Food: Margherita with Grilled Chicken Paninis

I love panini sandwiches and I always knew they were easy to make. But, I never tried to make them at home because I thought I needed a panini grill, and another expensive kitchen gadget just wasn't in my budget nor did I have the storage space.

Initially, I tried to use my cast iron griddle to make panini sandwiches by flipping them over and searing both sides, but my paninis always fell apart. Then I saw Mario Batali's Grill Press and it seemed like the solution I was looking for. It was inexpensive, $20 rather than the $200 I'd have to spend for a panini grill, it was small and easy to store, and could be used with the cast iron griddle that I already own.

Mario Batali's Red Grill Press and Cast Iron Griddle

I made Margherita with Grilled Chicken Panini Sandwiches last night and they turned out beautifully. It's super easy, quick, healthy and delicious!

Margherita with Grilled Chicken Paninis

(Makes 2 sandwiches)

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese
• 4 slices of thick bread
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 chicken breast
• 6 large fresh basil leaves
• 1 large tomato (6 tomato slices)
• olive oil for seasoning

Directions:

1. Preheat the cast iron griddle pan and the grill press over medium heat.
2. Season both sides of the chicken breast with salt, pepper and olive oil. 
3. When the griddle is hot, sear both sides of the chicken breast until cooked all the way through (about 5 minutes on each side). 
4. Let the cooked chicken breast rest for about 5 minutes and then cut into diagonal slices. 
5. Place 1 slice of mozzarella cheese atop 1 bread slice, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with 3 basil leaves, and 3 tomato slices. Sprinkle with more salt and pepper and top with 2 slices of chicken breast, and then top with the second bread slice. Brush both sides of the sandwich with olive oil. 
6. Grill the sandwich until the bread is golden brown and the cheese melts, pressing down with the grill press, about 4 minutes. Transfer the sandwich to a plate and serve. 
7. Enjoy!

Margherita with Grilled Chicken Panini

Fashion: On The Go Manicure/ Pedicure

Have you ever looked down at your hands or feet and realized that you're in desperate need of a manicure/ pedicure but you just don't have the time to sit and literally wait for paint to dry? Well, this happens to me pretty regularly. 

So when I heard of an instant manicure/ pedicure solution I knew I had to try it. Beauty enthusiasts  have been raving about Sally Hansen's Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips. However, I'm not usually a fan of nail art, at the salon it's too expensive and I certainly don't have enough skill to do it myself at home and so I was a little skeptical. 

Sally Hansen Salon Effects in "Frock Star"

When I opened the box and saw nail stickers, I was ready for a refund. But, I tried to keep an open mind and still give them a try... and I'm glad I did. Within 20 minutes I had a new pedicure and never had to leave the couch. 

The nail stickers are quite easy to put on, shape very well to your natural nail and last for about two weeks. The best part... no drying time! Here's a little hint: to make them last longer, put on a clear coat of polish on top.

I wasn't adventurous enough to try nail art on my hands and so I thought I'd try them on my feet first. I tried "Frock Star" and I love it, my feet are ready for a night out. Now, what to do about that manicure?

Pedicure in "Frock Star"