-post by jen ramos

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Removable Wallpaper

Living in New York city can be a decorating dilemma....especially if you are renting. 

You basically have to ask your leasing office or landlord for permission before you can change anything inside your apartment.  So, unless you re-arranging furniture, you need to think twice.

This applies to painting walls  -  you have to paint it back to the original color... & who wants to be painting before they move?!? Not me.

With that said, when we move into our new apartment next month, we are considering adding removable wallpaper.  I say removable wallpaper because I don't want any drywall ripping off - know what I mean?  I'm not sure how temporary wallpaper will look & hold up, but love the idea of adding a patterned wall to the entryway.  This would be ideal because we could just take it down easily without causing any damage to the walls.  I found some great resources on Etsy for removable wallpaper,  here are some of my favorites. 

Which do you like?? Have you used removable wallpaper??

chevron blk and white | Chevron bold gold & white | trellis black | pink dots | dots ikat | black and white trellis

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FASHION: How To Wear a plaid shirt

Hello ladies, this is Sandra from Blasfemmes. Remember this post I did last year on how to wear a plaid shirt?

I decided to make an Autumn/14 edition because plaid is trendier than ever right now. In fact plaid is that fall fashion trend that just won't go away—and that's okay with me. I also think plaid shirts make great transitional pieces and no matter what your style is they can always work in your favor. I'm especially digging the ones from RAILS and my only problem is choosing which one to buy. What do you think of this fall staple?

Look #1: 1. Rails Hunter Button Down Shirt (also here) // 2. Valentino Grey Lock Shoulder Bag // 3. Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in 'Flowers in Her Hair' // 4. J Brand White Jeans // 5. Aquazzura Sexy Thing Sandals Look #2: 1. Rails Hunter Button Down Shirt // 2. H&M top // 3. Blank Denim Pants // 4. Stuart Weitzman Nudist Sandals Look #3: 1. Rails Hunter Button Down Shirt // 2. 3.1 Phillip Lim Muscle Tee // 3. Marc By Marc Jacobs Baker Watch // 4. Love Leather Quilted Leather Skirt // 5. Ash Jalouse Booties Look #4: 1. Topshop Waterproof Mascara // 2. Rails Hunter Button Down Shirt // 3. Sheinside Coat (also love this one) // 4. Dondup Denim Shorts // 5. Alexander Wang Rockie Duffel Bag // 6. Zara Shoes  




 -post by sandra lopes

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Desk Shopping

Sooo....we'll be moving NEXT month to another apartment & I'll also be looking for a new desk for my studio. I really want gold legs on the new desk, and I am contemplating whether to go the DIY route by painting the legs gold, or not.  A DESK with drawers is also ideal, and although option a & f are super cute, I'm always opening & closing my current desk drawers...so, to avoid standing up all the time, drawers are top priority.

It needs to be sturdy & not feel cheap. Since I'll be using the desk everyday, it would be smart to invest in something good that will last! Same goes for a desk chair....agree??

I'd love for you to help me choose, which is your fave?

a. wayfair

b. zinc door

c. shop candelabra

d. zgallerie

e. high fashion home

f. zinc door

-post by jen ramos

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Fall Livingroom Vibes

Hi lovely MBG readers, its Lisa with Gem Daily and with fall & colder weather upon us, I thought I would share spaces and decor elements that are all about fall vibes. Personally, I really love bright, white, boho spaces. But when fall rolls around, there is just something so warm and sometimes romantic about a dark moody space that is fitting to the fall and winter season.

athena calderone | domaine home 

nate berkus' home | rue daily 

john jacob interiors

I've pulled together some fave design pieces that would be just perfect for a moody space. (I must admit, these are very reminiscent of the Jenner and Kardashian pads I obsess over every Sunday night).

1 | chandelier via arteriors home

2 | tray via arteriorshome

3 | pillow via zinc door

4 | sofa via zinc door

5 | lamp via zinc door

6 | wallpaper via troveline

7 | chair via 1stdibs

8 | tabletop accessory via kelly wearstler

-post by lisa fisbeck

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CB2 Favorites

I just received the CB2 catalog & nearly passed out when I saw their new Alchemy Shiny Brass bed.  We are looking to replace our current bed and downsize from a king , to a queen in this beautiful piece. How chic would it look against a black wall (as pictured below).  It would definitely look good in our new apartment.  I'm also totally enamored by all the other pieces like this cane side chair (which would look great in a foyer)  & these flush mount lamps (perfect in entryways).

I need to know - have you taken a look at the new CB2 items? I'll be stopping by my local store this weekend, hoping to see this bed in person!

-post by jen ramos

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Instagram GIVEAWAY: Design Love Planner

Hello everyone! I want to introduce you to the Design LOVE planner.  And, we are giving one away!

THE PRIZE: 

One gorgeous Design Love Planner worth $55

What's is the design LOVE planner?  It's a day-planner designed for the modern, busy woman in mind to help organize her life. Created by designer Marissa Cristina, this spiral bound planner is finished with a beautifully designed hardcover that’s accented with gold foil.  It has two ribbons which help you keep track of two things at once...clever no? 

HOW TO ENTER ON INSTAGRAM:

It's EASY.  Find the photo below on my instagram  & leave a comment letting me know what you'd use it for.
 

GIVEAWAY ENDS ON: 

October 20th, Monday.  I'll post the WINNER'S name on my blog & on my instagram, so come back to see if that's YOU!!!

Ok, now check out the cool features:

• It fits perfect into your purse so you can take it wherever you go
• Design Love Planner has 12 inspirational prints that are perforated for easy removal
• There are two pockets - one in the front and one in the back - for all your keep sakes
• Monthly Calendars, Weekly To-Do's & Scheduling and Budgeting help you stay on track
• The planner is finished with non-scratch lamination

The planner retails for $55 via Design Love Planner in case you'd rather buy it & not enter the giveaway! 

UPDATE: Winner chosen

-post and images by jen ramos

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Scheid Industrial Jewelry

A friend of mine recently met with me & she was wearing this gorgeous necklace around her neck, I had to ask her where it was from. She said, her friend Kate makes them. I told her I wanted to know more about the jewelry and the designer....So, here is a bit about Kate.

Scheid Industrial jewelry designed and handmade by NorCal native, Kate Scheid, in her San Francisco studio. She uses a variety of techniques - from etching to gold plating to give each piece a unique look. Inspired by pattern, art, nature, industrial districts, bohemianism and yoga, Kate likes to imagine that her creations are modern pieces unearthed from ancient cultures. Each piece is 24k gold plated over brass.  Since these are brass pieces with gold plating, it's best to avoid wearing the pieces frequently in water as this could potentially affect the finish. But don't let that stop you...these are super chic & pretty!

Here I am wearing the double bar necklace, one of my faves!

  

This piece below I actually wore for my Madewell event recently!You can see me wearing it here.

If you want to buy any of the pieces above, you can email Kate directly via her email or byphone: 650-776-9281..... Or see if they are available on her Etsy page here.

Have a nice weekend!!

-images by jen ramos

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SALE at Made By Girl

Sale at Made By Girl starts today - 20% off almost everything!! - get your favorite art & start decorating your place!! Use code: FALL20

-image by jen ramos

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Coming Soon To Cocoa & Hearts

So excited to announce the newest collection of Pineapple paintings -  Hot Pink & Coral Pineapples! Coming soon, not available yet.

 The newest additions will look fantastic in gold frames! You can purchase the frames directly from Made By Girl - here, or you can purchase them when the pineapples get added to the Cocoa & Hearts online gallery.

UPDATE: On sale now here!! 

-image by jen ramos

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6 Fall Jackets

Fall is probably my all time favorite season. The reason is because it's half way in between the super cold weather & the heat. So, it's just right. We know we'll need jackets, then come the coats right? It seems every year I want to buy a new one, because so many cute styles come out...ever have that feeling? Below are some of my Fall & Winter faves...which one is your style?

-post by jen ramos

1. zara 2. helmut lang 3. sand leather jacket via zara 4. mackage leather 5. furry coat via zara 6. faux fur coat via outnet

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DESIGN: POWDER PINK PALETTE

Let's admit it, we all love a bit of pink in our lives now and then! How about the whole living room in powder pink color palette?  I personally love those colors for a room, it creates a beautiful, calming atmosphere and just invite to relax! And when completed with gold accessories and creamy hues, it is so on trend as well!!

Would you have a living room like that ? xo Monika ohmydeco

1 Table lamp

2 Sofa

3 Rug 

4 Candle

5 Print

6 Cushion

7 Coffee table

8 Boxes

9 Dish

10 Bench

-post by Monika Boruch

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