JEN'S FESTIVE GIFT IDEAS: THE SUPER CHIC

Thank God it's Friday right?!  I need time to relax & spend quality time with my husband...but the upcoming Holiday parties may make it nearly impossible. How about you? What are you up to this weekend?

Speaking of Holidays, I've rounded up a list of SUPER CHIC gift ideas for you!  These are some of the coolest items out there. If you have a super chic friend or family member who likes stylish & chic items & maybe you want to impress them - how about one of these items below? I've included one of my Cocoa & Hearts original paintings.

Have a great weekend!!

1. |  lustre jewelry box by kelly wearstler 
2. |  'how to be Parisian wherever you are' book
3. | goatskin leather pen by GiGi NY
4. | gold +black kitchen knives via bodie & fou
5. | mini gold kiss via kelly wearstler & precision tray
6. | 11"x14" original art  - '15' floor' by jen ramos via cocoa & hearts
7. | BYREDO scented candle
8. | sophia webster heels via jcrew
9. | saint laurent card holder
10. | le zebre black pillow via arianna belle





-post by jen ramos

Read More

Food: Pistachio Cranberry Cheese Log

Hello again! It's Fallon of Sage + Sparkle here, to share with you one of my favorite (super easy) appetizers that you can prepare for any holiday soiree.

In total it takes a bout 4 hours to make but the actual time you will spend on it, is very minimal. The longest part is just letting it sit in fridge. Easy enough, right?! I don't know about you, but for me the holidays are a whirlwind, I feel like they are over before they even start... so easy is a must! The original recipe was adapted from good ol' Martha, however see below for the slight changes/additions I made.

 
 Ingredients:

• 1 bar (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup coarsely grated sharp white cheddar (4 ounces)
• 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Sea salt and ground pepper
• 1 cup shelled unsalted pistachios, chopped
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• Assorted crackers, for serving

Directions:

• In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar,dijon, and worcestershire until well combined; season with salt and pepper. (TIP: I used my bullet to make sure everything was mixed perfectly)
• Cover then refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
• Toast pistachios over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant and golden, about 7 minutes; set aside and let cool
• Once cooled mix in bowl with dried cranberries
• Transfer cheese mixture to a piece of waxed or parchment paper; using paper, shape into a 6" long log. Roll in pistachio/cranberrie mixture, pressing them firmly to adhere.
• Wrap log in a fresh piece of waxed or parchment paper and place back into refrigerator for additional 1 to 2 hours (or up to 1 day) to firm.
• Serve with crackers.

I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday. See you in the new year!!!


 -post by Fallon Carmichael, Sage + Sparkle    

Read More

FASHION: TUXEDO JACKET

Hi everyone! Adri here of Adri's World. Hope you have been enjoying this holiday season! Are you ready for the New Year? I love the idea of a new beginning and also the celebration that comes with it.  Obviously, any good party deserves a great outfit and you can never go wrong with the tuxedo jacket. What I love about a tuxedo jacket is the sleek look it creates. I have one, and I've worn it many times in many different ways.
 

The important part of styling a tuxedo jacket is to keep the look feminine, so adding the right jewelry, color and of course some heels are the perfect way to wear it.  Here are two styling options for your upcoming parties. For a dinner party, you can keep the look a bit more casual by wearing a skirt and shirt with a great necklace and for a cocktail party a dress would look great and chic with a statement necklace and colored pumps.

The possibilities are endless, and when the holidays are over you can also wear it with your favorite jeans.

   

Do you like the look of a tuxedo jacket? How would you wear it?

Dinner Party: [1.zara tuxedo jacket, 2.leith necklace, 3.topshop shirt, 4.zara skirt, 5.j reneé pumps]
Cocktail Party: [1.zara tuxedo jacket, 2.bauble bar necklace, 3.topshop dress, 4.alice + olivia pumps]

- post by Adri Reynoso

Read More

Chic Gifting + Wishlist

I always like thinking about what I'm going to GIVE & what I'd like to RECEIVE for the Holidays. I know it's already going to be November, but my husband is already asking, "So, what do you want for Christmas Jen?"  I figured I'd get started now, but I also think gifting something to myself isn't out of the question. Let's face it, after working so hard this year, why not?

Today, I rounded up some chic GIFTS - yes a bit pricey, but I always feel spoiling yourself at least once or twice a year is ok. And you?!?  My favorite & top of my wishlist is #1:  Helmut Lang Belted Coat .  I want! 

Oh & have you seen the new stationery from Kelly Wearstler available via Paperless Post?!?!?!?!

I already have a stash of them for my office!  Super duper CHIC.

1. helmut lang belted coat  // 2. clare vivier haircalf tote // 3. michelle mason via Intermix // 4. kelly wearstler clutch // 5. genetic denim 6. kelly wearstler paperless post // 7. lulu frost brass keychain // 8. dkny cutout booties

 

Read More

Fashion: New Year's Eve Dresses

Hi everyone, Jocelyn here. It's time to get into the  party spirit. I'm sure many of you are filling your social calendars with new year's eve parties which means it's time to strut those fancy dresses. 

Sequins, metallics, and bright colors are always at the top of my list. I put together a few options that would look amazing into the late hours of the night. I'm personally in love with that second dress. What are you planning on wearing for New Year's?

Modcloth dress | Dorothy Perkins dress | Alice + Olivia dress | Rachel Gilbert dress | Bird by Juicy Couture dress | Badgley Mischka dress

-post by jocelyn sanchez

Read More

Food: Holiday Milk Punch

Are you hosting a holiday party or dinner this winter? Lauren here, and today I'm sharing a special family recipe for your guests to sip on. This festive drink couldn't be more simple to prepare--read on for a little history and the perfect milk punch recipe!

Growing up, my mom's side of the family always came together in Texas at the holidays. Our family is large and our gatherings were always filled with lots of love, tons of laughter, and of course, an abundance of food. 

Like every family, we had our traditional dishes that were made every year, but when I got older, my Aunt Kristina's milk punch became a favorite treat after dinner. 

Milk punch is an old drink that's common in New Orleans and also a holiday tradition throughout the Deep South. Other recipes I've run across include powdered sugar or vanilla extract, but let's be honest, I haven't tried them because I think my Aunt's recipe is simply the best. 

And sorry, no skim milk or soy milk substitutions--it just wouldn't be the same! 

Ingredients

-4 cups vanilla bean ice cream 

-1 cup whole milk

-1/2 cup bourbon

-1/4 cup white rum

-1/4 cup dry brandy

-nutmeg

Instructions

Blend first five ingredients for 5-10 seconds. Pour into stainless steel pitcher or chilled bowl to keep cold. Serve in chilled glasses and top each with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

*Note: Recipe yields 6 punch cups. Make 2-3 batches for a party and reserve extra in the freezer. 

-post & images by Lauren Craig

Read More

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS LOVE SALE

With the Holidays approaching you'll have 12 shopping days to take advantage of our "Twelve Days of Christmas LOVE" special.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

Everyday for the next 12 days, a different LOVE poster will be on sale, just for our Made By Girl customers!

*Make sure to check our calendar below to see which posters will be on SALE & when!

Which LOVE poster is your favorite?

Read More

Graham & Green Charity Opportunity

I LOVE this idea from Graham & Green!

It's a unique opportunity to help homeless charity Centrepoint; by bidding on a one off piece of art from 13 of the best in the world of design. 

With designers like: Ronnie Wood, Manolo Blahnik, Katie Hillier, Lee Broom, Barbar Hulanicki & more!  If you feel you want to bid on any of these one of a kind resin stag pieces, just go here. 


I obviously highlighted my favorites....

How cool would one of these look in your home for the HOLIDAYS?!?

Read More

My Christmas Gifts....(Via Made By Girl)

Hello everyone! I'm still RECOVERING from my relaxing Holiday, but thankfully there's more to come with the New Year right around the corner! 


I was so excited to open a my gifts and find all the GOODIES below! I noticed I got a couple items from my wish list, woo hoo!

So, tell me...What gifts did you receive? What are your plans for the New Year?? 

The Tyrol Horn vase was on my wishlist - so it was great to see it in person finally! I placed it on my desk for now.

Below: Relax Shae butter Hande Creme by Lollia - One of my favorite lotions ever. It has the most amazing scent, Lavendar & Honey with a hint of vanilla!

Below: More hand lotions by Tokyo Milk. These are so amazing & I love the packaging! My favorite is Dead Sexy No. 6.

Below: Michael Kors Python Tote.

Below: Victoria's Secret Destroyed Denim - Even though I still love my skinny jeans, these are super nice!

 Below: A lovely set of stainless steel pots & pans from my mom for our place!

 Below: Michael Kors wallet clutch for iPhone- this is super handy and couldn't think of a better place to store my phone!

So, tell me...What gifts did you receive? What are your plans for the New Year?? 

Read More

Staying Home for the Holidays...(Via Made by Girl)

This is my 2nd to last post before I take some time off & enjoy Christmas (without snow) with my guy! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to make it down to NY to see my family this year, maybe next time. 

However, I wanted to take this moment to WISH EVERYONE who comes by to visit my blog (even if you DON'T comment) a very HAPPY HOLIDAY! May God bless you all this New Year 2011.

Here's a glimpse of my home within the last couple days....be inspired & enjoy!

(click on pics for larger images)

We still need to place hardware on the cabinets....should be done first week of January. I REALLY think the kitchen will come alive when those are on, don't you think??

images by jen

Read More

No Snow....(Via Made by Girl)

Living on the west coast makes for a different kind of Holiday. You see, it's TOTALLY sunny RIGHT NOW &  NO SNOW.... which I am terribly missing. Growing up in New York you were GUARANTEED snow almost every Christmas! 

I still haven't gotten used to this west coast weather, but hey....at least I don't have to DIG my car out of a mountain of snow! Here's a pic of the last time it did snowstorm here in Nevada (December 2008) and WOW that was something to see!

For now,  I'll stare out my window and feel the warmth of the sun on my face knowing tomorrow is Christmas. 

So.... is it snowing where you are? 

pic from my iPhone 2008

Read More

'One Gift' Featuring Maegan Tintari...(Via Made By Girl)

This series is called, ONE GIFT UNDER YOUR TREE.  Today, Meagan Tintari from Love Maegan will answer:

Because of blogging & taking hundreds of photos daily, I am in major need of a new computer ...and obviously I want the BEST OF THE BEST, the 27" Apple iMac.

For the last couple of years I've been using the older iMac - the white one -  and my HD is at capacity! {I literally have less than 1mb free space}  Last month BlogHer graciously sent me a new laptop which has been saving my life because I cannot upload one more thing to my iMac without it exploding!  


However, I have to load all my images onto the laptop/pc then upload the large files to flickr, then open and save each image from flickr onto my iMac/desktop so that I can edit them in Photoshop.  {I don't have photoshop on the laptop}.  So while it's been saving my arse, it's also a major PAIN in my arse {& lessens the quality of my photos}!  So more than wanting a new computer, I desperately NEED one for work {and my sanity}!
 

Maegan Tintari

 ...love Maegan 

 Graphic/Web Designer - Blogger

 Los Angeles, California - USA

Read More

'One Gift' Featuring Kirsten Grove...(Via Made By Girl)

This series is called, ONE GIFT UNDER YOUR TREE. Today, Kirsten Grove from Simply Grove will answer:

My totally "unrealistic" wish this Christmas is for these Jacques Guillon "Rope Chair".  Gorg, right???  A well designed chair makes me weak in the knees.  I could see this chair used around a dining table or used for a desk chair.  I'm not sure how comfortable it is but heck, who cares. 


The chair is rocken!!!!!  I figure if I keep asking, one of these times I may get at least one, maybe?  The pair is available here.

 

Kirsten Grove
simplygrove.com
mommy, interior stylist, furniture reclaimer
Boise, Idaho

Thanks so much Kirsten! More bloggers answering the same question soon!

Read More

One Gift Featuring Leah Hill...(Via Made By Girl)

This series is called, ONE GIFT UNDER YOUR TREE. Today Leah Hill from The Way We Are will answer: 

 

 

Lately I have been smitten with Overstock. I have bought a cowhide, and an office chair from them and both are great quality and the best prices I have found. I have just recently found these amazing phantom chairs there and I LOVE them!

I am trying to incorporate more modern pieces with my VINTAGE items to create more of an eclectic feel in my home. The lines of this chair are so incredible and I think the black will add a dramatic flair to any space. The chances of me actually getting them are slim but maybe one day!  Thank you so much Jen for having me! 

Leah Hill

http://vintageglamorous.blogspot.com/

Stay at home Mama

U.S.

Thank you Leah! More Bloggers responding soon!

Read More

'One Gift' Featuring Sue De Chiara...(Via Made By Girl)

This series is called, "ONE GIFT UNDER YOUR TREE. Today, Sue De Chiara from The Zhush from will answer:

This year at the top of my wish list is an ever growing collection of art work!  As a blogger, I look at several hundred images a week, but the ones that always steal my heart are the images of beautiful art!  Even though we have run out of wall space around here, I still have a collection of "someday" purchases, so I thought I would share my favorite with you here today.  Since I have a tongue and cheek series about Random CHANEL Items on The Zhush I've been looking at all things "Chanel" for almost a year, as a result I have become quite obsessed with this Andy Warhol print.


And while I could never afford an ORIGINAL, I have found reasonable reprints here.  Now I need to convince my husband that a GIANT bottle of Chanel no. 5 absolutely reflects both of our tastes!

Sue De Chiara
http://www.thezhush.blogspot.com 

mom to 3, owner of on line shop/blogger 
http://www.zhush.com
New York, NYC

Thanks Sue! Stay tuned for more bloggers answering what one gift they'd like under their trees!

Read More

MY Holiday Gift Ideas....(Via Made By Girl)

If you're still CLUELESS after seeing all this GOOD STUFF, don't worry! I'll be posting more gift ideas throughout December!

1. bamboo flatware neiman marcus
2. print mug liberty of london
3. shell salt & pepper shaker jayson home & garden
4. zebra wastebasket clinton gray home 
5. black forest mirror caviar 20 
6. pixel hurricane candleholder crate & barrel 
7. alexander mcqueen snake & skull bracelet
8. grey quilted miu miu tote liberty 
9. regina andrew silver metal skull tonic home
10. everglades tape measure zgallerie
11. juliska bamboo home bloomingdales
12. tyrol horn vase jayson home & garden
13. python coasters one kings lane
14. madero tray jayson home & garden 
15. gucci pattern scarf saks fifth avenue
16. sipping chocolate one kings lane
17. bone cheese knife set west elm
18. friend horse anthropologie  

Read More

Check out: The Loaded Trunk....(Via Made by Girl)

I was sent some info about a shop called "The Loaded Trunk" and immediately fell in LOVE with their unique PREDATOR staplers. OMG!  

How cool are these staplers?? 

I've just placed one on my WISH LIST.... I think one of these would look amazing in my office!! Check out their entire shop to view interesting items from all over the world including the popular Mexican Coverlet! Oh...the holidays are just around the corner, hope YOU TOO are gathering gift ideas!

images via the loaded trunk

Read More

Christmas is here again....

At last, the Holidays are here.  This month seems to be flying by so quickly & it's only 16 more days to my wedding! Wow!  So here I am, ready to take a few days off & I wanted to wish you all a very joyful Holiday. I plan to spend it with my guy & then my father will be in town along with my best friend for the New Years celebration!!

Photo by Jen Ramos of MadebyGirl

Read More

Bakerella for your Holiday!

Bakerella is one of my favorite food sites to visit. I truly believe think they have some of the most mouth-watering food pictures! Here are some of my recent faves to make during Holiday get-togethers! If you'd like to make any of these below, go here..

Read More