7 Trendy Graphic Sweaters

Spring is not that far away - & we'll be getting rid of the heavy coats & throwing on some sweaters. I love all the cute collections out there, especially the graphic ones - with BIG words and French sayings, so chic don't you think? Funny my husband & I have this thing where we like to joke around & say "EauYeah" - and then I come across this sweatshirt that say the same thing, ha! Must-have!
Here are my current favorites right now, including Do EPIC Chic from eLUXE.



1. river isalnd /// 2 mango  /// 3 mango /// 4 each x other /// 5 eLUXE /// 6 zoe karssen /// 7 each x other

OK....So, which of these can you see yourself wearing?





- post by jen ramos





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DESIGN: Sheepskin Rugs

Hi Dear decor lovers! It's Monika here from ohmydeco!  As the winter continues to make us wanna stay under the covers, it's more than necessary to make our homes as cozy as possible! And I don't now a more efficient way than to add some good old piece of fur to it! Really, is there anything more pleasant then get out of bed and feel the furry softness under your feet?

Sheep skin rugs are something I really love in the interiors as they are beautiful and totally affordable and create effortless and relaxed yet glamorous look. You can lay them on the floor or put over the furniture for even more coziness and, they match any style and add a bohemian, warm feeling to the space, making it more eclectic and personal. I love them most in simple spaces matched with colorful accessories and vintage pieces of furniture.


 Bedroom Via Smallshopstudio :: Living room Via :: Classyinthecity
Entry Via @mariskameijersamsterdam :: Work Space Via Pinterest






post by Monika
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6 snow boots

I think it's safe to say winter has really shown us its true colors this year. In fact, we had a few sunny days last week here in NYC & I thought the snow was gone, but nope, it's back again today!  Can the city hold anymore snow?? Who knows.  What I do know is that it's probably a good idea to be prepared. And I also know that statement snow boots are one great accessory.

Whether for this winter season or next, let your inner snow bunny do some shopping! There are so many cute snow boots out there to choose from-- I've selected 6 different styles to get you started. Enjoy!

Which style do you prefer ??




1. Sorel Women's Tofino Boot /// 2. Sorel Caribou Snow Boots via Bloomingdale's  /// 3. Sorel via Dogfunk /// 4. Pajar via Dogfunk /// 5. Sorel Women's Glacy Lace Boot  /// 6. Tory Burch Denai Quilted Rain Bootie




- post by jen ramos




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DESIGN: Inspired by Goethe

Hi everyone, its Lisa with Gem Daily! When I first came across these gorgeous doors at the Goethe Institute in Prague, I couldn't get them out of my head- so stunning, so detailed and all together amazing! I am so drawn to that perfect hue of peach/salmon/heaven, combined with the brass. With these doors glued to my brain, I found myself shopping for goodies with similar traits, whether it be the color, finish or detail and I discovered this can be the most fun way to shop for things.

First, find a source of inspiration that you gravitate toward-whether it be an architectural element, a piece of art or something as small as a detail on a handbag. When that sucker gets engraved in your brain, you'll find it's actually really easy to pull elements or aspects of the inspiration and help it guide you in shopping for inspired gems. In my case, it was the color of salmon, the brass and the handcrafted detail.

Check out my finds that are inspired by this amazing set of doors in Prague and next time you're in a design rut, use a source of inspiration to help guide your shopping!




1 // Milo Baughman Lounge Chair
2 // Valdes Chair 
3 // X Marks the Spot Rug, Adobe
4 // Robert Abbey Delta Petal Table Lamp
5 // Gorka Mirror
6 // Pink Sea Urchin
7 // Maitland Smith Tesselated Coral Console Table
8 // John Robshaw Laal Decorative Pillow
9 // Izmer Hammered Brass Transitional Cocktail Table


-post by lisa fisbeck



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Schutz Shoes

Hi everyone! Welcome back to Monday! So.... I'm here to share one of my favorite things – shoes. What girl doesn't love shoes??

Well,  Schutz Shoe has some of the nicest & unique pairs of shoes around... or as they like to say, Brazilian shoes with NY style. Their shoes are gorgeous! I personally love their booties the most - there are so many chic styles to choose from. And for a girl who loves her leopard print, they sure know how to entice me with all things leopard!! Too bad they don't have my size in the leopard print anymore - so bummed out!

Anyhow, here are a few of my favorites, including my absolute favorite leopard print pair. I'm a thin-heel type of girl - I can't stand clunky (gothic-looking) heels, I would feed like Frankenstein. What about you?? Do you own any Schutz shoes? 




1. Lyra /// 2. Irma /// 3. Gorgeane Leather /// 4. Aissa /// 5. Alameda /// 6. Ginny Camouflage




- post by jen ramos




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FOOD: Fresh Cucumber and Tomato Pizzettes

Hi there MadeByGirl! This is  Jen from Pretty Eats bringing you a pretty and fun appetizer that can also fit the bill for dinner (if you eat all 6, like I did). Who else out there is dreaming of Summer during these Winter months? I know I'm not the only one raising my hand. These fresh and tasty Cucumber and Tomato Pizzettes will have those Summer daydreams feel like reality.

Easy, super quick, and adaptable to your favorite ingredients, I know you'll find ways to make these pizzettes your own. Try my summery cucumber and tomato version first and feel that cold weather melt away.



Ingredients:  makes 6
    •    6 mini pitas
    •    4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
    •    1 cucumber, thinly sliced with a vegetable peeler
    •    1/2 c sliced cherry tomatoes
    •    Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
    •    High quality EVOO and fresh micro greens for garnish

Directions
    •    Preheat broiler on high
    •    Place mini pitas on baking sheet, top with sliced mozzarella, sprinkle salt and pepper on top
    •    Broil cheese-topped pitas on high for 1-2 minutes, until bubbly and slightly golden
    •    Allow pitas to cool for 2 minutes before adding remaining toppings
    •    Top with slices of fresh cucumber, tomato, and micro greens…drizzle with EVOO and enjoy!




- photos by jen olson



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Fashion: Lush Jewelry

Hi everyone! Today I'd love to tell you about a super cute jewelry company called Lush Jewelry.  This is your 'go-to' place if you're looking for that one small - simple & dainty piece of jewelry! They have the cutest rings, bangles, necklaces and more. And I personally love the delicate material of each item– rings and bangles sit freely and don't feel too bulky! Who doesn't love that??

And here's some exciting news.  Now YOU can shop at Lush Jewelry and take 30% OFF your order! All through the end of February! Just use code MBG30 at checkout.  Keep in mind, the code is only valid thru the end of February!

Here are some of my favorite pieces, feel free to browse the site and find what suits you!!






- post by jen ramos



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Decor: Animal Instincts

Hi-this is Lisa from Gem Daily! I don't know about you, but I can't get enough of the animal accessory takeover going on right now! It is one of my absolute favorite ways to accessorize a space and add some funk and character. Even the smallest horn accent or leopard print can instantly create a sense of eclecticism and a bit of the unexpected. And I just love an overstated animal graphic for its bold artistic statement.
 

What's even better is these accessories tend to come in my personal holy grail of black, white, brass & lucite finishes- can you say instant glamour? Like the pair of lucite antlers from Arteriors for instance, just screams modern glam on top of a stack of coffee table books. Or the Cheetah print from the Aestate would be just perfect featured in a gallery wall. My favorite and most versatile has to be the cowhide pillow; the perfect addition to any contemporary, eclectic or even traditional spaces, it is a definite design staple.








- post by lisa
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Beauty: Mascara for Every Lash Type

Hi, I'm Rachel from Life Unsweetened. I'm so excited to share my first post as a MADE BY GIRL beauty contributor. As a beauty-obsessed woman, finding the perfect mascara formula has been a longtime goal of mine. While I haven't quite found "the one", I have found a bunch of different brands and formulas that work for each type of lash.  So whether your lashes are lacking volume or you're searching for a mascara that stays put all day long, here are a few of my personal favorites.

Volumizing- Just as the name says, the L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara is a cult-favorite for a reason. From the classic packaging to the awesome price tag, this product has it all. Years ago, I turned to online mascara reviews to find a solution to my naturally thin lashes, and this formula was a clear winner. I suggest choosing the "Carbon Black" formula- it's truly the darkest shade that provides thick and lush lashes that everyone will envy.

Lengthening- Unless you were born with butterfly lashes (in which case, I envy you), falsies are a solution to add some length. However, applying them every day can be a bit time-consuming and expensive. Benefit's 'They're Real" Mascara gives my lashes the falsie effect- without the eyelash glue and mishaps. Although it's a bit pricier than what you'll find at your local drugstore, the formula lasts long and is worth every penny. I personally love the long brush with a spiked end to coat each and every corner for a doe-eyed look.

Colored- I typically reserve colored mascara for a fun night out or special event, but some ladies prefer to wear it daily. If you're tired of the same makeup routine, colored mascara is an easy way to make your eyes pop. Almay Intense I-Color Volumizing Mascara comes in 4 expertly-crafted shades to enhance the natural color of your eyes. I love the plum shade- it draws attention to my big brown eyes.

Waterproof- Waterproof mascara is a must-have for summer heat, busy days at the office and weddings. Maybelline The Falsies Waterproof Mascara is one of the few waterproof formulas that worked for me. It not only gives your lashes thickness and length, but stays put during a full day at the beach.

Natural- For the ladies who prefer organic beauty products, natural mascara can be tough to spot. My go-to is the tarte lights, camera, lashesô 4-in-1 Mascara. †The olive esters conditions, treats and protects lashes without any harmful chemicals. In addition, I'm in love with the mascara brush and cute packaging. Win- win!



- post by rachel
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Winter Capes

Hi everyone! It's Monday and the sun is shining bright here in NYC...(rare). Good break from all the snow we've been having. I've been unfortunately sick with a cold, but hoping to feel better soon! How are you??

Speaking of winter & chilly weather.... I think I'm not alone when I say I've just about had it with the cold!!! But hey - since it's here to stay for a little bit longer, might as well make the best of it, right? I've been seeing a lot of fabulous winter cloaks lately – a very stylish way to stay warm, don't you think? I've selected a handful, let me know what you think about the trend!

What's your favorite style coat to wear in the winter??






- post by jen ramos



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My Husband Makes an Ombre Cake

I LOVE Valentine's day - but I didn't love it so much when I was single.  Back as a single gal, I used to secretly hope that as I walked down the street on Feb. 14th,  some guy would ask me out! Needless to say, it only happened once.

I guess I enjoy Valentine's day because it's the day (besides anniversaries) we celebrate love in a BIG way.  Personally, I think love should be celebrated as often as possible - and with that said, let's talk about this post.  Lately I've been asking my husband to bake a cake.... but not just any cake - an Ombre cake.

So, I had to show him the many photos of ombre cakes featured on Pinterest & like a good sport, he was game!  Keep in mind, Mat loves to cook & teaches himself new recipes all the time, but this one was a definitely a challenge.  Either way, he made it for me today as one of my Valentine's treats. How cute is this??!??!  Some of you may also recall, two years ago on V-day - he also made me a cake, you can see the photos here.

I loved it so much I had to show you!  Below Mat take over the post & explain how he made this cake.  I'm impressed - aren't you?


 Ingredients:

1 stick (8 Tb) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 Tb teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 large egg whites
1/2 C "milk" (soy or almond is fine)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Hot pink food coloring

Prep:

Preheat to 350 degrees. Beat butter and sugar in a mixing bowl for 5 minutes. Stir flour, baking powder and salt together in a separate bowl. Combine egg whites, milk and vanilla extract in another bowl. Add half of the dry mix to the butter mix, then half the milk mixture, and combine well with beater. Repeat, scraping bowl and beater often.

Prepare your pans. For this I used 4.5" non-stick springforms but you can use any type of pan. If it is not non-stick, you will need to grease it and use parchment to prevent sticking. Pour 3/4" deep of the mix into the baking pan and let settle. Carefully add food color to the remaining mix, 2 drops at a time blending completely so that the color never gets more than a few shades pinker. Pour 3/4" deep of the mix into a second pan. At this point, I had to bake them for 18 minutes, remove, and cool. Repeat the coloring each time you fill the pan and bake. Be sure to cut the puffed top off before layering the cake, and put a good dose of frosting between layers.

Frost with any good frosting - I recommend coloring a light shade of pink (about the same as the second or third layer). Buttercream is always a good choice but any frosting will do.





PS - if you don't want to go through the effort of scratch, you can use a box mix just as easily.



-images by jen ramos

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Decor: Emerald Crush

Good Morning MBG readers! It’s Stasia from Primp and Prime.  Yesterday while I was scoping out West Elm’s spring collection, I fell completely head over heals for their sleek emerald agate jewelry boxes.  The layered colors of green, gold, and black are so luxurious that it inspired me to design a living space around them.

I wanted the space to reflect the detailed dimensions of the boxes. I pulled some ideas from magazines and scoped out pieces with that perfect tone of emerald green.  The space has charcoal gray and black velvet fabrics with touches of gold and emerald. The space is not only luxurious; it invokes a feeling of refined sophistication. 

Living room interior from Lonny Magazine.


Living room interior photo from Better Homes and Gardens Magazine. 

Office interior photo from Lonny Magazine.


Photo of agate jewlery box from West Elm.










- post by stasia



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FOOD: Brownie Roll-out Cookies

Hello! Jen of Lemon Drop Love here to share a fun, chocolatey Valentine’s Day treat. I like this recipe because the end result is a unique cross between a brownie and a cookie; crunchy on the edges and chewy in the center—perfect with a cold glass of milk! And if there wasn’t already enough chocolate for you, I added a little flare to the recipe—chocolate almond spread topped with sprinkles! These are surprisingly simple to make, plus you'll have so many cookies you can share the love with friends and coworkers.



Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
3/4 teaspoon table salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
16 tablespoons (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions: (recipe adapted via The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook)
Whisk the flour, cocoa, salt and baking powder together in a bowl, and set aside. Beat butter and sugar with electronic mixer until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, scraping down the bowl. Mix in vanilla. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Roll out cookie dough on a floured counter. Cut into desired shapes, brushing extra deposits of flour off the top. Bake on a parchment-lined sheet for 8 to 11 minutes, until the edges are firm and the centers are slightly soft and puffed.
Transfer to wire rack to cool.
**Addition: once cookies are cooled, use your favorite chocolate spread, Nutella would work—I used Cocoa Almond Spread from Trader Joe's. Then top with your favorite sprinkles.**







- photos by jen



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FASHION: Hearts

Hi everyone! Adri here of Adri's World. It's February and that means it's the month of LOVE!
I love hearts and that wrap dress is just the perfect pattern. Not too red, not too flashy. Wear it with some delicate gold heart earrings and a simple long heart necklace. Love!
 
Those black pumps with gold hearts are the cutest, I think they would look great with that cream shirt with black hearts and your favorite black skirt. Perfect for a night out! If you want to add a bit of hearts in a fashionable way, what better way with a black and white clutch? That clutch is definitely on my list of wants!
And of course no outfit is complete without the perfect lipstick and an amazing scent! Do you like hearts?





- post by Adri Reynoso
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FASHION: Valentine Gift Guide for Her

Hi everyone, Sandra from Blasfemmes here. I bet you can tell I love gift guides so here's another, this time dedicated to Valentine's Day. Though I know this is not a date everyone celebrates or even likes I think it's a great opportunity to have fun, with or without a romantic partner. What are your plans for this day?


-post by sandra lopes

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FOOD: Orange Chocolate Truffles

Hi everyone, I am Amanda from the food and lifestyle blog, A Life Well Lived. This is my first post with Made By Girl and I am super excited to share some of my favorite recipes with you all.
 
First up, Orange Chocolate Truffles - perfect treat for the upcoming Valentine’s Day. These truffles look hard to make but are incredibly easy!  My favorite kind of recipe. With just a couple of easy-to-find ingredients, you have the perfect Valentine’s Day treat for that special someone or even better, a Valentine’s Day gift for yourself.
 



Personally, I love this combination of intense semi-sweet chocolate against the sweet
floral and citrus notes of the orange zest. By using just the zest of the orange you get
the the great orange flavor without any bitterness. It elevates the chocolate just a little
without overpowering it.

But, the best part of this recipe is that it is totally adaptable to other types of chocolate
truffles. I have added some other recipe ideas that would be delicious combinations.

Chocolate Orange Truffles
 
Truffles
3/4 cup heavy cream
8 ounces semi sweet chocolate, finely chopped
2 teaspoons finely grated fresh orange zest
Pinch kosher salt

Toppings
1⁄2 cup chocolate sprinkles
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup powdered sugar




Heat the cream in medium sized heavy saucepan over medium high heat. Bring cream
to a simmer then remove the pan from the heat. Do not boil the cream. Add the
chocolate to cream and let sit for a minute or two, until chocolate begins to melt. Add
orange zest and salt and whisk until completely smooth. Transfer to a bowl. Cover and
refrigerate preferably overnight. If you are short on time, you can spread the mixture into
a thin layer on a cookie sheet and refrigerate for one hour.

Remove the chocolate mixture from refrigerator and let soften just slightly. With a melon
baller or spoon, roll 1 tablespoons of the mixture at a time into balls until round and
smooth. Roll each truffle in a topping of your choice. If the mixture gets too soft return it
to the refrigerator. 
Truffles can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for two days or in the refrigerator up to two weeks. (Note if using powdered sugar as a topping it tends to get absorbed by the chocolate over time. So it you plan on storing these truffles or making them ahead, I suggest using only the sprinkles or cocoa powder as toppings) Makes about 25 bite-sized truffles



Other possible combinations based on the above recipe. Remove the orange zest and
try some of the below ideas:

Toasted Coconut Chocolate Truffles - Instead of the heavy cream, use coconut cream
and then roll the truffles in toasted coconut flakes

Nutella Truffles - Add 1/2 cup Nutella to chocolate and reduce heavy cream to 1/2 cup.
Then roll truffles in finely chopped hazelnuts.

Pistachio Truffles - Add 1/8 teaspoon of almond extract (a little goes a long way) to the
chocolate and cream, then roll the truffles in crushed pistachios



- photos by amanda


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New Stationery by Jen Ramos

Sooooo excited to go back to my roots. What am I talking about? Well, when I first started MADE BY GIRL - I launched my business making note cards & greeting cards. Then a short time later, I removed them from my shop and to concentrate art prints.  Today.... I'm excited to announce to the return of my very own stationery!  This has been a dream of mine for quite some time and today it has come true.  Now, this is only the beginning, but the inspiration for this stationery is drawn from my artwork at Cocoa & Hearts.  They are printed on a high-end 110lb double thick card stock -  top quality!

My dream of course doesn't stop here, I'd love to eventually get my cards into stores all over the world. Of course, Paper Source is the ultimate spot. Why? Because it's in NYC & I pass the store every weekend & just love it!  Then of course, Kate's Paperie.

Are you a buyer or a retail store owner? 

If you think you'd be interested in carrying the cards, email us.  In the meanwhile, they are officially available for purchase in my shop: MADE BY GIRL.  So grateful to God for this...more designs to come!



-image by jen ramos



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Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Love is the air and Valentine's Day is right around the corner! That means for the next week or so, it's all about chocolates and candies, roses and bouquets, and all the X's and O's one could ever want!! What's not to love about such a great holiday?

It's the perfect opportunity to show the one you love exactly how much you love them. I've come up with a little gift guide to inspire and help you find the perfect gift! If i had to pick one of these gifts, it would definitely be the lingerie by Journelle.

What is your favorite gift to give on Valentine's Day??

H // Sprinkles Cupcakes
A // Hot pink heart print via MADE BY GIRL
P // 5"x7" LOVE Print via MADE BY GIRL
P // Madison Florist
Y // Gucci Fedora

V // Gold Plated Heart bangle
A // Flora Gold Wire Bracelet
L // Gucci Fedora
E // MIMI Holiday Bra via Journelle
N // Tocca Stella via Anthropologie
T // Christian Louboutin Python Pump Via Neiman Marcus
I // Voluspa candle via Anthropoligie
N // MIMI Holiday underwear via Journelle
E // Embossed Python Notepad via Graphic Image
S // Tom For Bordeaux lust polish via Neiman Marcus




- post by jen ramos


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West Elm + St. Jude

This is the heart I created for West Elm to help them build the world's longest heart paper chain! They'll donate the chain to St. Jude Children's Hospital for Valentine's Day. 

Want to create your own heart? Just drop by any US West Elm store on Feb. 11th between 6pm-8pm & make it there!  Mine was inspired by fashion & then I added some gold glitter to give it some sparkle! You can tweet or instagram yours with #shareyourhearts .



-image by jen ramos



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