Design: African Fusion

Hello Made By Girl readers! It's Brooke from the Modern Sophisticate again.
One of my favorite tricks designers use to add some fun and whimsy to a space is to incorporate animals into the decor. Adding a dog statue to a side table or little leopard print to a chair can really do wonders.

 

Trust me. It works every time.  


Lately, I have been inspired by more exotic animals like rams and peacocks, which have been styled to be more glam than safari. Here are my picks for an African fusion look:

a. Emma Feather Pendant via Jayson Home

b. Unknown found on Pinterest (similar here)

c. Italian 1950s Gilt Iron Bench via Quotient

d. Bamileke Feather Headdress via Safari Fusion

e. Resin Kudu Horns via Safari Fusion

Fashion: Painting Inspired Outfit

Hello again! Casie Mace this Monday morning bringing some fashion to MBG readers! I think you'll love this one!

Remember last month when I said I think its fun to find outfit inspiration in, somewhat, random ways? Well this month I thought it'd be fun to do the same thing using Cocoa and Hearts small paintings! Colors 81 and Colors 119 are my favorites and I actually LOVE the color combos they inspire!

 

[top bottom left right] Cocoa and Hearts COLORS 81 | RALPH LAUREN BLACK LABEL Vivian silk-habotai top | 7 FOR ALL MANKIND Classic Straight Leg Jeans | Yves Saint Laurent Round-frame acetate sunglasses (image via net-a-porter) | GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI MINT GREEN SUEDE PUMPS (image via ssense)

 

[top bottom left right] Cocoa and Hearts COLORS 119 | T by Alexander Wang Neon knitted stretch cotton-blend skirt | Navy medium pleat clutch | Cream Beige Chiffon Silk Shirt | Gucci Chain Strap Mary Jane Sandal 

   

Cocoa and Hears Colors 3 | DSQUARED2 Pink Skinny Jeans (image via Farfetched) | Equipment Signature Blouse, Rose (image via Shopbop) | Fab. Clutch | Rupert Sanderson High Heel Pumps | Links of love fabric necklace

P.S. I heard NEW Cocoa & Hearts paintings are going to be added reeaaaally soon! Hopefully you're signed up on the mailing list to be the first to know. If not, go here.

 

Design: Over Dyed Area Rugs

Hello MBG readers! Brooke Jones bringing you an interesting trend, over dyed area rugs. I mean, who said old dogs can't learn new tricks? Over dyed area rugs are just that-- vintage rugs that have seen better days that are re-dyed in bright cheery new colors.
 

They almost look like abstract paintings for your floors, don't you think? These rugs would work great to update a traditional room or add a bit of history to modern spaces: a win-win no matter where you use them! Here are my favorite picks from ABC Carpet & Home:

{images via ABC Carpet & Home}

Fashion: Florals

Hello MBG readers! Lauren here again, happy to be back sharing a popular trend for Spring - floral.
 

Now, I know it takes some pretty brave fashionistas to sport this look from head to toe, so I provided for you easy ways to add floral into your wardrobe without going full bloom!

image sources clockwise: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

If you aren't comfortable with wearing floral pants, opt for floral shorts. This way you are still rockin' the trend, but aren't screaming "look at me".

Other fun ways to add floral into your wardrobe are with a scarf, clutch, or even a blooming Iphone case!

 1. Abercrombie & Fitch $55 | 2. J. Crew $25 | 3. Current/Elliott $170 | 4. J. Crew $199 | 5. Topshop $32  Will you be trying out this trend for Spring?  

-post by lauren wickman 

  

Design: Kitchen Appeal

Don't you just love a wide open kitchen with lots of charm and appeal?

Drew here again, with a bundle of beautiful kitchens, designed by Alvhem {Market & Interior}.

This first kitchen took my breath away! The artichoke lighting, the contrast of the dark wood table with white chairs, the abundant greenery and plants scattered throughout, the open shelving and the peaceful view outside the large, open windows!

The other kitchens also left me with a sense of peacefulness. There's so much character in each little corner. From artwork to uplifting prints, to chandeliers and drop lighting to more plants and vegetables that brighten up the look and feel of each kitchen.

As spring is in full action, go buy some fresh flowers and greenery to spread out all over your kitchen in order to make the sweet smells fill the air each time you come to lounge and grab a bite!

1) Joss and Main Planters

2) Crate and Barrel Table

3) Crate and Barrel Chair

4) 1stdibs Artichoke Light

5) Etsy Vintage Chalkboard

6) Anthropologie Plate

7) Forever and a Day Bread Box

8) Joss and Main Yellow Vase

9) Habitat Wooden Tray

Fashion: Summertime Must-Haves

It's Casie Mace, bringing you some Summer Must haves! 

I just returned from a girls trip in VEGAS and being poolside totally made me realize how unprepared for summer I am! It totally snuck up. But in many parts of the country, there's still time to summer yourself up before it's too late! Here's a few of my favorite products to get prepped for summer and beachy glam.

1. Silk Elements Olive Oil Wide Tooth Conditioning Comb: A once-through with these olive oil infused combs will cut back on frizz for the day and re-hydrate your hair after too many dips in the pool. (Do I sounds like a commercial?? Ha ha! But I do love them!) 


 2. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray: Love Love LOVE the straight-out-of-the-ocean tassels look this stuff gives. Plus, it's a great way to create that "second day" hair look even if you just washed it. 


 3. Orbe Dry Texturing spray: I thought I'd died and gone to heaven when I blogger friend introduced me to this. I use it just like I would dry shampoo and after I'm usually tempted to sit in a corner and smell my hair all day--It smells INCREDIBLE! 


 4. Sweet Talk™ Lip Shine philosophy: Perfect gloss. A sheer touch of pink. 


 5. Shimmer Brick - Bronze: This pallet comes in a few variations and when you're fresh off the beach it adds a subtle glow. I also love to use some of the colors for just eye shimmer--and it'll last so long!!!! 


6. Starfish Embroidered Tuinc: I'm obsessed with this cover up. And... 


 7. I LOVE that you can add a cami under it if you'd like, making it double as a chic top that would look AWESOME with cut-off denim shorts!!! 


 8. Sephora, Tinted Self-Tanning Body Mist: The best self tanner I've used thus far. 


 9. Eminence Vitamin C Serum: ORGANIC!! This line of organic skin care is hands-down my personal favorite--but this serum in particular has me hooked. It's so refreshing!!!! Plus I love knowing that I'm topically applying a powerful antioxidant before and after sun exposure.






-post by casie mace

Fashion: Spring Dresses

Welcome back from the weekend MBG readers! Lauren here again, sharing one of my most favorite seasons in fashion: Spring. Besides Spring weather being my absolute favorite {minus the allergies!}, nothing is sweeter to me than being able to pull out my dresses again {and go shopping for new ones!}. 

Today, I am showing you some of my current favorites, inspired by this beautiful image of tulips in bloom.

1. Zara Guipure Combination Dress $129 / 2. Patterson J. Kincaid Dora Crochet Dress $298 / 3. Tibi Arizona Print Slip Dress $298 / 4. Juicy Couture Daisy Guipure Dress $298 / 5. Zara Dress With Cut Out Design $69.90 / 6. Sass & Bide Secret Place Sunburst Print Dress $339.50

*image source

Any of these beautiful dresses calling your name?

-post by lauren wickman

Food: Cinnamon Strawberry Coconut Quinoa

Hello again! It is Lori and Michelle again from pure2raw. We have a super easy breakfast idea for you today! It is made from one of our favorite ingredients to use - quinoa. Do you remember our quinoa bake that we shared awhile back? 

Quinoa is one of our go to ingredients to use to make some really fun and super easy meals. We love quinoa for so many reasons like, it is naturally gluten-free and full of protein. 
 

But we also love it mainly because it is so easy to create sweet and savory dishes with. If you have not tried quinoa yet, you must go out and get yourself some. Promise you will love it.

   

 Quinoa cooks up in just 15-20 minutes, making it doable for people with busy schedules and who still want a hearty healthy meal. Since strawberries are coming into season now we thought about jazzing up a breakfast idea with a mix of quinoa and strawberries. 

We made this recipe feed just 1-2 people, so we cooked the quinoa a little differently then you normally would. Instead of doing the original ratio of 2 cups water to 1 cup quinoa, we just halved that. We did 1 cup water to 1/2 cup quinoa and let cook for about 13-15 minutes. You could double this recipe to feed more or make enough for leftovers!

Another great thing about this quinoa breakfast is that you really can add in any flavorings or toppings of your liking. If you do not have strawberries, any berry or fruit would work. Even throwing in some chocolate chips for a little sweet chocolaty breakfast would be tasty. The sky is the limit! Have a little fun in the kitchen.

   

Recipe: Strawberry quinoa coconut breakfast bowl serves- 1-2 Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup quinoa
• 1 cup water
• about 1/3 cup coconut milk (or almond milk)
• 1 cup frozen or fresh strawberries
• 3 tablespoons coconut flakes *optional topping
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom

Directions: In a pot over high heat place your 1 cup water and bring to a boil. Once water is boiling add in your dry quinoa. Return to a boil then reduce heat and let simmer for about 15 minutes. At the 15 minutes pour in your 1/3 cup milk of choice and add in your remaining ingredients and flavorings. And stir together for about another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and pour into your bowl and enjoy. Other great flavor ideas: 
 

• adding in some fresh lemon zest or orange would be great too
• adding in some chocolate chips (chocolate and strawberries yes please)
• add in more berries or more fruit
• drizzle with honey or maple syrup for a more sweeter breakfast
• or a few drops of stevia would be wonderful for more of a sugar free option

This quinoa strawberry coconut breakfast bowl is easy to make the night before and just re-heat in the 
morning!

   
Now that is one heart healthy breakfast bowl made in 20 minutes. Who else loves quinoa? Do you like your quinoa sweet or savory? 




-post by The pure2raw twins

Fashion: Style Inspired by Florals

Hello everyone! It's Casie Mace once again bringing you some Fashion! As I've mentioned before, I'm obsessed with all-things-white during for spring and summer. I love wearing (slash challenging myself to) the all white ensemble. But to mix it up a little, it's fun to just look around and force yourself to be inspired by something more random--like a table-top floral arrangement!

 I loved these arrangements--they're so crisp and classy that they could easily be used to inspire different looks. So fun!



Have you ever let floral arrangements inspire your outfits??

   

Inspiration Image: Millie Holloman Photography Co-ord Jacquard Blazer | VINCE Loose fit blouse | CLOSED White Winston Pants | Faliero Sarti Dianetta Grass Silk Blend Scarf | Chloé Marcie Large leather tote | Kenneth Jay Lane White Enamel Hinge Cuff | Golden Cobra bfrend bracelet | Christian Louboutin Summerissima Crisscross Platform Sandal 

   

Inspiration Image: Style Me Pretty VINCE Loose fit blouse | MOTO WHITE BAXTER JEANS | Dolce & Gabbana Light Pink Bag | Michael Kors Women's Watch | Crayola Links Necklace | Color Craze Stretch Necklace | ESSIE NAVIGATE HER SPRING NAIL POLISH

-post by casie mace

DIY: Linen Memo Board & Neon Push Pins

Hi Made By Girl readers!! It's Jenny Bevlin on this Monday morning with a great DIY for your home. I'm in the middle of redoing my home office/craft room. One of the things that I really wanted for my space is a really great memo board. I don't know about you, but I love pinning items to memo boards to have around always to keep me inspired. 

I love Pinterest, but there is just something about having images (that I LOVE) around me to keep me inspired! As far as memo boards go, I knew I wanted something that was neutral in color to make the images I put on it to really pop! 
 

I did some searching on the internet & found this linen memo board. However, I feel like $149 is too much to spend on a memo board and I knew I could easily DIY it. For the push pins, I knew I wanted something fun. I love the neon and neutral trend, so I decided to make some neon push pins. These push pins are a great compliment to the neutral linen fabric. Don't you think??

   

Here's what you need to make this memo board:

• Cork Board
• Linen Fabric
• Staple Gun
• Staples (Make sure your staples are the appropriate length. Staples that are too long may poke through the other side of the board.)

 
Steps:
 

Lay the fabric out and place the cork board on top of it face down. Cut the fabric around the board leaving about 3 inches or so all the way around the board.

 

Before you staple the fabric to the board, make sure you iron the fabric so that it is crease free. Next, staple the fabric to the back of the board all the way around. Make sure that you are pulling the fabric tight around so that the fabric will be nice and tight on the front of the board.  

Leave the corners for last. For the corners, you will just fold them down and over as shown in the picture and then staple down. 

 

Here's what you need to make these neon push pins:

• Flat Head Push Pins
• Acrylic Paint
• Clear Nail Polish
• Foam Board (I used this to put the push pins in to dry)

Steps:
 

Dip the head of the push pin in the paint. I then poked my push pins into a piece of foam board so that they could stand upright while they dried. 

 

Once dry, paint the push pins with clear nail polish. 

 

The best thing about this whole project is that everything cost a total of $25! Now, what should I buy for my office with the $125 I saved?

- images and post by Jenny Bevlin

Design: Mint + Gold

Hello Made By Girl fans! It's Brooke here to talk about my newest obsession: mint.  I sure we're all aware this color is everywhere this Spring, from fashion to home decor to ice cream shops.  Even when I was watching the season premiere of Mad Men (amazing!!), I spotted some minty freshness in the swingin' 60's spaces.  

My absolute favorite was a shot of Don & Megan's front door to their new apartment.  I love the mix of green lacquer the gold starburst escutcheon on the door knob.  I'm dying to recreate the look for a modern-day home:

1. Mid-Century Wide Star Escutcheon by Rejuvenation

2. Mint Julep by Benjamin Moore

The original shot of Don's new doors: 

I probably wouldn't stop at the door, either. You could use mint and gold pretty much anywhere in your home, from the bathroom to the bedroom.  Here's my dream mint/gold 60's inspired dining room:

fig. 1. Auburn Antique Brass Chandelier via Arteriors

fig. 2. Bermuda Grass Green Grasscloth via Phillip Jeffries

fig. 3. Paul McCobb Vintage 1960s Dining Table via 1st Dibs

fig. 4. Pair of Gold Base Chairs Vintage via Pieces, Inc.

fig. 5. Ming Satin Brass Mirror via MG+BW

fig. 6. Linley Console Table via Dering Hall

-post by brooke jones

Food: Mango Relish

Hello there! It's Heather from The Lovely Cupboard. Any fans of mangoes out there? Today I'm sharing my recipe for mango relish. This side dish can be eaten with corn chips as a snack, used in a salad, or even added as a topping to fish. Mangoes have been one of my favorite fruits since I was a kid.


Growing up in Texas, we had mangoes many months of the year, but they are best during the spring and summer months. May is a great month to purchase them, since mangoes from Florida are starting to be sold in stores. Here's what else you'll need to pick up for the relish:

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cube one large mango. (See pic below.)

2. Peel a cucumber and dice 1/2 of it adding to the mango.

3. Dice 1/2 of a red onion and 1 small red pepper.

4. Finely chop one handful of cilantro and add to the vegetables.

5. Whisk together the juice of 1/2 of a lime, 1 teaspoon of honey, and a pinch of salt.

6. Add to the veggies and combine. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.

How beautiful is this little side dish? It's such a healthy and colorful recipe to serve to friends and family this spring. I've even been known to grab a fork and eat it straight from the bowl...

-post by Heather Freeman

Design: In Pink

Drew here again, sharing an exquisite pink dream design team that is Drake Design Associates.  I was smitten with pink as I admired each angle of this bedroom.

The PINK walls, the bed, the accents and lighting; pure BLISS.

Not to mention the astonishing walk in closet with a wall covered in shoes included in the mix! If you're not already a lover of this pink hue, you will be after you've scrolled through each of these beauties!

all images via Drake Design Associates

-Post by Drew Humphries