Hello friends,

Today I am sharing my first hydrafacial experience. I have wanted to get one for a while but always doubted on if they "really help." I was hesitant to get this done but I am so happy I did. Holy crap! My skin has never looked better even after one treatment. From our past "winter skin" post, you know I have been loving Tribute Salon & Spa located in Brighton, MI. This spa is not only b-e-a-utiful, but their staff is extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I worked again with my esthetician Jamie Evans, she is amazing. This is my second treatment from her and I can' t wait to go back again for another one!

Check out below to see my experience and the benefits of this treatment.

More to come,
Danielle





Hydrafacial 101:

Steps:
1. Cleanse
2. Peel
3. Extract
4. Hydrate

Benefits/facts:
1. This is similar to a Microderm but much less abrasive
2. Resurfaces the skin
3. Lightens pigmentation
4. Calms inflammation caused by acne
5. Hydrates and nourishes
6. Removes blackheads and dirt build up
7. Leaves skin tighter and more firm


My Questions Answered:

Q: Does it hurt?
A: No. Getting this done does not hurt at all. I will be honest, the "extraction" process doesn't feel relaxing but nothing painful or not tolerable. Everyone's pain tolerance is different so I can only speak for myself. This is meant to be a treatment so keep that in mind.Some areas on my face are more sensitive than others, so when those pores are being opened and cleaned, I know it's all worth it.

Q: What does it feel like?
A:The best way I can describe the feeling is like having a small toothbrush on your face exfoliate and suck all that dead skin and dirt away.

Q: Do you actually see the difference?
A: Hell to the yes. I saw the results more a few days after. My pores and blackheads instantly went away and shrank! This week my skin is glowing and feels absolutely incredible. As you saw in my vlog, Jamie showed me what came out of my skin. I actually saw the blackheads floating around...EW!!!!

Q: How often should you get this done?
A: I asked Jamie this question. Clearly everyone's skin needs are different so the "needed" amount will vary. At the very least, get one done every season.

Q: Can I wear makeup the same day? Will I be red all day?
A: I wore makeup that night and it went on beautifully. I was not red or irritated at all.

Q: How long does this take? Will I be there for hours and hours?
A: No, it will not take hours on hours. For me, I was there for a solid hour. This included the waiting time getting all situated with the machine etc.


*Special thanks to Tribute Salon and Spa and Jamie Evans for the amazing experience. I will be back soon!

• Shake together all honey sesame sauce ingredients and set aside.
• Cook rice according to package instructions. Divide between 4 storage containers.
• Heat olive oil in a large pan. Add broccoli. Cook for 5 or so minutes, until bright green and tender.
• Add to the rice in the storage containers.
• Add additional olive oil if necessary. Add the chicken to the pan. Season with salt and pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Cook for 7 or so minutes, until cooked through.
• Add the sauce to the pan and simmer for 2 minutes, until thickened.
• Add the chicken to the lunch containers and drizzle with sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat to serve.

• Put 2 frozen chicken breasts in crockpot with whole jar of salsa. 
• Cook on high for 4 hours or until chicken is cooked through. Divide between 4 storage containers.
• Cook frozen brown rice package according to instructions. Divide between storage containers.
• Divide can of corn between containers.
• Divide can of black beans between containers.
• Use the left over salsa in the crock pot and drizzle over rice or entire container. 

Happy 2017.

We are so blessed and thrilled for the amount of support Modish Mitten has gotten this past year. We never thought launching a year ago we would be where we are today.

We wanted to share  our top 3 resolutions and goals for the upcoming year. Writing these down and sharing these publicly last year helped us so much to stay on track-we wanted to do this again.

Hope you enjoy,
Danielle & Katie


Danielle:

Resolution 1: Better Mind, Better Spirit
This year I am continuing to make it a goal and priority to better myself mentally and spiritually. I learned the hard way last year to never let your mental health slack. With some stresses and anxieties, I realized there was a lot to learn on how to mange your mental state of mind. I have been through hell and high water and learned that when your in a great mindset, your positive outlook on your future will soar. :)

Going on the theme of bettering my mind, I want to make it a strong priority to read more and Netflix less. I am a firm believer that educating yourself should never stop. I want 2017 to be a year where I actually finish my "must read" list!

Resolution 2: Find A New Hobby
With this blog came the desire to foster new hobbies. Whether it be video editing or photography, I want to spend time in 2017 bettering myself in these semi-unfamiliar territories. I feel this will not only better Modish Mitten, but focus my extra energy and efforts on something beneficial.

Resolution 3: Create a Travel Plan
Who doesn't want to "travel more"? This year I want to create a plan. I am "OCD" by nature which probably doesn't surprise most people. I want to make it a goal this year to plan out my finances, time and efforts for some travel adventures. Whether near or far, this will help me stay organized and make these actually happen.

Katie: 
I decided to take a different approach to resolutions for 2017. I’ll be the first one to admit that my resolutions usually last about half the year, if that, before I start to lose motivation for whatever I had planned. And typically when the end of the year comes around and I think back to my original resolutions, I end up disappointed that I didn’t stick with it. So this year I’m doing something different. I making some what of a bucket list for the year. Things that I can check off as the year goes on without the pressure of fulfilling these year long goals that seem too intimidating. So here goes…

This year.

A good habit I’m going to build: Flossing

A new skill I’d like to learn: How to change a tire by myself

A good deed I’m going to do: Give genuine compliments to friends, strangers, family..anyone!

A place I’d like to visit: Nashville

A book I’d like to read: The Chemist

A new food I’d like to try: Chicken and waffles

I’m going to do better at: Meal prep



What are your goals for 2017?

*These recommendations were made by a trained professional. All opinions of these products are my own.

Hi again,

As I have mentioned before, I love to be in the kitchen. I wanted to share 3 cookie recipes for the holiday season for all of you still looking for a quick treat to make. I have searched Pinterest and my family cookbooks to bring you my favorite ones. They are all so different yet very satisfying.

This past weekend I took a trip home to tear up the kitchen with my favorite baking partner, my mother!

Enjoy,
Danielle

Full recipes below



Ricotta Cookies with a Strawberry Glaze
What You'll Need:
Dough
- 1/2 cup butter (room temp)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 8 oz. ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Glaze
- 1.2 oz of freeze dried strawberries
- 1 1/2 cups powder sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk (I used a little more due to thickness. Play around with it until you get a glaze that is easily spreadable)

What To Do:
1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Mix all dry ingredients together
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar. Then beat in egg, vanilla and ricotta cheese
4. Combine dry and wet ingredients
5. Once dough is formed, scoop out on lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-13 minutes
6. As the cookies come out of the oven, begin glazing as the glaze will melt and spread on the warm cookies
7. Allow to cool and enjoy!





Peppermint and Dark Chocolate Cookies


What You'll Need:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 eggs
- Peppermint extract (I used a tiny drop. Perfect amount!)
- 1 bag white candy melts or white chocolate chips (for dipping purposes)
- Crushed candy canes (for decorating purposes)
- Sprinkles (for decorating purposes)

What To Do:
1. Combine all dry ingredients
2. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugars until fluffy. Then continue to add all wet ingredients and beat.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients together and mix until dough is formed.
4. Let dough chill for at least one hour.
5. Once chilled, roll into small balls and place on greased cookie sheet
6. Bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes
7. Once baked and cooled. Melt white chocolate/candy melts according to instructions
8. Dip 1/2 cookie in chocolate and then immediately sprinkle candy canes and/or sprinkles on side





Butterscotch Preztel Cookies

What You'll Need:
- 1 cup butter
- 2 1/2 cups of flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla
- 3/4 cup of butterscotch chips
- 3/4 cup of chocolate chips
- 1 cup of crushed pretzels (I used the square shaped ones)


What To Do:
1. As above, mix wet and dry ingredients separate then blend together for dough. Ensure you melt/bowl the butter prior mixing in.
2. Add in butterscotch, chocolate chips, and preztels as desired. (I used a little less than what this recipe called for)
3. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
4. Once out of oven, sprinkle with sea salt and enjoy.




The Best Cannoli Filling You Will Ever Taste: (Not Shown)
I am passionate about my culture and well...cannolis! This filling can be used in store bought shells, as a dessert dip or in your own shells too! Enjoy!

What You'll Need:
- 3 lbs of ricotta cheese
- 1 large Hershey bar with Almonds (finely chopped and fold in last)
- 1 package of instant vanilla pudding
- Powder sugar to taste (start small and add accordingly)

What to Do: Mix it all up until creamy :)

Hi everyone-

I love a good cocktail. What I even love more is impressing my friends (and family) on making them myself! I recently made some yummy and EASY holiday cocktails for this upcoming season. These are delicious, simple and will be great for any event.

Take a peek into my kitchen! Full recipes and instructions below.

Enjoy,
Danielle


Festive Sangria

What You'll Need:
- 1 bottle of Pinot Grigio
- Apple cider
- 1 cup of carmel vodka
- 2 apples
- cranberries (optional)
- cinnamon sticks

What to Do:
1. Cut the apples into small pieces and set aside
2. Pour into a large pitcher wine, vodka and cider.
3. Add in a handful of cranberries and apple pieces
4. Throw in 5-6 cinnamon sticks and allow to cool in fridge.


Christmas Champagne:
What You'll Need:
- 1 bottle of champagne (dry)
- Pomegranates (I bought one and referenced this video to seed it. Super simple!)
- 2/3 cup Pomegranate juice (store bought)
- 1 cup sugar
- green or red rimming sugar/sprinkles

What to Do:

1. In a sauce pan over medium heat, combine pomegranate juice and sugar until a "simple" syrup is created. 
2. Dips the rims of each glass into the syrup then directly into the rimming sugar.
3. Place a small about of the syrup at the bottom of each glass.
4. Add some pomegranates as desired.
5. Fill the glass with champagne and be sure to share with a friend! 

Adult Hot Chocolate Bar

This last idea is for those who want something nice and warm. I plan on doing this for a girls night in the near future! See this example below I snagged from Pinterest. 

What You'll Need:

- Hot chocolate (my favorite from the store is Ghirardelli)
- Variety of liquor (my recommendations)
     - Bailey's Irish Cream
     - Frangelico Hazelnut Liquor
     - Kahula
     - Rum Chata
- Variety of toppings (my recommendations)
     -Marshmallows
     -Peppermints
     -Chocolate Chips
     -Whipped Topping
     -Pepperidge Farm Pirouettes
     -Green and red sprinkles
     -Pepperidge Farm Milano Cookies
- Glass containers for toppings (jars, plates, bowls etc.)





What To Do: Pre-make the hot chocolate before hand and place it either on the stove or in a carafe. Separate and sort all your toppings in festive jars on a table or bar. Arrnage liquor accordingly. Add some fun holiday decor to make it even more festive!

Westside: Ferris Coffee & Nut Co. & The Bitter End
Hit up the Westside of GR and warm up at two amazing coffee shops. Ferris Coffee & Nut Co., a family owned and operated business, has been brewing coffee since 1924! They have also opened a second location in the historical Michigan Trust Building, right downtown GR. Another great option on the Westside is The Bitter End. If you’re a student living downtown, this eclectic coffeehouse is open 24/7 for all those late night cram sessions.




Downtown: Madcap & Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge
If you find yourself downtown Grand Rapids, looking to warm up with a cup of Joe, look no further than Madcap! They specialize in pour over brewed coffee with their own beans. Their knowledge in coffee in combination with great service and an awesome atmosphere, you’re sure to be impressed. Just a hop, skip, and jump away is Lantern Bar & Lounge, another great coffee house who pride themselves on sourcing and serving only the best ingredients to their customers. What makes this place unique is the fact that they are committed to being waste free! Yes people, that’s right, WASTE FREE!




Eastown: The Sparrows & Roster Coffee
Head on over to Eastown and enjoy a cup of coffee at The Sparrows. Their cozy and warm atmosphere is the perfect place to warm up on a cool winters night. The space was converted from a historic hardware store originally built in the 1900s. If you’re looking for a laid-back community with great coffee, this is the shop for you! Just down the street is Rowsters Coffee, a shop solely dedicated to roasting coffee. They also offer a subscription service to any loyal customer, shipping their perfectly roasted coffee to your doorstep!


*All photos were found on respective company websites and Facebook profiles. If I am missing any personal credits, please feel free to comment so I can correctly credit them.