Food: Pistachio Cranberry Cheese Log

Hello again! It's Fallon of Sage + Sparkle here, to share with you one of my favorite (super easy) appetizers that you can prepare for any holiday soiree.

In total it takes a bout 4 hours to make but the actual time you will spend on it, is very minimal. The longest part is just letting it sit in fridge. Easy enough, right?! I don't know about you, but for me the holidays are a whirlwind, I feel like they are over before they even start... so easy is a must! The original recipe was adapted from good ol' Martha, however see below for the slight changes/additions I made.

 
 Ingredients:

• 1 bar (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup coarsely grated sharp white cheddar (4 ounces)
• 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Sea salt and ground pepper
• 1 cup shelled unsalted pistachios, chopped
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• Assorted crackers, for serving

Directions:

• In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar,dijon, and worcestershire until well combined; season with salt and pepper. (TIP: I used my bullet to make sure everything was mixed perfectly)
• Cover then refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
• Toast pistachios over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant and golden, about 7 minutes; set aside and let cool
• Once cooled mix in bowl with dried cranberries
• Transfer cheese mixture to a piece of waxed or parchment paper; using paper, shape into a 6" long log. Roll in pistachio/cranberrie mixture, pressing them firmly to adhere.
• Wrap log in a fresh piece of waxed or parchment paper and place back into refrigerator for additional 1 to 2 hours (or up to 1 day) to firm.
• Serve with crackers.

I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday. See you in the new year!!!


 -post by Fallon Carmichael, Sage + Sparkle    

FASHION: TUXEDO JACKET

Hi everyone! Adri here of Adri's World. Hope you have been enjoying this holiday season! Are you ready for the New Year? I love the idea of a new beginning and also the celebration that comes with it.  Obviously, any good party deserves a great outfit and you can never go wrong with the tuxedo jacket. What I love about a tuxedo jacket is the sleek look it creates. I have one, and I've worn it many times in many different ways.
 

The important part of styling a tuxedo jacket is to keep the look feminine, so adding the right jewelry, color and of course some heels are the perfect way to wear it.  Here are two styling options for your upcoming parties. For a dinner party, you can keep the look a bit more casual by wearing a skirt and shirt with a great necklace and for a cocktail party a dress would look great and chic with a statement necklace and colored pumps.

The possibilities are endless, and when the holidays are over you can also wear it with your favorite jeans.

   

Do you like the look of a tuxedo jacket? How would you wear it?

Dinner Party: [1.zara tuxedo jacket, 2.leith necklace, 3.topshop shirt, 4.zara skirt, 5.j reneé pumps]
Cocktail Party: [1.zara tuxedo jacket, 2.bauble bar necklace, 3.topshop dress, 4.alice + olivia pumps]

- post by Adri Reynoso

Chic Gifting + Wishlist

I always like thinking about what I'm going to GIVE & what I'd like to RECEIVE for the Holidays. I know it's already going to be November, but my husband is already asking, "So, what do you want for Christmas Jen?"  I figured I'd get started now, but I also think gifting something to myself isn't out of the question. Let's face it, after working so hard this year, why not?

Today, I rounded up some chic GIFTS - yes a bit pricey, but I always feel spoiling yourself at least once or twice a year is ok. And you?!?  My favorite & top of my wishlist is #1:  Helmut Lang Belted Coat .  I want! 

Oh & have you seen the new stationery from Kelly Wearstler available via Paperless Post?!?!?!?!

I already have a stash of them for my office!  Super duper CHIC.

1. helmut lang belted coat  // 2. clare vivier haircalf tote // 3. michelle mason via Intermix // 4. kelly wearstler clutch // 5. genetic denim 6. kelly wearstler paperless post // 7. lulu frost brass keychain // 8. dkny cutout booties

 

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?

Modcloth dress | Dorothy Perkins dress | Alice + Olivia dress | Rachel Gilbert dress | Bird by Juicy Couture dress | Badgley Mischka dress

-post by jocelyn sanchez

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!

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. 

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! 

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

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS LOVE SALE

With the Holidays approaching you'll have 12 shopping days to take advantage of our "Twelve Days of Christmas LOVE" special.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

Everyday for the next 12 days, a different LOVE poster will be on sale, just for our Made By Girl customers!

*Make sure to check our calendar below to see which posters will be on SALE & when!

Which LOVE poster is your favorite?