DIY NECKLACES FOR THE LITTLES FROM THIER SUMMER ADVENTURES + WEEKEND LINKS

Happy Friday!

A great start to the weekend for me! Well sort of.  Dropped little h off to preschool - not a tear… FROM HIM.  Me on the other hand, I still felt on the verge of a good cry inside?!!  Extra hormones?

At any rate, one last birthday gift for the munchkin. These necklaces made from shells and stones we found on our summer adventures.

She insists on wearing them all at once? Never too many accessories I suppose..

To Make
Cut brightly colored cotton cord (available at Craft Stores) about four inches longer than the desired length of your necklace.  Knot the cord ends. Fold it in half and wrap it around the shell or stone, the pull the cord ends through the loop.  Tighten and secure with super glue or hot glue. Let dry!
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Some other fun links to peruse over the Labor Day weekend:

As Vogue put it, The ultimate blonde takes on street style. That's right Barbie has Instagram and her style is SO SERIOUS. Hope Brunette and Chocolate Barbie get some play too..

Speaking of breaking news… I was on the local news again!!! At this rate, I'll be a local celebrity in no time!

This ValMariePaper prayer journal may be just the addition I need to stay purposeful and on track with my prayers for my family, goals, and ambitions.

If you follow Bunnie Hilliard on Instagram you know that munchkin turned 6 - WOOT!! And if you don't (follow) check out what she said was THE BEST DAY OF HER LIFE here.  see #munchkinturns6 on Instagram for the play by play or her special day...

So excited to take the long weekend to read something new and funny. A dear friend left this book for me at pickup from the preschool today. She thought I'd like it - its about a blogger. One last sumer read!

If you get a minute, and are in the mood to see some lovely lady frocks check out my fab mum friends newly updated website - Ladyee Boutique

Speaking of Fashion, stay tuned for a fun collaboration with a boutique I'm so excited to introduce you too.

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Hope you have a great weekend!! Any fun plans?

xxB

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EASY WEEKNIGHT MEALS: PAN-SEARED CHICKEN WITH MUSTARD SAUCE.

Hope you had an awesome weekend!! Mine was pretty low key. Play date with little h and his best bud, ballet for munchkin. I played hookie from church and we scooted off to a school picnic. 

I happened to take a few snaps of this yummy chicken I made for dinner last week and wanted to share. It was super easy. 

INGREDIENTS
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, (6 ounces each)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried tarragon

PREPARATION

Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken; saute until cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes, turning once. Transfer to a plate; keep warm.

Pour broth into hot skillet; cook, stirring, until reduced by half, about 1 minute. Whisk in cream, mustard, and tarragon. Cook, whisking, until thickened, about 2 minutes.

Pour any accumulated chicken juices from plate into sauce. Right before serving, drizzle cream sauce over chicken.

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I sliced up the leftovers and threw on top of a salad. Even better. You're welcome.

That's all I've got for today. Putting up the groceries (and the stash from my Target run). And then off to hop in the carpool line to pick up the kiddos.

xxB

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MAKE THESE FOR LABOR DAY | DIY RIBBON BROOCHES

ITS DIY WEDNESDAY!! 

I just made that up:-/ 

No but really, I saw these in a magazine., and decided to give it a whirl. something cute to add some flavor for Labor Day. I think they turned out pretty dog gone cute? So much so that  I got a little carried away…

These were super easy to make. Just cut a length of ribbon, make about 5 or six flat knots and then tuck the ends into the last knot on opposite side and secure with glue. Add these little pins on the back with a little hot glue as well. You could also use a safety pin.

What You Need:
Gross Grain Ribbon
Hot Glue Gun
Nickel Pin Backs (available at craft stores)          

              

I think I'm going to make one for all of my guests. Little favors, so that everyone looks festive? Let me know if you want one.. I've got extras:-)

xxB

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ONE LAST SUMMER SALAD | COOL AND CRUNCHY MELON SALAD

I will admit, I haven't lost any weight this summer. In fact I think I've gained a pound or two. In all my efforts to snack healthy during the day.. It all comes down to the Ben and Jerry's at bed time..  I also made the mistake of not doing summer camps with the kiddos which made tons of time to cross things off our summer bucket list, but also tons of time for impromptu ice cream and froyo stops..

But enough of my whining.. I"m hoping like heck that once school starts (less than a week to go -WOOT) the routine will get me back on track - fingers crossed.. In the mean time I wanted to share the recipe for this delicious salad.

The watermelon has been on sale as of late, so we've been stocking up. And I LOVE these crunchy english cucumbers.. the seeds are nearly non existent. A little olive oil, salt, pepper, and drizzle of lemon or lime juice is a super easy (and my favorite) way to dress a salad.

INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 cup watermelon cubes or balls (I scooped these out with a round measuring (table) spoon.
- handful of grapes
- 1/2 cup sliced (English) cucumber
- 1/2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon or lime juice
- salt and pepper
- basil leaves

PREPARATION
Combine fruit and cucumbers. Drizzle with olive oil and (lime) juice. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Garnish with basil leaves.

I bet this would be so good with mint (instead of basil) and a little feta..

xxB

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