My Holiday Weekend...

I decided to pop in today & will probably be back a couple more times this week ...hope you all had a wonderful Holiday! Here's a little peak into my weekend.... 

How was your Holiday??

Gold was the color of the season at my house- I had a GOLD pedicure & gold Holiday ornaments throughout my place. Polish is by Butter London in The Full Monty. Looks sooo pretty on!

This was our tree this year..branches we bought at West Elm last year & placed them into a tall white vase. We filled the vase with rocks so that it was sturdy! 

Maybe next year we'll have a real BIG tree....

Talk about a DELICIOUS dinner. My guy once again whipped up a great dinner & dessert- he's so awesome. We had lamb chops with cranberry-pinot noir reduction , yam mash with cinnamon & braised brussel sprouts.  

We also had a side plate of tarts with goat cheese & balsamic onions along with parmesan twists. Oh & the dessert...chocolate twists with dark chocolate drizzle and pears. 

As always had cappuccino at one of my fave places - Espressamente.

The day after Christmas, my guy made these for me...oatmeal cookies with dark chocolate centers!

My boxer- he's been with us for a long time now & is now 13 years old. Pretty old for a Boxer! He has some health problems unfortunately, but we love him so much! 

This is the dog food we always make...it's a combination of cooked vegetables & lean ground beef- then we add cooked brown rice & mix it all up....they love it! We store it in the fridge until feeding time. In my opinion, this is much better than dog food.

Gold decor on the stair rails...

-images by jen ramos

Food: Three Ways to Serve Crostini

Hello there! Heather Freeman of The Lovely Cupboard here, and I'm back to share a recipe with you today. Actually, I've got three easy ways you can serve crostini at your upcoming New Year's Eve party. 


Crostini is such a fancy name for little toasts, but that's really all it is. However, this bite-sized crispy bread can be topped with anything from hummus to chutney. To begin with, you'll need a baguette, olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic.

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and slice bread at an angle. (This allows more surface area for yummy toppings.)
2. Lay on a baking sheet or stone and brush each piece with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes. If desired, rub a fresh garlic clove over the surface of each toast. (It gives just a hint of garlic flavor.)
4. Next, top with any assortment of spreads, meats, and veggies. I've got a few suggestions for you below...

This tastes like a caprese salad with a crunch. Spread fresh or jarred pesto. Top with fresh mozzarella and half of a cherry tomato.

For this spread, mix two parts herbed goat cheese and one part cream cheese. Top with thinly sliced cucumber. I used a cranberry chutney, but any fruit chutney would work. Mango tastes delicious with it.

This is such a classic combination that you can never go wrong with it. Cream cheese, smoked salmon with dill, and capers. This one is my favorite.

These make such great appetizers for a party since you can assemble them shortly before guests arrive. So hang the mistletoe, light the candles, and bring on the white elephant gifts. You've got crostinis and you know how to serve them!

Cheers and warm dishes,

-post by heather freeman

See You Next Year...

I wanted to take this moment to THANK YOU ALL for reading my blog...& to so many of you who've been reading for several years now, thank you, thank you, thank you! Have a wonderful Holiday & NEW Year 2012!!!!!!

See you Jan 2. 

"Today in the town of David a savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." Luke 2:11

DIY - Orange Pomander Balls

Hello again Made by Girl Readers :-) Jenny May here, from The Swede Records.  I hope everyone is enjoying the Holiday Season!  
 

One of my favorite things about Christmas is the smell that I have come to associate it with- peppermint, pine, mulled cider, gingerbread, fires, cinnamon...it's all so comforting and nostalgic.  Nothing evokes memories like a scent and for me, Orange Pomander Balls are the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. 

A pomander serves as both festive decoration and a palatable air freshener, the perfect fragrant mixtures of spices and fruit.
 

Pomanders are traditional and very easy to make.  All you really need are some fresh, ripe oranges and a jar of whole cloves.  Add some ribbon and glitter, and you got yourself the perfect lil gift to bring to Holiday parties. 
  

In order to ultimately hang the pomander ball, wrap a pretty ribbon around the orange twice pinning it to place.  Then, tie a bow on top of the orange and make a knot at the end.

Next, simply insert the pointy ends of the cloves into the rind of the orange in any pattern that pleases you.  (Use a toothpick to gently prick the orange beforehand if necessary). 

Once the orange is completely studded with cloves, pour some glitter all around to give it a little something extra.  
  

The Orange will eventually dry out but not rot, thanks to the clove's antibacterial properties.  Be sure to give this easy DIY a try this Christmas, I promise you will love how it turns out (and the sensational smell)!

Merry Christmas!

 -post by jenny may

Design: Books as Holiday Gifts...

Hello again! It's me, Brooke, from The Modern Sophisticate.

I don't know about you but all I ever want for Christmas are books, especially gorgeous design books.  I have books in every room of my home, including my bathroom, kitchen and dining room-- I can't get enough of them!! If you are running around last minute trying to think of some quick and easy Christmas gifts, why not consider a beautiful book for your loved one?  One can never have too many, you know.  

And if you REALLY want to make an impression, why not add in a decorative object to coordinate?  

Here are my picks for...

...the Hip Hop Fan...

(This would be for the man in my house.)

1. Decoded by Jay-Z

2. Polygon Object from Indigo

3. Glow In The Dark by Kanye West

...the Fashionista...

(I've been pining for these books for years.)

1. Les Must De Cartier

2. Black and White Lacquer Boxes from Gramercy & Co.

3. Tom Ford by Tom Ford

...the Journalist/Photographer...

1.  New York Times Magazine Photographs

2. Marquee Letter from Urban Outfitters

3. Vanity Fair The Portraits

...and the Happy Chic Designer.

1. Jonathan Adler on Happy Chic Accessorizing

2. Richard Nixon Throw from Jonathan Adler

3. Hue Limited Edition by Kelly Wearstler

What are you asking Santa for this year??

Fashion: Gift Guide for Him

Hello lovelies, It's Lauren! Happy to be back with you today, sharing a little Holiday gift guide for him.
 

Whether it is your dad, brother, boyfriend, or brother-in-law, I'm hoping you can find one thing on this list, that he is sure to love :)
 

I chose a lot of these with my older brother in mind. As a guy who is obsessed with all things gadgets, that pillow remote would be a dream come true for him. And should I even mention #6? 

As far as guys are concerned, that's a given! Another must-have for him is the Chanel Cologne, it is his favorite. So if you are looking for last minute gifts for that man in your life {I know I am}, make sure to snatch up one of these goodies!

 1. Swatch Windfall Watch / 2. J. Crew Cashmere Watchman's Cap / 3. Crosley Keepsake USB Turntable / 4. J. Crew Fleece-lined Lodge Moccasins / 5. Brookstone Pillow Remote Control / 6. Beer Keg Dolly / 7. Ralph Lauren Custom- Fit Buffalo Check / 8. TOMS Perforated Leather Men's Classic / 9. Ray Ban Sunglasses / 10. Levi's 511 Skinny Jeans / 11. North Face Men's Free Thinker Jacket / 12. Chanel Allure Homme Sport Cologne

Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

-post by lauren wickman

Fashion: 10 Stocking Stuffers

Hi there! It's Casie Mace again. This time bringing you 10 Stocking Stuffers! One year my family did a "stocking stuffers only" gift exchange and, I must admit, it was so much fun!!!!

Stocking stuffers can be the little solutions to your daily woes like tangled earphone wires and lost gloss! Or they can include some of the smaller accessories you've been eyeballing all year.

Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Bubbled Cosmetics Pouch [image via anthropologie]: The items that keep you beautiful, deserve a beautiful home. 

2. Echo Design Touch Gloves [image via zappos.com]: Wear Pantone's 2012 color-of-the-year while browsing your iPhone! 

3. Vintage Chevron iPhone [image via vintageprintage.etsy.com]: A fun twist on chevron for iPhone. 

4. mochthings Earphone Pouch [image via mochthings.com]: No more tangled earphone wires all over my purse. 

5. Headband Neon [image via thetwistband.com]: The super comfy "it" gym headband.

6. Bfrend Bracelet [image via MadeByGirl]: Because every girl should have at least one (or three). 

7. Bobbie Brown Smoldering Eye Palette [image via BobbieBrown.com]: No one will out-shimmer you with this one! 

8. Sephora's Bestsellers for Lips [image via sephora.com]: Open stocking, pour contents, pucker up! 

9. Cobracabana LED Compact Mirror [image via smallflower.com]: If you're checking for lipstick on your teeth, it should be with a super chic mirror. 

10. mochithings Slim Purse Organizer [image via mochithings.com]: GOODBYE to the disorder that occurs when I change handbags.

 -post by Casie Mace

Fashion: Holiday Wear

Hello hello! I'm Casie Mace from Whipped Style blog. I'm so excited to bring some style inspirations & join such a talented bunch here on Made By Girl!

Let's talk holiday wear. We've all heard the rule: No white after labor day. But--like many, I don't believe in that rule one bit!! 

I LOVE winter white. Especially when it's paired with my all-time favorite holiday staple: sparkle. Pairing some winter white with sequins is the perfect way to get festive while breaking away from the traditional holiday dress. 

Here's a few of my favorite winter white + sparkle pieces. How fun is that All Saints skirt!? 


Happy Holidays everyone! I so look forward to many more posts together.

1. Faux Wrap Sequin Skirt | image via farfetch.com 2. Sequined band skirt | image via stylebymarina.com 3. Erodes Skirt | image via allsaints.com 4. Sheer Yoke Blouse | page via reissonline.com 5. Kaelen Luanne Pleated Skirt | image via tenover6.com 6. Sequin Clutch | image via warehouse.co.uk 7. Sequin-Embellished Crepe Top | image via net-a-porter.com 8. Brown Stripe Sequin Tee | image via dorothyperkins.com 9. Vanessa Bruno Ankle Length Trouser | image via boutique1.com

Fashion: Christmas Sweaters....

Hello lovelies! This is Lauren Wickman from La In The Bay & now one of the Fashion contributors here at Made By Girl! 

Happy to be with you all today! Cannot believe Christmas is just around the corner!! Was it not just Halloween?!

One of my most favorite things about this time of year is all the Holiday parties! Because where this is a party, there's a chance to dress up!

Every year, a bunch of my friends get together and have an "Ugly Christmas Sweater Party", which is about the most fun thing ever. Anyone else take part in this?!?!?

So, I thought I would take a different spin on it, and showcase some of the chicest sweaters I'm loving right now. Perfect for any Holiday party.

images above via Pinterest

1. Modcloth / 2. Paul and Joe Sister / 3. Alexander Wang / 4. J. Crew / 5. J. Crew / 6. Sandro / 7. J. Crew / 8. J. Crew / 9. Asos

 

What's better than a J. Crew cable knit or an Alexander Wang color-blocked sweater?

Yup. Nothing. :)

xoxo

L

Shelli's Holiday Decor Home Tour...

I have to admit, I haven't even bought a Holiday tree yet, somehow we just haven't had time. But I love looking at other people's homes and how they decorate for Christmas. In this post I'd like to introduce Shelli...some of you may know her from her blog A La Mode. 


She has decided to share her Holiday home decor & I'm certain it'll inspire you to decorate your place this season! Perhaps it will get me to start decorating too...at least some Christmas lights if no tree....right?? I love her decor & how cozy looking is the dining area?!?  Beautiful set up!

Have you begun your Holiday decorating? Do you have a tree up yet??

-photos by amber beckham