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STORKSAK Changing Bag

June 25, 2015 2 Comments

Everyone knows that a must-have item for every new mom is a diaper bag.

As cliche as that is....it is a must. Last week I wrote about cool diaper bags here, and with that said, I decided on a StorkSak changing bag. Luckily for me, they sent me one!

To be honest, like I mentioned in my previous post, there are some really UGLY diaper bags out there – functional, sure, but without a lot of style.

So before my StorkSak arrived, I was using an over-sized purse but it was tough because nothing was organized. I literally had to just throw everything in it & good luck trying to find anything!

So when I received my StorkSak diaper bag, I was really excited – a really well designed bag with a lot of features that looked more like an upscale purse than a zoo on my shoulder. They also run quite a bit cheaper than designer bags, as I mentioned in this post. For myself, I decided on the Bobby bag in black, but also comes in cappuccino. It’s made from a quilted nylon (surprisingly I did not choose leather) and has a nice clean look.

Inside, the cubbies & pockets are all easily accessible. And guess what?!? It comes with a padded changing mat (a must have in NYC), a pacifier case, and a matching insulated bottle bag that has a Velcro handle so it can be attached to the stroller. It also has a removable, adjustable cross-body strap with built in stroller straps - perfect for a hands-free outing!

Check out their full collection of changing bags here.

-post by jen ramos

Removable, adjustable cross-body strap with built in strollerstraps - See more at: http://www.storksak.com/product.php?shopprodid=16&variantid=39#sthash.3QodkVnm.dpuf

FOOD: Fresh Blackberry Mint Lemonade

June 23, 2015 3 Comments

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Hi Made By Girl readers! I feel Summer calling my name, don't you? This is Jen from Pretty Eats with a gorgeous and refreshing Summer drink to sip on, Fresh Blackberry Mint Lemonade. The combination of mint, blackberry, and fresh lemons just says pure Sunshine to me. I love the simplicity of freshly made lemonade, something so simple yet lovely that you can whip up in just a few minutes. If you're feeling festive, go ahead and add a splash of vodka to serve up quick cocktails for the ladies! Either way you pour it, you'll love this fresh variation on lemonade. Cheers!

Fresh Blackberry Mint Lemonade

Ingredients: serves 2

• 4 Meyer lemons, cut in half, reserve a few slices for garnish
• 1/2 c fresh blackberries
• 4 sprigs fresh mint
• 2 tbsp sugar
• Sparkling mineral water, 1 pint

Directions:

• Mint ice cubes: Wash mint sprigs and break into small pieces. Fill ice cube tray with
mint and fill halfway with water. Wait until frozen to add remaining water and freeze
completely.
• Juice lemons and pour through a mesh strainer to remove seeds and pulp.
• In a pitcher, combine juice and sugar. Pour in 1 cup of mineral water and mix together
until sugar is dissolved. You may have to adjust sugar according to the tartness of the
lemons.
• Prepare your glasses by placing 2 mint ice cubes and 1/2 c juice mixture in each glass.
Fill with sparkling mineral water (1 cup, depending on glass size). Garnish with fresh
blackberries, lemon slices, and additional mint sprigs. Enjoy!

-images & post by jen olson

Giggle Baby Wishlist

June 19, 2015 4 Comments

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As many of you know, when a new baby comes into the picture.... things change.

Especially our living spaces. We fight it & it still seems like baby items are running things. Ok, so then why not get the cutest things you can find right? ...... like stuff from Giggle. It's one of my fave baby shops right now. We currently still have Noah in a bassinet & now at 4 months, he is starting to look like he needs a crib. REAL BAD. Time flies.

We prefer compact items that are sleek & modern, and also fit in with our current decor....I mean why not? - Of course, it should be functional too. I gathered Noah's wishlist, (well, really mine for him) & as you see the Bloom Alma mini-crib is included. Would love to add this small crib to his little space.

Do you have this crib? What do you think of it? .... Have you shopped at Giggle?

You can also shop all these items at Giggle.

-post by jen ramos

FASHION: SUMMER STYLE GUIDE

June 18, 2015 1 Comment

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Hi everyone! Sandra from Blasfemmes here. Today’s post is vacation inspired and I’m seriously wishing I had every single item on this list. I'm especially big fan of little white dresses, they're the perfect Summer go-to staple, as fit for a cocktail party as they are for a weekend at the beach.

What are you craving for Summer? Prints? Whites? Accessories? Do share!

Take one: 1. J. Crew Hat // 2. Chanel Parfum // 3. Shopbop Woven Tote // 4. Wonderelle Ice Cream Waffle Glass // 5. Abercrombie Dress (love this one) // 6. Rebecca Minkoff 'Georgina' Sandals Take two: 7. Karen Walker Sunglasses // 8. J Brand Denim Jacket (love this one) // 9. Nars Lipstick // 10. Wonderelle Bouquet // 11. Fujifilm Instax // 12. 'How To Be Parisian Wherever You Are' Book // 13. Mango Dress // 14. Shopbop Beach Tote // 15. Tory Burch Wedges

-post by sandra lopes

Father's Day Gift Guide: High-End Dad

June 17, 2015 2 Comments

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Is that special man in your life a high-end man with good taste? This Father's Day make sure you get what suits him. For those men, here is a round-up of gifts I figured would be suitable at just his price range. I'm looking forward to celebrating this Father's day with my husband and son....luckily my husband doesn't have super expensive taste. Ha. Enjoy!

BEAUTY: SUMMER FOUNDATIONS

June 8, 2015 1 Comment

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Hi Everyone! Monica here from beauty parler. Hope you're all embracing the nicer weather. Although the weather has it's dips in temperature this time of year the hot sticky Summer days are coming! Which means sweaty makeup which can look caked on. Well, that's a definite no and can all be avoided by switching out your foundation to a more Summer friendly one.

On hot sweaty days, the last thing I want to do is wear any makeup. But on days that I head out to work or attend beauty events, I like to wear a little makeup. Makes me feel more polished and put together. Anyone else feel like that too? Here are three of my Summer must-have foundations.

1/NARS All-Day Luminous Weightless Foundation | 2/MAC Face & Body Foundation | 3/Maybelline Dream Wonder Fluid Touch Foundation

In general, all three of these are similar in texture. Light-weight, watery, and build-able coverage. With formulas so watery those with drier skin types will find that they'll need to apply a good moisturized base or can emphasis dry patches. These formulas work wonderfully for those with oily to combination skin types. The NARS All-Day Luminous Weightless Foundation and the Maybelline Dream Wonder Fluid Touch Foundation are a semi-matte to matte finish. Whereas, MAC Face & Body Foundation has a dewier finish and those with drier skin types will like this foundation better than the other two.
In terms of application because these are so watery they are best applied with your fingers or foundation brush. I'd suggest not using a beauty sponge as it would just absorb too much product.

I hope I helped you start your Summer makeup routine. Share your favourite Summer makeup?

-post by monica

NUNA USA GIVEAWAY

June 3, 2015 358 Comments

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Giveaway now closed, stay tuned in a few minutes for THE WINNER!!!

Being a parent can be challenging and physically exhausting at times - so having baby gear that makes things easier is essential. A good stroller makes a huge difference.

Today, I'd like to introduce you to the NUNA MIXX Stroller..... And, we are giving (1) away to one LUCKY winner!!!!!!

THE PRIZE:

One gorgeous NUNA MIXX STROLLER in Basil worth over $500. This color is exclusive to Giggle.

HOW TO ENTER:

It's EASY. Just leave a comment letting me know why you'd like this stroller...along with your email below. If winner does not respond within (1) day of being selected - we have the right to choose another winner at random.

GIVEAWAY ENDS ON:

June 3rd, this evening!! We will choose a winner using random.org. I'll post the WINNER'S name on my blog & on my instagram, so come back to see if that's YOU!!!

Just so you know.....my husband & I had been on the hunt for a new stroller & we came across Nuna. The brand is amazing and the design of their strollers are just lovely. The new Nuna MIXX Stroller is one of those strollers that creates a more peaceful & magical walk when strolling around with your baby. This particular stroller in Basil is sleek & versatile. It faces forward (so your baby can see you) or backward (so your baby can see the world).

One of my favorite features of the MIXX stroller is that my baby can lie flat with the flat sleeper seat. This is really important to me, because I hate long walks where my little guy is sleeping while sitting up. He looks uncomfortable....I'm sure you know what I mean.

Ok, now check out the cool features:

flat sleeper seat
5 position recline
quick-release wheels
smooth ride
11" foam-filled airless tires that handles all terrian
over-sized, extendable fully enclosed canopy
removable flip-out eye shade
can use the MIXX Nuna Pipa Car seat
under stroller spacious storage

Feel free to enter the Nuna Mixx Stroller Giveaway now. Good Luck!!

....to the winner, we will email you!

-post by jen ramos

FOOD: NO-CHURN ICE CREAM

5 Comments

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Hey there Made By Girl readers! Jen from Pretty Eats here and with summer right around
the corner, I have an incredible recipe for you, No-Churn Ice Cream! Yes that's right. No
ice cream machine needed, no cooking involved! The ingredients are not for the faint of heart
(heavy cream, anyone?), but the results are just beyond creamy and delectable. What I truly
love about this ice cream recipe is being able to make whatever flavors we can think up.

I've provided 3 flavor recipes for you today, Strawberry, Mint Chip, and Rocky Road, but don't
let that stop you from making up your own flavor profiles. Please join me while I mix some of
this No-Churn Ice Cream up and welcome Summer just a little bit early!

No-Churn Ice Cream // Strawberry / Mint Chip / Rocky Road

Ingredients: makes 1 1/2 quarts each
Ice Cream Base :
• 14 oz condensed milk
• 1 pint heavy cream
• pinch of salt
• Cardboard ice cream containers (1 quart size shown here), or other freezable container.

Flavors :
• Strawberry 1/4 c diced fresh strawberries, 1 tsp vanilla extract, & 1/3 cup strawberry
jam.
• Mint Chip 5 drops peppermint extract, 3 drops green food coloring, & 1/2 c mini
chocolate chips.
• Rocky Road 1/4 c cocoa powder, 1/2 c toffee peanuts, 1/2 cup mini marshmallows, 1/2
cup mini chocolate chips, & 1/4 c chocolate syrup.

Directions:
• In a mixer with the whisk attachment, beat heavy cream until soft peaks form.
• With mixer on low, drizzle in condensed milk, add pinch of salt. Beat until medium stiff
peaks form Use a spatula to scrape the sides and insure all is well combined.
• Proceed with the following directions per flavor:
• Strawberry Add vanilla while whisk is on low. Spoon mixture into freezable containers,
alternating layers of ice cream base with strawberry jam. Top with fresh strawberries.
Freeze for a minimum of 2-3 hours, or until frozen throughout.
• Mint Chip Add peppermint extract and green food coloring while whisk is on low. Mix
in chocolate chips by hand, folding with a spatula. Spoon into freezable containers and
freeze for a minimum of 2-3 hours, or until frozen throughout.
• Rocky Road Add cocoa powder with whisk on low, combine well. Spoon mixture into
freezable containers, alternating layers of ice cream with the peanuts, marshmallows,
chocolate chips, and drizzles of chocolate syrup. Freeze for a minimum of 2-3 hours, or
until frozen throughout.

-post by jen olson

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