Girls Night In, Easy Appetizers - Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil, Two Ways!

Why is it that on the days you have something planned, the time always gets away from you? I'll have a girls night planned and will look up at the clock to find that it's 6pm and I'm going to be LATE! But of course, on the days where you have nothing planned that never happens! Whenever this happens I pull a recipe from my arsenal of easy apps so that I'm not rushing too much, and can get there and enjoy myself.


One of my favorite easy appetizers is skewered tomato, mozzarella, and basil. It's low calorie and carb-friendly for your girlfriends that are picky, and it looks gorgeous! Here are two ways to make them:

Recipe #1:

Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Skewers (total time, 10 minutes, feeds 4-6)

What you'll need:

1 package of cherry tomatoes

1 package of small mozzarella balls (can usually be found in the deli section with the fresh cheeses)

Balsamic glaze

Fresh basil

Skewers (10-15 wooden or plastic, there are eco- friendly ones that you can reuse as well)

The steps are so easy! After washing the tomatoes, start skewering them, and follow with a mozzarella ball and a piece of basil. Once you have finished making the skewers arrange them on a platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze. You can also season with salt and pepper if you like. Pair with a bottle of wine and you're all set- now you have time to finish your makeup!

I used balamic vinegar for these, the glaze is prettier!

Recipe #2:

Mozzarella and Basil filled Tomato Cups (total time, about 30 minutes, feeds 6-8)

What you'll need:

1 package of cherry tomatoes

String cheese (4-6 should be enough)

Balsamic glaze

Fresh basil

This version is a bit more time consuming, but looks amazing when put together! First, cut the top off the cherry tomotoes and cut just a tiny bit off the bottom to make the bottom flat so it doesn't fall over. Then scoop out the inside of the tomato to hollow it out. Put a piece of basil inside of the tomato cup so it sticks out almost like it's a leaf. Then, cut the string cheese width-wise to fit (about 1/4" should work). If the tomato cup is too small insert the mozzarella piece on it's side. After you've finished all of them, arrange on a platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze! Here's a photo of the finished tomato cups:

Substitute goat cheese for mozzarella if you want to change these up a bit!

Best Clothing Boutique in Uptown Charlotte - Ivy & Leo

The one thing I knew I'd miss about Raleigh was not being able to shop at my favorite boutiques - you know, the ones that carry only 5-6 of one item and have sales girls that not only remember your name, but exactly what you like and can offer suggestions. I know that Charlotte is known for having a great mall (that I have yet to go to), but I wanted to find what I had back home....and I did!

I stumbled across Ivy & Leo on my 2nd day, while exploring the city with my cousin and sister. It's located in Founder's Hall of the Bank of America Plaza. In case you've never been there, he's a photo of the Founder's Hall sign, it's at the corner of Tryon St and Trade St:

Ivy & Leo has two location in Charlotte, but I've only been to this one. They are constantly getting new shipments in which means you can always find something new, even if you venture there often! Plus, their clothes are relatively inexpensive- I picked up a dress for $35 last week!

LOVE this store!

I may have to go back for this necklace...

The store isn't big, but has a TON of different things, from maxi dresses, to formal one shoulder gauzy numbers to those lace mini shorts that you don't really need but should have anyway...the store is organized by style, so all strapless dresses are together, etc. I think that makes for easier shopping rather than having the store sorted by color. If you work up an appetite from all that shopping, treat yourself to a smoothie at Jamba Juice next door! Happy Shopping!

Versa Salon & Spa - Charlotte, NC

I have been searching long and hard for a good hair salon in Charlotte. There are TON of salons in Charlotte, which makes picking a place very hard! I've also had a bad haircut or two in my day, so I'm almost as nervous to try out a new hair stylist as I am to go to the dentist! I asked around for a while, and heard good things about Versa Salon & Spa, which is an Aveda concept salon. I was a little fuzzy on what that meant, and found out that a concept salon has close alignment to the mission and vision of the Aveda brand. An Aveda concept salon uses only Aveda products throughout the whole salon, from the makeup to the hair products to even the dye! Pretty neat, right? Versa is in uptown Charlotte, on Pine St near 6th (beside the teeny Harris Teeter that I frequent, even though I know I'm going to get in a buggy accident one day because the store is SO tight!). My hair stylist, Autumn, was fantastic, and gave me a ton of suggestions for things to see and do in Charlotte. I was so relieved when she turned me around and showed me her work- it was exactly what I wanted, and the styling was perfect with not too much product (a pet peeve of mine)! Here are a few photos of the salon:

I just wanted to play in all the makeup!

One more thing to add, they have someone on staff that does threading. If you've never had your eyebrows threaded and have sensitive skin you should try it. It stings a bit more than waxing, but it doesn't give my skin the bumps and redness that I get from waxing. Excited to try this next time!

Versa Salon & Spa, 220 N Pine St, Charlotte, NC (704) 335-2277