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?





-post by jocelyn sanchez


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Food: Christmas Morning Casserole

What are your Christmas morning traditions? Lauren here, and one of our traditions is this brunch casserole that my mom makes every year. In addition to being downright delicious, it's also perfectly festive thanks to spinach and roasted red peppers. 

If you don't have a favorite breakfast for Christmas morning, I hope you'll give our casserole a try this year. Of course, it's a good dish to serve guests on non-holiday days, too. Keep reading for the recipe, and happy holidays!

christmas morning casserolechristmas morning casserole

I used pre-sliced mushrooms (just chop them a bit smaller) and pre-shredded Parmesan and Provolone cheeses to save time, but you can slice mushrooms and grate your own cheese from a block if you prefer. 

christmas morning casserolechristmas morning casserole

I love the flavor the basil and roasted red pepper add to this dish. If you don't have a gas stovetop, you can just roast your pepper in the oven.

christmas morning casserole

It's all about the layers: sausage, onion, peppers, spinach...then egg and cheese!

christmas morning casserolechristmas morning casserole

Ingredients:
-1 lb. hot bulk sausage
-1 cup sliced mushrooms
-1 cup chopped onion
-1 large red bell pepper, roasted, peeled and chopped
-1 pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
-1 cup flour
-1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
-1 tsp. basil leaves
-8 eggs
-2 cups milk
-2 cups grated Provolone cheese, divided

Instructions:
1) Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease a 13x9 inch baking dish.
2) Brown, crumble and drain sausage in large skillet. Add onions and mushrooms and cook until onions become semi-soft.
3) Arrange sausage mixture in greased baking dish. Sprinkle half of the chopped pepper over sausage; top with all the spinach. Sprinkle one cup of Provolone cheese on top.
4) In a large bowl, combine flour, Parmesan cheese, salt and basil. In another bowl, combine eggs and milk; beat until smooth. Add egg mixture to flour mixture, beat until well blended. Pour over spinach.
5) Bake at 425 degrees for 20-25 minutes, until knife inserted into the casserole center comes out clean. Sprinkle with remaining red pepper and Provolone cheese. Return to the oven for two additional minutes just to melt the cheese.
6) Let stand five minutes. Cut into squares--serves 8-10.



-post & images by Lauren Craig



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fashion: Stocking Stuffers

Hey! Casie here from whippedSTYLE, excited to share some of my favorite stocking stuffer ideas!! I'm so loving black and gold lately (well, as always) and I just can't enough of some these super chic pieces. I love love the Sephora pouch below and totally hope santa leaves one in my stocking this year. 

What a perfect pouch for all the glosses my purse tends to eat. And that onyx horn bracelet? I can't even take it. Love it. What beats practical, useful and stylish? Hope you all have a very happy 


holiday!!!


1. onyx horn bracelet 2. Lauren Leather Gloves 3. Houndstooth Bag Collection 4. Essie Repstyle + Essie Snake Rattle-n-Roll 5. LEATHER TASSEL KEYCHAIN (BLACK) 6.Deco Daze Clutch Brush Set 7. Gold Glitter Tape 8. Adent 18 Lux iPhone Case 9. leather wrap bracelet 10. black & white tiger matchbook | Greek Key Matchbook


-post by casie mace


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Design: The Decorista

Hi MadebyGirl readers! Amanda here. With Christmas fast approaching, holiday shopping can get overwhelming. But no worries, I've curated a collection of home decor gifts since they are some of my favorite things to give and receive.

And especially for "the decorista" in your life - who loves sparkly metallics, obsessed with luxe candles, and would pick the latest coffee table books over shoes.

6. Ross Vase 
10. Steidl: The Little Black Jacket



-post by amanda dietz

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design: A Decorator's Wishlist

Keyword "dream", people. Hi everyone, Katie here from H2 Design. We have all seen the obsessive amounts of holiday wish lists popping up around the blog-o-sphere. I thought I might take a slightly different approach and pull together a decorator's dream wish list, assuming price was of no concern.

 Why not? We can all dream, can't we?! So let's dive right in. Hope you enjoy my picks! And despite what lies under the tree this year, I wish you all a wonderful holiday filled with lots of love and laughter!
Any will do, although, this number is pretty spectacular!
I find these to look even better as a pair, so throw in another while you're at it!


What do you dream about for your home?



-post by katie hackworth

 
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Are you a last minute shopper??

Are you still looking for a last minute Christmas gift??? Are you guilty of sending gifts late?? Come on, we've all done it. Whether it was just a card or a gift, you knew it wouldn't make it on time, but you went ahead & sent it anyway...

So, for those who are too busy to shop or just waited for last minute...here are 14 items you may want  to consider. After getting any of these, the receiver may not care it's late! ha!





1. Snake & Leopard
2. Pom Pom Throw
3. lauren elan necklace
4. Marc by Marc Jacobs purse
5. Decor box
6. Tory Burch iPhone case
7. Set of 2 Dogs
8. Necklace
9. Dotted Cross-body Bag
10. gold french press
11.  agate book ends
12.  gold coasters
13. marc jacobs satchel
14. ear muffs

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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!

holiday-milk-punch-cover

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. 

holiday-milk-punch-ingredients-2holiday-milk-punch-ingredients-1

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! 

holiday-milk-punch-last

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




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Design: An Emerald Christmas

Hello lovelies, Drew here. Looking for last minute gift ideas for your favorite decorista? Or maybe you want some inspiration to add touches of emerald, 2013's color of the year, into your home. 

Combining different shades of emerald will be sure to bring depth and a more interesting appeal to this brilliant shade! Add its contrasting hue, an orangey coral, to the mix with pops of white and gold and your room will truly blossom with chicness.

Hoping you all have a wonderful holiday, filled with love, cheer and dazzling decor!


1) Z Gallerie Painting
2) Zara Home Pillow
3) Joss and Main Pillow
4) 1st Dibs Chairs
5) Z Gallerie Gold Boxes
6) Z Gallerie Rug
7) Z Gallerie Photo Frame
8) One Kings Lane Journals
9) Anthropologie Deer Hook
10) Lulu and Georgia Lamp
11) Lulu and Georgia Table


-post by drew humphries



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Gift Ideas: For Your MR.

Hey everyone! Have you ladies thought about what you're getting your husbands or boyfriends for Christmas??? 

I admit, I just got my guy his gift - haven't shown it to him yet. But today, I thought I'd put together a few gift ideas for those ladies who are going to be shopping this weekend.

I'd love to hear which gift you think your guy would LOVE.



1. bois 1920
2. ben sherman
3. 'here comes the groomed' - zappos
4. nespresso Citiz Machine
5. marc jacobs credit card case
6. alexander mcqueen skull tie
7. william sonoma steak knives
8. UGG slippers
9. jcrew wool sweater
10. marc jacobs iphone case
11. michael kors boxer briefs
12. blomingdales cashmere scarf
13. ben sherman flight bag
14. ralph lauren academy wool pea coat
15. ralph lauren pencil cup




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Want to advertise on Made By Girl?


Whether you run an ETSY or an online shop...OR if you just want to PROMOTE your own blog, this is a great opportunity to get you seen!!  Try it out & you'll be on in time for the NEW YEAR!!!!  My blog attracts LOTS of readers from all over the world! 

Take advantage of 'one of our lowest advertising rates ever'.  If interested, please email me here

Ad Rate: 3 months for only $250. (This special is a savings of $100 or more)

We also have rates for text links if you're interested. Ad rate is for non-animated ads, if you'd like animation it would be an additional fee.  Email me for more info! This special rate offer will expire Sept 30th.
 

Why Advertise on Made by Girl blog ?
  • Reach thousands of visitors per day
  • Affordable ad rates compared to other blogs with similar amount of traffic.
  • Your blog or business can be seen by magazine editors as well as design Industry professionals who frequent my blog.
  • Made by Girl has been featured in many magazines & is always being updated! 
  • Sometimes I'll select & write about a sponsor, not all are selected.
  • I have incoming links on many blogs which bring in lots of traffic!   
  • We will add your 120x120 button to the left of the blog for all to see
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Fashion: Holiday Dresses

Do you always wait until the last minute to start thinking about holiday dresses? I know I do! Say it with me: This year, I vow to not wait until the last minute to decide what I'm wearing to a holiday party or, more importantly, on New Years! 

I've been eye-balling ShopBop every day and I think I've narrowed it down to my six favorite dresses for the holiday season. Each one has a certain simplicity that I love but with a touch a glam and glitz. Well, except for the Parker Art Deco Beaded Dress which is full on glitzy, dont you think!? Thoughts!? 



(top, bottom, left, right) ADDISON Blouson Tank Dress Susana Monaco Brenda Rhinestone Dress Parker Art Deco Beaded Dress Parker Fringe Beaded Dress ONE by Babs Bibb Mini Dress 3.1 Phillip Lim Metallic Bow Dress



-post by Casie Mace


 
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A bit of MadeByGirl news

A few things - we've updated the homepage of MadeByGirl for the Holidays! There are several cute pics, check them out when you can. Also, thanks to Kelly from Fabulous K for the zebra paper inspiration - we had to add it onto our page as well! 

Funny story, I walked into Paper Source (where I bought it from) & the girls at the counter were excited to meet me, telling me they read my blog! Too cute!  
 
Paper Source is awesome, I've been using their wrapping paper for Holiday gifts for a couple years now. LOOOOOOOOVE them! 

If you don't have a paper source in your town, I'm crying for you now. Check them out online.
 



MadeByGirl has also been featured in several Holiday gift guides this year, I can barely keep up! I'm super grateful to all the editors!! Here are a few I didn't highlight yet that you should def check out! 

DON'T FORGET!! If you're going to order in time for Christmas - you have to order by December 16th (USA) - unfortunately the deadline for overseas past on the 12th. Happy shopping!













 We'll be adding some new items to MadeByGirl 
in the new year - stay tuned!



And last but not least - it was cool to be able to gift a few prints to the gals over at Blogshop
Thank you for the cute pics ladies!







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Fashion: His & Hers Gift guide

Hey guys! Jocelyn here with a quick holiday gift guide. Shopping for the holidays is in full swing and sometimes the worst part about it is figuring out what to get everyone. 

In fact, dealing with the crowds and standing in the lines is probably the easy part! I thought I'd put together this guide to help you kick start that search for the perfect gift to give the guys and gals in your lives. Hope you all have fun playing Santa's elves. Happy shopping!



FOR HIM


FOR HER



-post by jocelyn sanchez



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Jen's Holiday Wishlist

Hey guys! I've seen so many holiday gift guides, but have yet to post my own on my blog. So, here is mine. I know, I know...my taste can be a bit EXPENSIVE. 

But I'd be fine with just one of these items this Holiday! Hmmm which will it be?? Items are all listed in spanish - hope you can understand them!


Which of my wishlist items would you love to see under your tree?






UNO - claire vivierhair calf clutch
DOS - barney's croc journal
TRES - scalamandre zebra umbrella
CUATRO - isabel marant trouser
CINCO - live like you zebra
SEIS - manolo blahnik
SIETE - x-bench barney's
OCHO - madeline weinrib lingerie bags
NUEVE - wild pastry tray zara
DIEZ - helmet lang fur jacket
ONCE - skull salt & pepper shaker phantomvox
DOCE - anndra neen metal cage ipad case
TRECE - YSL handbag
CATORCE - scalamandre tiger pillow
QUINCE - skull print coin purse zara
DIECISEIS - monogram jewelry box cwonder
DIECISIETE - ampersand lighting formage la rue







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Cocoa & Hearts News

Wondering what happened to Cocoa & Hearts? I've been getting several emails asking when new pieces will be added. Well, now that I'm finally settled into the new apartment, I can paint. 

10 new paintings will be added to the gallery - so stay tuned! If you want to be the first to know, either follow me on my Twitter or sign up for the email list here. They go fast, so once they're up, get yours!





-image by jen ramos




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DIY: Herb Wreath

Hi MBG readers! Jana here today to share a DIY gift for the gourmand in your life - Jen, maybe perfect for your chef hubby?

I stumbled upon the inspiration for this herb wreath when passing through the Tribeca Greenmarket one beautiful fall weekend. I love fresh herbs & have quite a few foodies as friends. They have cooking gadgets galore but, as far as I know, herbs at the ready are a gift any chef would greatly appreciate. The genius of this gift is that when the wreath dries out the herbs are still recipe ready.

Materials:

Herbs (I used Dill, Rosemary, Oregano, & Lavender) (my friend I am gifting this to makes wicked Lavender ice cream!)
Twine
Cardboard



Cut the cardboard into a circle. I traced a 12" dinner plate then cut out the inside for a rough 1/2" edge width. 




Using the twine, tie your herbs into small bundles. The bundle should be not too small, and not too bulky. About 5" long with a 1 1/2" width at center of bundle is a safe starting place.




Tie first bundle onto the cardboard ring.




Now, add bundles by tying successive herb bunches 2" under its preceding bunch (to reduce the amount of visible twine). Alternate herbs. I tied on two bunches of an herb type before I switched onto a new herb.




Once all bundles are tied on, wrap twine over the sections where two bundles overlapped and tie off. This thicker section of twine is a decorative way to secure the herbs in place. 




I finished my wreath off with braiding the twine into a loop and securing to the wreath for ease of hanging in the kitchen. 





Voila, an herb wreath at the ready for the chef who has everything. (Or the hostess that may have forgot that final sprig of rosemary!)


Do you have someone that might relish in this wreath? We would love to know!



-post by Jana Bek
-images by Erik Melvin



 
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Design: Christmas at Target

Drew back, sharing with you a little Christmas time decor. I know all of you have been surrounded by advertisements of the Target and Neiman Marcus collection! I even bet some of you got up super early to dash into the store to grab some of your favorite items from some of the most well known fashion and design experts! 

These are just a few of my favorites from the collection, as well as some other Target pieces that will go quite nice with your other items. 

No Target in your city? Head online and get them before they're gone!


1) Frame
6) Glasses
10) Ornaments


-post by drew humphries




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Gift Ideas with Gold Accents

Friday is here. So relieved. I think my back REALLY needs a break from my computer. Know that feeling?

On another note, it's STILL all about gold lately. It's freaking everywhere! When gold became a big hit a couple years ago, it seems I left silver & never looked back. Did you do the same??? 

It seems everything now comes in gold. So, with that said, here are a few suggestions for holiday gifts that are perfect for gold lovers in your life!




 



 You ready to add some gold to your holiday list or someone else's?

 




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Nate Berkus Giveaway!!!

Hello everyone! A few months ago Nate Berkus launched his new book, The Things That MatterI was lucky enough to receive a copy from Nate himself (signed & all) - woo hoo! So, I decided to get another copy along with the snakeskin box for one lucky winner!  

Unfortunately the 2nd copy wasn't signed - but no worries, it' just as AWESOME, trust me +you get the super cool snakeskin box. You can add pencils or jewelry, it's up to you! 


THE PRIZE:

Nate Berkus's book, "The Things That Matter" + snakeskin box! 

HOW TO ENTER:

It's easy, leave a comment here with your email then TWEET about this giveaway + link to this giveaway on twitter.  

DON'T HAVE TWITTER?:

It's okay, you can still enter by leaving your email- so we can contact you.

GIVEAWAY ENDS ON:

Thursday, December 13th. Make sure to come back & check to see if you won! Good luck!



GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
 
-images by jen ramos



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