FOOD: Raspberry Sundae Cups

Hello MBG readers! My name is Fallon of Sage & Sparkle and I'm so excited to be here for the next 6 months, sharing with you my love for food, making, baking, and styling it!  As some of you may know, It's Jen's BIRTHDAY today, SO I thought this dessert would be perfect!!

 While I'm more of a savory than sweet person, since having my boyfriend in my life, I have grown to appreciate the importance of ending the day with a tasty dessert.  I have recently become obsessed with food magazines (as if I didn't already have enough to read in the fashion/home category) and a few weeks ago, while waiting in line at Whole Foods, I noticed the Fall issue of "Cuisine Tonight FOR TWO" and I had to purchase it.  

Instantly I knew I had to try out one of the dessert recipes, in hopes of impressing my honey, and since getting this gig with MBG, I thought this would be the perfect first post considering how Matt is always making deliciously good looking meals for Jen.  So here you have it, my take on an original recipe for "Cherry Sundaes with Black Pepper Tuiles". 

  

 Ingredients:   For the tuiles...  (via. "Cooking Tonight For Two") 

• 2 tsp. shortening
• 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbsp. powdered sugar
• 1 Tbsp. melted, unsalted butter
• 1 egg white
• 2 tsp. water
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper

Directions: 

• Preheat Oven to 425 degrees
• Coat a medium size baking sheet with shortening and dust with 2 Tbsp. of flour
• Add remaining flour, powdered sugar, butter, egg white, water, and pepper to a large mixing bowl; whisk together 

• Pour 2 Tbsp. of batter onto the pan, using the back of the tablespoon to spread out, creating a 4-inch circle

• Bake for 7-9 min, until edges are brown
• Remove from oven and quickly drape over the bottom of a small cup or jar
• Mold to create the waves, using a paper towel to protect your hand from the heat

• Remove and let cool **Note: can be made up to a day ahead of time

 

For the sauce... (adapted from "Cooking Tonight For Two") 

• 1 cup frozen raspberries
• 1/2 cup rosé wine
• 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp. balsamic red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp. cornstarch
• 1.8 tsp. black pepper
• 1/2  tsp. lemon juice

Directions:

• Combine the raspberries, rosé, brown sugar, and vinegar in a sauce pan, over medium-high heat
• Let simmer for 10 minutes
• Combine cornstarch and 1 tbsp. of berry mixture; whisk together; add to raspberry mixture and cook for approx. 3-4 minutes to thicken
• Remove from heat and add lemon juice and black pepper
• Cool in freezer for 5 -7 minutes
•  

   

Now it's time to add the ice cream and top it off with the raspberry sauce. I chose to go with one of my personal favs... Stevie's Ice Cream, a Brooklyn based company. The Small Batch Bourbon Vanilla flavor was the perfect combination for the raspberries, however the possibilities are endless! 

  

Serve it up, style it yummy, and enjoy! 

  

 - images & post by Fallon Carmichael, Sage & Sparkle 

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FASHION: Mid-Summer Pick me ups

Hi everyone - it's Kat from With Love From Kat. I've loved being a contributor for Jen these past 6 months and am excited to see what the next contributors bring to her blog!  My last post for MBG is called "Mid summer pick me ups."  We're halfway through summer, and if you're feeling like me, than you're tired of your summer wardrobe.  I love these fun pieces that can easily "zhush" up any outfit without breaking the bank - most of these items are under $100!  Thanks for reading my posts and don't forget to keep up with me here, here, and here!

1.  Mar Y Sol Caracas bag

2.  Kenneth Jay Lane ring

3.  Miu Miu sunglasses

4.  Sam Edelman sandals

5.  Fornash scarf

6.  Equipment blouses

7.  Juicy Couture necklace

-post by kat tanita

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Food: ChickPea Fries

Hi MadeByGirl readers! Its Teann from Teann Ingram Photography. Whenever I go to a restaurant, I always walk in thinking, I'll try a new item on the menu. But when the waitress comes to take the order, I panic and go with something classic instead. Last week, I actually tried a new item! Chickpea Fries, which I fell in LOVE with. 

They are somewhat healthier than regular potato fries, though they are normally deep-fried so I think that might cancel out the "health" factor. Luckily, you can bake these fries too!

 

You can buy chickpea flour from a specialty store (I've heard Whole Foods has it in bulk) or grind dried chickpeas in a coffee/spice grinder, like I did here.

Remember to slowly sprinkle in the flour mixture while whisking constantly to avoid clumps. Switch to a wooden spoon and continue stirring until the mixture starts to separate from the walls of the pot.

While the chickpea mixture is cooling in the fridge, make the curry aioli. Make sure to SLOWLY add the oil to the egg yolk. This is the most crucial part.

Oh yum, look at the colour of those fries!

Now enjoy!

Chickpea Fries

1 cup chickpea flour, sifted 1 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 1/4 tsp turmeric 2 cups water 2 tbsp olive oil Favourite oil for frying (I use peanut)

Curry Aioli *Note: This aioli contains raw egg yolks.

3 egg yolks pinch of salt pinch of pepper 1/2 lemon 3/4 cup lightly flavoured oil (I use safflower) 3/4 tsp turmeric 1/4 tsp cumin 1/4 tsp coriander

1. Grease an 8x8 square dish, set aside. Mix water with olive oil in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, whisk together chickpea flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and turmeric in a large bowl. Once the water is boiling, gradually add the flour mixture, whisking frequently to avoid lumps. Switch to a wooden spoon and continue to stir for about 5 - 7 minutes, or until the mixture separates from the sides of the pan. Pour mixture into the greased dish. Smooth and level with a wooden spoon. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes before placing in the refrigerator.

2. *If using the oven method, preheat oven to 425˚F. While the chickpeas' are cooling, its time to make the aioli. You can certainly whisk by hand, but its takes quite an effort. Instead, I use my KitchenAid mixer. (You can also use a blender or a food processor). Place the eggs in the bowl with the whisk attachment. With the mixer on high speed, SLOWLY add the oil to the eggs, one drop at a time. Wait for the oil to be mixed with the eggs before adding the next drop of oil. Continue this process until the eggs lighten in colour and the texture starts to thicken slightly. Once you have hit this stage, you can start pour the oil in a thin steady stream until all of the oil has been added. Add the rest of the spices and mix well. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.

3. Heat 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cut the chickpea mixture into strips, about 4 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. Fry strips on both sides until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Place fries in a warm oven, while frying the next batch. Serve immediately with curry aioli.

*4. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and place chickpea strips, leaving 1 inch space between. Bake for 18 - 20 minutes or until crispy. Serve immediately with curry aioli.

-post by teann ingram

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2013 Contributors Are....

Congrats Contributors....& Amanda Dietz!! 

Looking forward to working with all of you & some of you for the 2nd time! Enjoy your weekend!

Get to know each of them here!

-image by jen ramos

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Fashion: Little Details

Hey guys, it's Jocelyn! With Fashion Week in full swing right now - I thought it was appropriate to bring you some fashion details! So, here's another dose of style inspiration. Let's talk details shall we. Whenever I shop, I look for items that have some sort of unique element to them. Details are attention grabbing and make an outfit that much more special.

I try to pick one detailed item that stands amazing on its own and pair it with classic basics. This creates a focal point for an outfit and leaves a lasting impression. Think of them as sprinkles on your ice cream, pretty to look at and so much better than the ordinary. Detailed collars, graphic seams, scalloped edges or embellished accessories can all add the perfect amount of allure to any outfit.

What type of details are you guys drawn to?

Charlotte Olympia clutch | ASOS watch | Kenneth Jay Lane earrings | Dorothy Perkins blouse | Cut25 skirt | 18andEast shorts | Valentino shoes | Ann Taylor belt 

Happy Shopping!

-post by Jocelyn Sanchez 

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Fashion: Pops of Color

Hey guys! I'm Jocelyn from The Stylish Type. I'm so excited about joining Made By Girl and getting the chance to bring you a little dose of style inspiration for the day. As an introduction, I wanted to share with you my absolute most favorite thing to incorporate into outfits...a pop of color! 

Color can make such a statement and is one of my favorite ways to dress up an outfit. Mix and match them for a color blocking effect or add one bright piece to a neutral all black or white outfit for major impact. Here's a look at a few colorful must-haves currently on my wishlist. 

I love the blazer and the pants and would actually probably wear them together with a white t-shirt and nude pumps. 

How do you guys wear color?

Bauble Bar necklace | Michael Kors clutch | J.Crew belt | Oscar de la Renta earrings | Topshop blazer | DKNY shoes | Nars nail polish | J.Crew pants

Hope you enjoyed the post, looking forward to getting to know all of you.

-post by jocelyn sanchez

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Fashion: Chic PUP

Hello everyone, aren't we all glad Friday is here? 

Especially after the 4th of July festivities! I'm here to talk about how you can add some chic to your pup. There used to be this adorable dog boutique up the street from me but, sadly, they closed over a year ago. And ever since I've had a tough time finding collars and harness for my pup that aren't super cheesy! 

Call me crazy, but I have love finding cute little collars and collar with bows (like this one--the bows look cute on girls too!) for the little one in my life--she deserves to be stylish too, right?! I've been browsing though and i've definitely found s few great ones!! Which do you think would look the best on my little?

Old School Repp Collar

Hugs & Kisses Rope Toy 

Milk & Pepper Stripe Collar

GUCCI POOCHIE LEATHER DOG COLLAR 

Milk & Pepper Bellona

Leather Dog Collar Rock N' Roll Medium Green

-post by casie mace

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ShopBop: Art Inspired Style

This Tuesday, you can find me writing over at ShopBop Shop Talk. 
It's a fun post where I got to choose 3 outfits inspired by 3 of my Cocoa & Hearts paintings! The one below is definitely my favorite. You can go ahead & check out the other two here.

I LOVED doing this post - it really inspired me to put more paintings together - which should be out by the end of this month - hopefully!!! Stay tuned.

T-SHIRT / BRACELET / SUNGLASSES / HANDBAG / SHOES / SKULL NECKLACE / COCOA & HEARTS PAINTING COLORS 91

-images via shopbop

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Renting: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Hi Everyone!! I'm Kim, and I write a blog called Design Thoughts and am so excited to share my Apartment living, Highs and Lows with you today!!!!


The Good

I left my home in MI (yep, that we own!!) to move to NY, into an apartment, 8 yrs ago!! Can you imagine?! To be honest, it took me many years of apt living, to find the good! (Sad, right?) But now that I have embraced it, there are so many great things about apt living!

The first, although, not glamorous at all, is that if something breaks (i.e. Dishwasher, washing machine, and furnace) you don’t have to pay for it to be fixed!!  Not having that stress is a BIGGIE for me.

Second, you can LEAVE whenever you want!!  It is SO great, knowing that if we are no longer happy living where we are, we can move, just like that, no strings attached!!

And Third, This won’t be everyone’s story, but for us, we have been VERY lucky that our landlord ROCKS!! We have been able to rip up carpet to expose hardwood, paint walls, and hang artwork, so we have been able to make this our HOME even though it’s an apartment.  It took me a very long time to accept our apartment as our home, but the minute, we left the hospital with our baby boy, everything changed.  I want to make this apartment special for him, not just a place we rent. So...that’s what we are doing, little by little, knowing that one day, we won’t be here anymore, but the time we spent here, we enjoyed, by surrounding  ourselves, with things we love!

The Bad

I’m an Interior Designer. SO, it’s very difficult, not being able to “renovate” a space, that may not be my style or preference. ( I’m talking, moving walls and re-locating plumbing) When we moved in, our bathroom had pink tiles and pink walls, and not super cool, hip, see it on the pages of Domino(yikes, old reference)  Pink, but like, no one cared EVER, pink. We had to wait, until the upstairs apartment flooded (um... 5 yrs AFTER we moved in) for our landlords to remodel the bathroom.  Our Washing Machine is in our kitchen...Lucky to have a washing machine, yes, but to have it RIGHT next to our clean dishes…Not so great. That has been BAD. So many things I would change or remodel if this was a home we owned, BUT, along with the freedom of picking up and going anytime you want, also comes the fact that you are TIED to whatever awful design elements are there.

The Ugly

Ohhh the ugly...sigh...Okay, I am going to state the obvious here, because truly, it’s the worst thing.  Other people, not your family, literally are living one wall, or floor, away from you.  Even the coolest neighbors, whom we have had, are so close, you can hear everything that’s happening, which means, of course, they also, can HEAR everything that’s happening in your home!  It’s not cool, but, you learn to live with it! The other very obvious, you are paying someone else, every single month, for a place, that’s not yours...ouch! It stings, I’m not gonna lie. I hate sending that check, BUT see the “Good” above...it evens out ;)

I have to say; even though I can’t wait until the day we OWN again, living the “apartment life” has been great! Especially in New York…EVERYONE lives in apartments, so it’s the norm!! The key is making it your HOME, not just a place you rent!

Thank you!
Kim from Design Thoughts blog

Resources: 

1st picture, this living room use to have grey, commercial carpet and bright yellow walls, so ugly!
2nd picture,( real life in the Salter House) , my son Liam, enjoying hot chocolate in our "home"
3rd Missoni picture wall

If you'd like to share, the good, the bad, the ugly of living in a rental, email me your submission with 3-4 pictures of your apartment! Pls use the same format as above! 

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Guest Post: By Drew

Hello dears, Happy Halloween! I'm Drew, over from the design and fashion blog, Coral Cafe. I am extremely thrilled Jen invited me to share with you today while she's back from her vacation & settling in! Made by Girl is a daily visit for me and being a graphic designer myself, I find numerous amounts of inspiration and tips on interiors, fashion, art and design by following Jen. 

Today, I'm sharing my Top 10 Home Accessories that will turn your home into a glamorous and appealing abode!

1, 2, 3, 4, 5    

First off, TRAYS. Using trays to hold vases, frames, flowers and little trinkets gives a coffee table, bed or counterspace a real touch of flair and personality. I am always intrigued with the way a tray is styled and composed, giving me insight into the homeowners personal style and individuality.

1, 2, 3, 4

 I'm sure most would agree that LIGHTING is KEY when making your home feel cozy and giving it that extra touch of luxuriousness. Using lamps and chandeliers sets the mood for the overall feel of a room, by far. Lighting is also used to illuminate and highlight certain pieces of furniture, artwork and decor. 

I feel the perfect effect of lighting is achieved when you incorporate color, intensity and movement into the overall process of light fixtures.

1, 2, 3

PILLOWS are a must have for sofas and chairs! The bolder the better. It's also an easy way to incorporate colors and textures without having to do too much. I especially love monogrammed pillows that personalize the home even more!

1, 2, 3

RUGS can add extra layers to a room. I prefer large, even layered rugs, to add that extra pizazz! Rugs can certainly tie elements in the room together visually and of course add a soft landing for your feet. How can you say no to a metallic cowhide/zebra rug? The fuschia rug leading to the living room is pretty eye catching and glorious, too!

1, 2, 3, 4

Tired of magazine and book clutter? Spruce it up by placing them in between fun and chic BOOKENDS. They actually help make the spines of your books stand out and aid in creating a clean and polished book collection. The ram bookends might be my favorite! {maybe because I've seen pictures of Jen's pair in her own home}

1, 2, 3, 4

MIRRORS create a sense of increased space, length and dimension. Ornamental mirrors are a definite must when looking to glamorize a room. Even installing a gallery wall of mirrors adds a fancy and playful touch to a wall. Your mirrors will also help in reflecting light from the elegant chandelier and lamps you have in your home.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Adding THROWS into your home not only keeps you warm and cozy, but is also very inviting and helps brighten up a couch and chair, with a touch of class and flair. You can choose a bright colored throw or one with your favorite print. Throws become very versatile accessories in the home and can be moved from room to room.

1, 2, 3

You MUST have a BOOKCASE to display your favorite designer books, vases, trinkets and frames. 

They can be built in, used in a hutch or free standing. Designers are even adding wallpaper or printed fabric to the back of the cases to give it added appeal. Bookcases can also create a strong focal point and area of interest. I'm always intrigued with the composition, spacing and color grouping in a bookcase. Every bookcase styling is always so different and captivating!

1, 2, 3, 4, 5  

I am obsessed with TRINKETS galore!! These are defined as little treasures, small decor items or even odds-and-end pieces that help in styling a bookcase, side tables or nooks. Trinkets also add extra charm and are extremely helpful in highlighting certain colors and adding depth, using a variety of shapes and sizes.

1, 2, 3 

I have to say, the cherry on top of all accessories is ARTWORK.{mainly paintings!} Abstract and colorful artwork speaks volumes in a home. If you have a very minimalistic approach in home design, art can speak for itself , as well as for a whole room. Paintings become easy conversation pieces and focal points. I had to showcase three of my favorites {of course Jen is included!}

Also check out Nancy Ramirez and Rachel Wright.

Thanks so much for having me, Jen!

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'One Gift' Featuring Joi Svezia...(Via Made By Girl)

This series is called, ONE GIFT UNDER YOUR TREE. Today, Joi Svezia from Nuestra Vida Dulce
will answer:

If I had to choose just one gift it would be the Troy Lighting Sausalito 5 Light Chandelier.  I ADORE the antiqued brass finish and the circle design.  I had previously seen this light floating around the blogosphere but didn't think much of it until I saw it in person. At that time, it was love at first sight! It's a stunning fixture and would look lovely over my dining room table, Santa! ; )

Joi Svezia 

http://daveandjoi.blogspot.com 

High School teacher + Lifestyle Blogger

Illinois

Thank you Joi & to all the other bloggers who participated! Merry Christmas to all of you & Happy New Year 2011. 

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'One Gift' Featuring Kyle Knight...(Via Made By Girl)

This series is called, ONE GIFT UNDER YOUR TREE. Today Kyle Knight from Knight Moves Blog will answer:

This year I'm wishing for a pair of pillow shams from Leontine Linens. For some time now, I've been infatuated with their exquisite monogrammed goods and I'd love to get my hands on pretty much anything that they make! Leontine's goodies certainly do not qualify as something I "need," but they would make a perfect gift because it's unlikely that I would ever buy myself something so INDULGENT. 

They have beautiful CUSTOM BED LINENS and my favorite styles are emblazoned with an oversized classic monogram. All of their creations are timeless and "heirloom quality," so the shams would be enjoyed for many years to come.  If I were LUCKY enough to receive them, a silly amount of stress would ensue during the color and monogram-style selection process. There are just too many amazing options! 

Rest assured that if a Leontine Linens gift certificate were to magically appear under the Christmas tree, I could get it together & make my picks! Fingers are officially crossed!!  ;)

Kyle Knight

http://knightmovesblog.blogspot.com/

Editor at High Gloss Magazine

Texas

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'One Gift' Featuring Nancy Marcus...(Via Made By Girl)

This series is called, ONE GIFT UNDER YOUR TREE. Today, Nancy Marcus from Marcus Design will answer:

If I could choose 1 gift this Holiday, it would be the gold scroll side table from Neiman Marcus! I first spotted it on MadebyGirl, {Jen has such a good eye} and I have been smitten ever since! Gold accessories are a HOT trend for 2011 and this little creation would add a dose of traditional polish to any space. 

I'd place this lovely piece between the two tufted chairs in my living room, it would add the perfect finishing touch! Here's hoping that Santa is reading this :)

Nancy Marcus  

http://marcusdesigninc.blogspot.com

Scientist by day, design blogger by night

Vancouver, Canada

    

 Thanks a lot Nancy! More to come soon!

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'One Gift' Featuring Emily Clark...(Via Made By Girl)

This series is called, ONE GIFT UNDER YOUR TREE. Today Emily Clark from Emily Clark Blog will answer:

I'm crossing my fingers that Santa will bring me a new chair for our family room to replace the sad one we have now.  I want something with SLEEKER lines without being too modern.  I think a perfect choice is the Anderson Wing Chair from Williams-Sonoma Home.  


It's a fresh take on the traditional wingback and would be a vast improvement to the oversized (yet undeniably comfortable) chair we currently have.  I've never ordered furniture from WS Home and this chair is probably out of Santa's price range, but a girl can dream!  Especially at Christmastime.

Emily A. Clark

www.emilyaclark.com

Interior Decorator/Design Blogger

Charlotte, North Carolina

 Thanks a lot Emily! More to come soon!

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'One Gift' Featuring Chassity Evans...(Via Made By Girl)

This series is called , ONE GIFT UNDER YOUR TREE. Today Chassity Evans from Look Linger Love will answer:

Hello!  I'm so thrilled to be guest posting today.  I love reading Made By Girl's daily posts and am endlessly inspired.  So when Jen asked me to participate in her Holiday Gift series, my mind immediately started reeling.  


If I could have one Christmas gift, what would it be.....?  Some of you already know that I'm a big fan of the J.Crew Shoe of the Month Club.  Who wouldn't love getting a beautiful pair of shoes delivered to your front step EVERY MONTH??  (Psst- if you want to see what all of the shoe selections were in 2010 you can see my review of the club here)  So when I heard that NET-A-PORTER has their own shoe of the month club, I was smitten! The gift that keeps on giving.  Sign me up! 

Chassity Evans 

http://www.looklingerlove.blogspot.com

Stay at home mom

Charleston, SC



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