Jungle Love

Rawwr!

I had been on the lookout for nail polish appliques and finally found these ones at my local CVS. I had to get them because a) they were the only ones I had found after searching several stores and b) they were just tacky enough to be awesome. They were a little tricky to get on, but considering they were only $10 and provided enough for two sets of appliques they were a pretty good deal. They lasted about three days before they started to peel on the side and I ended up removing them around the 5th day. I think they would have lasted longer if I hadn't kept readjusting them during the application process. I'm definitely want to try them again and have my eyes on a few styles from this site. Have you tried appliques? Did you do them yourself or get them done at a salon? I'm interested to know if the professional application is worth the money.

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Chicken with Boursin Mushroom Sauce

I recently stumbled across the blog Baked Bree, spied her chocolate peanut butter pie, and knew I was in serious trouble. I quickly decided that I wanted to eat whatever she was making because it all looked delicious. Lucky for me computer images are inedible, otherwise I would currently be in the hospital with a food coma. I really want to make her signature choc. pb pie but my waistline and my heart are begging me to reconsider.

While busy arguing with them over my food needs I was able to test out her Chicken w/ Boursin Mushroom Sauce for tonight's dinner. Success! It was quick, easy, and delicious and I will definitely be making it again, with a few minor tweaks.

Tell me if you've tried this before/what you think?

My Tips

-Cook chicken for less time. Mine got a little dry by the time I added the sauce. I should have been paying closer attention to how quickly it was cooking.

-Don't reduce the wine so much. The best part of this is the sauce so why reduce it to so little?

-Substitute cheese brands. While I used Boursin cheese I'm pretty sure you could just any soft garlic and herb cheese

-Feel free to add more. I added more mushrooms and cheese than what the recipe called for. The original amounts looked sparse to me so I just added more. Still, looking at Baked Bree's photos it looks like she has more cheese and mushrooms in than I did.

The Purrrfect Accessory

After finishing a recent DIY project (which I will post in the next few days) I had some small strips of scrap fabric left that I decided would be perfect to make clip on bows. I already had everything I needed and I was able to complete this project while catching up on the latest episode of Modern Family (love!). I think they turned out pretty cute and can actually be worn in a variety of ways, just use your imagination!

Clip on bows

Supplies:

-1-2 types of scrap fabric

-scissors and ruler

-2 clip on earring posts with a firm pinch (you want them to grab hold and stay put)

-hot glue gun

-needle and thread (not necessary)

-fabric glue (or sewing machine if you aren't lazy like me)

*Note: I'm horrible at taking pictures while I'm working. It's hard for me to stop focusing on my work to pick up my camera so I hope the written directions and finished pictures are enough to help you through.

Steps:

1. Take the piece of scrap fabric that is going to be the bow. Trim it into a long rectangle that is twice as long as you want your finished bow to be. It's up to you how large you want it. Mine are about an 1x3 1/2" finished.

2. Fold fabric in half length-wise. Glue two halves together with fabric glue. Press sides together and let dry.

-You can sew them together if you want. Since my fabric is furry it hides the fact that is was glued better than other fabrics.

3. Thread needle then take your fabric rectangle and pinch in the middle. Run the needle back and forth through the pinched fabric a few times to create a bow.

-You don't have to do this but I think it helps.

4. Cut a thin strip of fabric (same or different type) and with your hot glue gun wrap it tightly around the center of the bow.

5. Attach the bow to the back of the earring post with hot glue. Attaching it to the back allows for the smooth side to slip into your shoe without irritating your foot. Repeat these steps for second bow. Enjoy!

-I covered the exposed part of the earring post in a fabric as well so it would blend in with the bows.

OTHER USES

1. Hair Clip

2. A broach for sweaters/shirts

3. Bowtie, etc., etc.