FOOD: Veggie Sliders with Tahini Mayo

Hi there, Made By Girl fans! I'm Jen from Pretty Eats and today I'm serving up a favorite of mine, Veggie Sliders with Tahini Mayo. I cannot tell you how great this recipe is, so tasty and healthy! Usually, we will make a double batch of these veggie sliders so we'll have extra for lunch the next day. Much room for adapting these sliders to what you have in the kitchen. How great would these be with some sauteed zucchini added to them? I truly love how these are baked, which just adds to the ease of this recipe. Try these Veggie Sliders in buns, wraps, or even on top of a salad, yummy any way you have them!

Veggie Sliders with Tahini Mayo

Ingredients: makes 4-6 sliders

• 2 sweet potatoes, skin-on and washed
• 4 small pre-cooked beets, finely chopped (you can often find these packaged in the refrigerator section of stores)
• 1 shallot, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 small portabello mushrooms, chopped
• 1 cup quinoa, cooked
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons mayo (Vegenaise or regular mayonnaise, your preference)
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• juice of 1/4 meyer lemon
• sea salt and ground pepper
• microgreens
• mini slider buns

Directions:

• In a 400 degree oven, place sweet potatoes on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until soft.
• Saute shallot and mushrooms in a touch of olive oil. Add garlic and beets after a few minutes, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
• Scoop the inside of the cooked sweet potatoes into a large bowl, and combine with beets/shallot/mushroom mixture. Add quinoa and flour. Mix well.
• Taste mixture for seasoning, add salt and pepper to suit your taste.
• Refrigerate slider mixture for 30 minutes before forming 4-6 small patties. (Add more flour if too sticky.)
• In a 350 degree oven, bake patties on a foil-lined oiled baking sheet for 15 minutes. Flip and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until golden.
• Make the Tahini Mayo by combining mayo, tahini, lemon juice, and a small pinch of salt and pepper.
• Assemble sliders on buns with a spoonful of Tahini Mayo and a sprinkle of microgreens. Enjoy!

- post & photos by jen olson

BEAUTY: 2015 Lipstick Trends!

Please excuse the absence - Jen is away for a couple weeks there will be a few sporadic posts. So today, we are discussing the 2015 lipstick trend...

Hi everyone! Sami from The Unexpected Type here today to talk about lipstick trends for the upcoming season! With Spring just around the corner, I need an instant beauty refresher to wake me up from using Winter neutrals and I always reach for a new lip color to do the trick. Lipstick is one of the easiest ways to transform any look from head to toe! A quick red lip can add mega drama and impact to a power outfit, rather than opting for your run-of-the-mill nude lipstick, am I right ladies

Some amazing colors hit the S/S 2015 catwalk this year and I've picked the top three trends that you can work into your style as the snow starts to melt and Spring pops into play. This year, prepare for a fiery statement lip of orange-red hues, a luscious, just-bitten look, and a perfectly plump pout. These hues will add an instant touch of Spring as you transition into the bright, sunny season.

1. NYX Cosmetics / Target
2. Nars Cosmetics / Sephora
3. Givenchy / Sephora

There's a designated statement lip for each season and this year it's a fiery, orange-red. Kiss fuchsia goodbye this year and say "Hello" to the power orange! For bright colors, you'll need a great lip liner as your base. I also recommend using a tapered lip brush to apply the color to make sure it's completely saturated and looks crisp. The rest of your face to should have minimal makeup with this look, since Spring is all about keeping it fresh and clean.

1. CoverGirl Cosmetics / Covergirl
2. Bite Beauty / Sephora
3. Rouge Dior / Sephora

The nude lip is getting an update, too! If you aren't quite ready to jump head-first into fiery hues, the 'Just-Bitten' look is perfect for you. Mauve pinks just a shade darker than your natural lip color give your lips a plump, voluminous look and is a great choice for someone just venturing into trying out lipstick trends. Compliment your lips with highlighted, bronzed cheeks and tones of brown eye shadow for a natural, but gorgeous, look.

1. Make Up Forever / Sephora
2. Yves Saint Laurent
3. MAC Cosmetics / MAC Cosmetics

If you're all about the dark lip, plum is the perfect shade for you! Instead of poppy pinks, romantic purple hues are all over the radar and complimenting a bunch of collections hitting stores soon. Complete this look with dewy skin, top-lined eyes, and a fresh coat of mascara.

Whether you're ready to make the jump to a daring statement look or ease into an update of your natural look, these trends are a fun way to get inspired and spark your creativity. Whatever your new look is, remember that trends are just guidelines and true style shines through with what you do with them!

- post by Sami

FOOD: On-The-Go Breakfast Bowl

Hi everyone! Sami from XO, Sami Davis here. I'm the newest contributor here at Made By Girl & am so excited to be posting today for the first time! So, here we go! Let's chat about breakfast.

Breakfast used to be the hardest meal of the day for me to put together. From rushing out the door or just not feeling particularly hungry, skipping breakfast was seriously make a dent in my daily routine. With the need for a great recipe I could make in a snap, I cultivated a yummy breakfast bowl perfect for the girl on the go. Today, I�m sharing with you a honey greek yogurt bowl topped with strawberries, bananas, and your favorite granola.

Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup greek yogurt

- 1 tbsp clover honey

- 1/2 cup sliced strawberries

- 1/2 banana

- 1/4 cup your favorite granola 

1. Start by placing your greek yogurt in a bowl and pouring the honey over the yogurt.

2. Slice up your strawberries and bananas then 

assemble them on top of your yogurt honey mixture.

3. Top with your favorite granola, enjoy!

TIP: These make great make-ahead meals and would hold perfectly in small mason jars assembled like a parfait. That way, all you have to do is grab a jar on your way out the door!

Have a great weekend everyone!!

-post and photos by Sami Davis

FOOD: Almond Milk Oatmeal with Chia & Blackberries

Good morning Made By Girl readers! Jen from Pretty Eats here with a great way to start your day, Almond Milk Oatmeal with lots of yummy toppings. I'll admit it, I'm more of a "coffee for breakfast" type of girl, something I'm trying to change this year. To make breakfast tempting, I make it beautiful and adaptable to any tastes I'm craving at the moment - sliced nuts and fresh fruit are my favorites! The lovely thing about multi grain oatmeal is that you don't need  a lot to fend off hunger for hours. Also, high quality grain blends can be found pre-packaged or simply in your grocery's bulk bins. Simple, tasty, and easy!

Almond Milk Oatmeal with Chia & Blackberries:
Ingredients:  makes 1 serving

    �    1 c 7 Grain Blend cereal (rye, wheat, oats, barley, etc)
    �    1/2 c almond milk
    �    pinch of sea salt
    �    2 big dollops of your favorite yogurt
    �    1 tsp chia seeds
    �    Additional toppings such as sliced almonds, crushed pistachios, and blackberries.

Directions: 
    �    Heat almond milk to simmering and pour over oats with a small pinch of salt.
    �    Stir and allow oats to soften for a few minutes.
    �    Add toppings of your choice, such as yogurt, chia seeds, almonds, crushed pistachios and blackberries. Enjoy!

-Post & photos by jen olson

On Valentine's Day...

Valentine's Day should be everyday if you're in a relationship. 

My husband & I are firm believers in keeping L-O-V-E alive by nurturing it daily. We strive hard to place God at the center of our marriage, and even though some days it's not easy, the most important thing is we 'both' keep trying.

This week, my husband & I were practicing making desserts for Valentine's day.  He loves cooking, while I'm more the creative type who likes to decorate them .... we work well together!  Below are the sweets we made, which we'll also be making on V-day!  Hope we can inspire you to show someone...that you LOVE them....whether you have a husband, wife, bf or gf...or you're single.

Remember....love comes in many forms.  Have a Happy Valentine's Day.

Above: a bouquet of flowers I brought home - couldn't resist!

Below: The newest Love print in Blush pink+gold - gorgeous! Available in my Made By Girl shop.

Below: Chocolate cupcake with butter cream frosting & a side of pink cotton candy, don't forget the conversation hearts!

Enjoy a good LOVE LETTER? I do! In fact, my husband STILL leaves notes & LOVE letters for me even after many years together.  Paying attention to the small meaningful things is key.  

In 2013 I created an online magazine devoted to Love Letters, where several blogger shared their favorites. I shared one my husband wrote me, you can see a peek below. See the entire letter & more in the online magazine here. 

I'm sure you'll LOVE it!

Below: chocolate cupcakes with butter cream frosting & conversation hearts - yum!

below: Chocolate heart ice-cream sandwich? Sure, why not?

Below: one of the many Pink Ombre original paintings I painted for clients - great reminder to LOVE.

-all images by jen ramos

FOOD: S'mores for TWO

Hi guy! Jen from Lemon Drop Love here. We are in the month of love and Valentines Day is creeping up on us. Today, I wanted to share a version of one of my favorite sweet treats�s�mores! But this time you get to share it with your special someone and get a little messy in the process.

S�more For Two
INGREDIENTS:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Graham crackers for dipping
1 small skillet
 Get this one at Sur La Table or others via Madyson's Marshmallows or (or extra large marshmallows cut in half)
Heart-shaped cookie cutter

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 450.
In a small cast iron skillet, add chocolate chips. Take each Maddy Melt and cut into heart shapes or cut the large marshmallows in half and top the chocolate chips with them.
Once the oven is up to temperature, add the skillet to the oven. Bake for 7-9 minutes, or until the marshmallows turn golden brown.
Serve with graham crackers for scooping.

-images and recipe by jen costea

FASHION: 12 VALENTINE GIFT IDEAS FOR HER

Hi everyone, Sandra from Blasfemmes here! Just thought I�d share a little Valentine�s Day inspiration with you today. I can't think of a more appropriate time to focus on pink though I don't really need excuses to wear/buy pink. :) From the items below I'm definitely getting the 'Blush Pink LOVE' print, I already own the gold one but this new blush edition is killing me. And you, how will your surprise the ones you love? Do you have plans yet?

1. Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB Tote // 2. 'Roses de Chlo�' Eau de Toilette // 3. Wildfox 'Love You' Sleep Mask // 4. Wonderelle Bunnies Ring Holder // 5. MadebyGirl Blush Pink 'Love' Print // 6. Rebecca Minkoff Heart Crossbody Bag // 7. Guerlain 'M�t�orites' Perles de Blush // 8. Wonderelle Tiny Heart Ring // 9. Hanky Panky Signature Lace Original Rise Thong Rose // 10. Kate Spade Gramercy Watch // 11. Williams Sonoma Heart Mug // 12. Kate Spade 'Kiss Me You Fool' Clutch

-post by sandra lopes

Books for KIDS on Vday

Valentine's Day is usually for lovers no? Well, I believe it's a day to celebrate L-O-V-E with anyone you adore!  Including your children.

At this stage in my life, my husband & I do not have kids (yet) .........but we are still in the process of adoption & we're excited! If I had a child this very second, I would get them books for Valentine's Day. Why?

Well, to be honest, I love books & I hope to instill the same passion for them to our child.  My love for books started when I was about 6 years.....my dad brought home several encyclopedias for us.  Between my sister & I, I was the one more interested in diving into these complex historical encyclopedias, even if I had no idea what I was looking at!  No matter what, I was enthralled by books of every kind.  As a young kid my favorites were Charlotte's Web, Charlie & The Chocolate factory and of course, Corduroy.  Ever read any of these?

So, I selected a few titles I thought would be a lovely addition to any child's book collection. Great & useful gifts for Valentine's Day! 

Ball, I love my mom, I love my dad, a walk in New York, The magic bunny, Louise loves art, Dog loves books via:  Barneys.

Mr. Funny
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Corduroy 


-post by jen ramos

BEAUTY: Color Of the Year

Hello! Bonjour! My name is Monica and I write a beauty blog called Beauty Parler. No, not a spelling mistake. Parler, the french verb to talk/speak in this case Beauty Talk. So excited to contribute my first beauty post here at Made by Girl. What better way to begin my first post than with Pantone's 2015 color, Marsala. The perfect earthy wine shade that translates beautifully to makeup. A universal shade that suits most skin tones. A warm shade that is perfect for Winter.

Marsala is such a fabulous shade to wear.

(1) NARS Almerla Blush- Use it as a hint of color on cheeks.

(2) OPI Nail Lacquer- the easiest way to wear Marsala this year is using a nail lacquer like shade Lost on Lombard.

(3) Clinique Brush-On Cream Liner - this waterproof cream liner is a great for those that want to try a shade other than black. Shade Honey Black is not black but rather a reddish brown liner.

(4) NARS Satin Lipstick- a bold lip always makes a fabulous statement in Winter. Shade Afghan Red is balance of reddish brown. Making it a close match to marsala.

What do you think of the color Marsala?

-post by Monica

Valentine Gift Ideas

I know it can be overwhelming to shop for a Valentine's gift, but for the next day or two, I've decided to give you a few ideas. You don't have much time left - so here we go!

Men, If you give your wife or gf perfume, chocolates, a massage etc....try adding in a little something extra to the mix such as an art print from my Made By Girl shop, a gorgeous card from Paperless Post or some cute stickers from Paper-Source! These are just thought ful extras she'll love! 

Ladies.... you can also do the same for your honey......it's not just men doing the gifting, you know?!

-post by jen ramos

William Sonoma This V-DAY

How will you be celebrating this Valentine's Day? My husband & I were originally going to go out to a nice dinner, but we decided to take the fancy dinner money & donate it to a charity.  It's the first time we've ever done this on V-day....but we knew that we could come up with something fun to do anyway.  So, Mat offered to make a lovely dinner instead - then we both will be making something FUN for dessert! Neat huh?

However, if you're NOT in the cooking or going out mode, I suggest ordering something sweet & pretty for your Valentine - I recommend William Sonoma.  They have the prettiest cakes & candies for that special day.

Here are a few of my faves, and even though I'm still looking to try some of these....just out of sheer beauty I'd buy some.

Seriously, who wouldn't be impressed with any of these arriving at their door?

-post by jen ramos

Movies: The Loft Movie

Hey guys! Are you into movies? My husband I LOVE movies.  He loves action & suspense films, while I prefer horror, suspense & romance, strange combo I know.  For me, my dad got me into watching horror flicks when I was about 7 years old. He enjoyed getting startled by the monster or creepy kid in the films. Go figure.

So today, a NEW film hits the big screen called "The Loft." -  It's a suspense thriller, which I can def get into.  Mat & I are looking forward to seeing this film & seeing how it unravels!  You guys should see it & let us know what you think!  Here's a little synopsis about the film in my own words, then feel free to watch the trailer below for yourself.

The Loft starring Karl Urban & James Marsden , is a suspense thriller about 5 guys sharing a penthouse in the city where they can carry on their most luxurious & sensual fantasties.  It's interesting what could potentially happen when a woman turns up dead in a loft.  The men turn on each other when  they realize that one of them is a killer.  Friendships are torn apart & marriages crumble as you watch human behavior at it's worst.

Official movie trailer here or click below on the video.

You can also get tickets online, which is what Mat & I usually do via Fandango, much, much easier.

Thankfully this is a just a movie and we're just watching it as entertainment and nothing more.  
Anyone else going to see this film?? 

-sponsored post by jen ramos

Hot girl bikini sexy korea

Korean beauty have long been likened jewel of Asia. Always good to clean elegance, pure and bright, young women in Korea has led to curious guy, admired. Showbiz kimchi is one of the exciting entertainment industry, the most attractive in Asia. The tingle Korean superstar known for unique fashion style, personality and impressive. The fashion trend originated from this place are numerous ladies favorite. Especially office fashion, gala and fashion trends in our daily lives. However, with its own 'territory' swimwear, the results are new and unfamiliar to most fans. Very rarely, audiences admire the beauty of the blooming Korean design sexy bikini. Whether appeared many polls as "the most beautiful wedding dress Why", "What skirts look best," "Why are fascinated smile", "Why are the sexiest jeans" ... But true fans still wonder whether the 'kingdom' that flooded the stage, who will be the 'wonders' of Korean bikini? And to relieve 'urgent' is very plausible, recently launched allkpop list of 9 people voted sexiest bikini beautiful Korea. Sure, there's the stage name of 'Red Book', the readers will have experienced unexpected and interesting. Because there are many super stars are inclined to think that real beauty is not necessarily good quality perfection.