Grand Opening: Pink Lion Boutique

Wow, it has been way too long since I have blogged!  I guess I had a baby and just decided to give it up for a while, but I'm back!  That's the most important part, right??

Anyways, what I have been up to?  I have been in mom mode hard for the past 2 years and I'm ready to get back in the game!  So, what am I talking about here, how am I going to get back in the game?  Well let me tell you...

I have been working on a super exciting new project that I absolutely can't wait to share with the world (aka internet).  I am opening my own clothing boutique on Facebook called Pink Lion Boutique.  My goal is to bring women fashionable clothes at reasonable prices.  First off, I love shopping and secondly I want to help empower women and help them feel good about themselves.  I absolutely love shopping, but over the past 2 years I really haven't had the ability to fully enjoy it since I have a kid.  If you have a child under the age of 5, you will totally understand what I'm talking about here! Trying on clothes in a dressing room with a screaming toddler isn't exactly the most enjoyable shopping experience.

Below is a little sneak peak of a few items that I will be carrying. Can you say ruffles, lace floral and pink?  That's basically the requirement that each piece of clothing needs in order for me carry it.  Also, I'm focusing mostly on items that are made in the great U S of A.  I literally want to keep one of every single item I have.

The Grand Opening is this Saturday and I couldn't be more excited!  Make sure to check out my FB page {Pink Lion Boutique}  to enter my giveaway.  Who wouldn't want to win a floral kimono?  It's the perfect piece for spring and can even be worn in the winter with long sleeves underneath.

So, what do y'all think?  Which piece is your favorite??

Follow Along with Pink Lion Boutique to get all the latest fashions at reasonable prices! Don't miss out, these deals will go fast!

Birthday Brownie Truffles

I know, I know... it's October and everyone is in the mood for Halloween stuff and fall recipes, but I just had to throw in a new favorite recipe of mine that I made for my Mother-In-Law's Birthday.  The good thing about these is that you could just dip them in orange chocolate and decorate with Halloween sprinkles to make them seasonally relevant. Or you can just make them pink because pink is pretty and who doesn't like to each chocolate dipped in pink chocolate??  Did I just say the word "pink" enough? I think I did, okay I'm done, for now....  Can you guess what my favorite color is?

Ingredients:
Box Brownie Mix - Ghiradelli Double Chocolate is my favorite
Eggs & Vegetable Oil, for brownies
2 oz Cream Cheese
Wilton Pink Melting Chocolate
Sprinkles of your choice

Directions:
Bake the Brownies per the instructions on the box.  This may vary depending on which box you buy. Be careful not to overbake these.

Once the brownies are cooled cut off the crust and place the brownies into a bowl with the 2 oz of cream cheese. {I know, 2 oz is a weird amount but I honestly just cut off about a quarter of the block and used that}.

Mix the brownies and cream cheese together.  I used a spoon, but it might have been easier just to use the KitchenAid.

Place wax paper onto a cookie sheet.  Use a cookie scoop and roll brownie mixture into balls.  I made 21 balls.  Put brownie balls into freezer and let cool for 30 minutes.

Melt chocolate using a double broiler.  Now if you're like me and don't have a double-broiler you can either use a glass bowl on top of a pot with 2 inches of boiling water or a pan on top of a pan.  Make sure the water is not touching the bottom of the pan.   Stir frequently until the chocolate is melted.

Throw brownie balls into melted chocolate one at a time.  Use a fork to fish out the brownie and tap it on the side of the bowl to get off excess chocolate.  Sprinkle immediately.

TIPS:
Use a Cookie Scoop, this thing is a life changer!  You can use it to make cookies, cupcakes, cake balls, ice cream scoop I use it all the time.  Buy one here -

I have been melting chocolate for a long time and I always used the Microwave, DO NOT USE THE MICROWAVE! I can't tell you how many times I have messed up my chocolate because I overheated it.

DIY Lucite Tray for less than 5 Bucks

Lucite seems to be really popular now a days.  From lucite chairs and tables to home decor and accessories.  I really love the look of the lucite chairs, but unfortunately the style doesn't really fit into my house.  I don't really know what my style is, but lucite furniture is a little more modern than my taste.  That's not to say though that I can't add a little touch of this style in a small way.  

I currently have this tray in my spare bedroom with a jar of candy on it for my guests.  If you know me, you know that I LOVE CANDY, so 99% of the time this jar is empty and has to be refilled the day a guest is arriving.  Currently crushing on Nerds, as you can see in the picture! 

All you need to make this tray is:

A Plastic Picture Frame (They are sold at Michaels for a couple bucks)

A Piece of scrapbook paper

Cut the piece of scrapbook paper to size and lay in tray.

The great thing about this is that you can change the paper whenever you wan to go for a different look and it's less than a dollar! For this time of year, if I have anyone coming to visit I will change it to something Halloween themed and there ya go.  A cheap seasonal decoration too!

Gold Glitter Dipped Mason Jar

This is one of my favorite projects that I've done lately.  It's so pretty, simple and cheap which is the best part about this.  I think just by looking at this project you could figure out how to do it on your own, but I'll go ahead and give you instructions for those that aren't so Crafty Savvy.  That's okay if your not, actually even better because this craft is for you!

Supplies:
Mason Jar {I bought mine from Dollar Tree $1}
Gold Paint {Rustoleum}
Mod Podge
Glitter
Sponge Brush

Spray Paint Mason Jar and let dry overnight.  Using the sponge brush (sorry mine has been used a couple times, you can tell from the picture) paint mod podge along the bottom of the jar.  Pour glitter over Mod Podge.

I used a plate to catch the extra glitter, but the best thing to use is foil so you can just pour all the excess right back in the glitter jar.

There you have it.  A pretty glittery mason jar.  I think I might make some more, but maybe in light pink, what do you think?  What colors would you do?

And because my kitty was feeling a little left out, I had to take a few pictures of him too.  Poor little Ben!  I promise he is not some sad lonely little kitty like he looks in this picture.  He is a little prince and received treats about 10 times a day and lays his head to rest on MY PILLOW in a king size bed.  I assure you this cat is well taken care of!

Quick Weeknight Hot Soup

My mom used to make this recipe all the time growing up, but I wouldn't have touched it with a 10 foot pole!  It was the plainest plain potato soup (which I still love) or hot soup.  I really don't like tomato juice, so I always figured I wouldn't like this soup.  WRONG!  My mom made it last year and I absolutely loved it.  Not only is it the perfect fall soup, but it's also super simple.  Win-win, right?

Ingredients:
1 pound Ground Beef
1 Bottle V8 {original or spicy}
3 Cans Minestrone
1 Can Rotel
1 Tsp Cayenne {Optional}
Salt and Pepper to Taste

Brown ground beef.  Mix all ingredients in a large pot and let simmer for 10 - 15 minutes.  The best part about this recipe is that it tastes even better the next day.