FASHION: Summer Nautical Style

Hi everyone! I’m Sandra from Blasfemmes and I’m so happy to be one of the newest Fashion contributors here on MBG! To start off I’m sharing with you one of my all-time favorite trends for chic Summer looks: nautical stripes. I think it’s safe to invest in striped garments and accessories because they’ll always be a classic and they’re also extremely versatile, agree? 

I like having several options on the table so if you are not particularly fond of striped clothing you can always wear striped accessories like striped sandals or a striped sun hat (by the way, I need to get my hands on that one).




Any favorites? Do tell!







First look:




1. J. Crew Panama Hat // 2. Vix Striped Dress // 3. Ray-Ban Aviators // 4. Rebecca Minkoff Sunglasses Pouch // 5. Vila Denim Vest // 6. Illamasqua Lipstick in Flare// 7. Tory Burch Sandals // 8. Eric Javits Tote




Second look:




1. Karen Walker Sunglasses // 2. Vix Cover Up // 3. Nordstrom Sun Hat // 4. Banana Republic Necklace // 5. Nars Lipstick in Heat Wave // 6. Chanel Nail Polish in Pirate // 7. Victorias Secret Sandals // 8. Bottega Veneta Eau de Parfum




- post by sandra lopes

Pieces Of My Life

Now that my blog holds BIG & AMAZING photos - I thought I'd post some shots of things in my home, parts of my life & a bit of my style thrown into the mix.  I used to call this 'Bits of my weekend' but that is what my Instagram is for if you're interested in following along.  Now on my blog....I'll call this - "pieces of my life".  Oh yeah....... I likaaaaa that.  

Prints & frames above available via my shop MADE BY GIRL

 'Be still and know that I am God' - Psalms 46:10 - in our bedroom

This gorgeous (barely used) Sara Berman calf-hair clutch is for sale - $225.  Email me if interested. 

selfie in my office

my artwork via cocoa & hearts

Every so often I'll post this series to spice things up - Enjoy!

-images by jen ramos  

Food: Goat Cheese Marinated w/lemon & herbs

Hi Made By Girl readers! Lauren from Perpetually Chic here, popping in to share an easy appetizer you must add to your entertaining arsenal pronto: Creamy goat cheese, marinated with lemon, herbs, and extra virgin olive oil, and served with crackers. This app is high on presentation factor and will impress your guests, but it's as simple as can be to prepare ahead and will actually save you time as the host. I keep the ingredients in my kitchen at all times, so I can whip this up in a pinch. Keep reading for the recipe!

In addition to the lemon and herbs, capers add a slightly salty note and sun-dried tomatoes a flavorful texture. I make this app all year long, but I just realized in photographing it how perfect it would be for a holiday party with its naturally festive colors!

Delicious!

Goat Cheese Marinated with Lemon & Herbs

Ingredients

1 4-ounce log of fresh goat cheese, carefully sliced into 6 equal-sized rounds

3 teaspoons of freshly grated lemon zest

2 tablespoons finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes

1/2 teaspoon capers, drained and minced

1 teaspoon of fresh lemon thyme (or regular)

2 small sprigs of rosemary

Maldon sea salt 

Freshly ground pepper

1/2 cup of good quality extra-virgin olive oil 

Crackers or toasted baguette slices

Instructions:

1. On a small, shallow plate or dish, arrange the goat cheese pieces in one layer. Sprinkle the lemon zest over the cheese, then follow with the sun-dried tomatoes, capers and thyme. Sprinkle seat salt and ground pepper over the cheese, and place the rosemary sprigs on the sides.

2. Slowly pour the olive oil over the cheese, just until it covers it--use more if you like, I lean toward less.

3. Transfer the cheese to the refrigerator for 2-4 hours (if you have time), to let the cheese marinate. Even if you don't have time for this step, it's still delicious. Bring the dish to room temperature (about 30 minutes), then set out crackers or crostini and small knife to serve. 

-Recipe & photos by Lauren Craig

MY HOME, MY SPACE

What is your favorite area in your home and why?

I'm Shalini, all the way from India. Here is my space. It was originally a guest room which I decided to convert into a tv/entertainment room. The reason why I love it is because it's my first makeover ever and everything has been built from scratch. The effort is special to me. You can see the entire process on my blog.

-images by shalini

YOUR WEEKEND

-image by jen ramos

FLAIR NYC

Hey everyone - I hope you like the new "less cluttered, more fashion-forward" MBG blog! It's been a long time coming & we finally got around to it. I wanted a more editorial-sophisticated look with much bigger pictures, I think you will enjoy what's to come!

On another note, I walked into FLAIR not long ago & wanted to write about it, BUT totally forgot the name of the store. A few months later, I came across it online & was so excited!!  Not going to lie, it's pricey, but if you're the type (like me) that likes to invest in 2-3 key decor items, it's def the place to shop. The store offers unique home furnishings, decoration and gifts.  Mostly European and American vintage furnishings and accessories mixed with their own exclusive designs. You're going to die - but.....as a gift for my mid-August BIRTHDAY,  I got myself this cross-studded vase - see below. What a beauty no??!!?!?! Picking it up today. Woooo hoooo!!


FLAIR is also in Florence, Milan & Rome - so Europeans visiting my blog, now have a chic spot to visit.

 -images via FLAIR

Dear Readers

-image by jen ramos