Random + quick dinner idea

Hi everyone! It seems rare that I pop in with a weekly hello these days… that's because it is! But here I am! Halfway to 28 weeks pregnant and gearing up for the ever popular glucose test tomorrow. Woo! Not. I've never heard good things so I can't say I'm thrilled. 

Other lingering thoughts…

Choosing a pediatrician...

Wondering what the baby will look like and hoping he isn't 10 lbs at birth...

Getting excited for baby showers! 

And in other unrelated news, we took date night to the movies last night. And we saw M. Night Shyamalan's "Split." It was amazing. It was one of the most suspenseful, disturbing and horrifying movies I have seen in quite some time. We see A LOT of movies. And I would say this is one of my favorites in the last 6 months. I really don't want to give anything away… but I highly suggest seeing it. It isn't your standard scary movie scream fest - it is so much more. Sweet & Modern gives it a big thumbs up. :) 

And… for a super fast dinner and crowd pleaser…

Taco Skillet. This recipe is SO easy. Your children could make it (if you trusted them with a hot stove).  There are many variations to this recipe… honestly, you can't mess it up. I make it sort of differently every time! But here's the basics:

photo courtesy of Campbells

1 lb hamburger  (or turkey works too!)

1 can tomato soup

1/2 to 1 cup of salsa

1/2 cup water

8 soft tortilla shells (torn into 1 inch pieces)

Shredded cheddar cheese (as much as you can handle!)

1. Brown hamburger in a 10 inch skillet stovetop. Add seasonings as preferred. 

2. Drain grease. 

3. Pour hamburger back in to skillet. Add tomato soup, water, salsa and shells. 

4. Increase temp until it starts to bubble/boil. 

5. Reduce heat. 

5. Add shredded cheese. A little or a lot. (I do a lot!)

6. Let simmer and let the cheese melt. Serve with a dollop of sour cream! 

That's it! Seriously. So flavorful and easy. You can even sneak in spinach or anything else you want to add! I love that this takes under 30 minutes - start to finish - and ONE PAN. Go forth and make this delicious, easy, old Campbells soup recipe. :) 

PS - husband approved! 

Hope everyone is having a great week! 

xoxo 

26ish weeks

I am almost 27 weeks. But not quite. But basically. It's all very technical. 

I wanted to do another fun, cute questionnaire to update you all on "the bump" progress, but I decided I have enough random thoughts concerning this point in pregnancy that I would simply just share those. 

Comfort is key. Too tight of pants will ruin your day. 

Having the stomach flu while pregnant is the worst. It's always the worst. Being pregnant makes it double suck. 

Underwires suck. Leave them behind. 

I know in the back of my mind I can't prevent stretch marks, but I am trying. Religiously. So far, so good. 

I still don't regret having my belly button pierced. Everyone told me I would once I got to this point. But I don't. (And yes, it's been long gone for awhile now!)

People constantly ask me, are you having cravings? I always say no. But I would say my thoughts are usually 90% about food.

It's getting uncomfortable to bend over. I've noticed to pick something up, I've started doing a weird squat thing. It's definitely not cute. 

Pregnancy brain is real. 

I've learned to try my hardest to not start crying when it "comes on". One, single emotional thought can turn into a huge, ugly cry session. In my car, on the way to a meeting. No thanks. 

I read a lot about how to make your regular clothes last far into maternity. I disagree. If I could go back, I would start wearing the stretchy, high waist things immediately. 

It is still the greatest thing ever when he is kicking, even when it's my bladder. He's wild!

Speaking of bladder, I despise you 4:30 AM bathroom break. You are the worst. 

No strangers have touched my stomach... yet. Apparently this happens.

I can't breathe. 

I need to update my baby registry again. 

Are my ribs breaking? 

Heartburn is the worst. Well, second to nausea. 

I still can't believe he will be here in a few short months. 

OMG HE WILL BE HERE IN A FEW SHORT MONTHS. Nothing is done. 

Friends who loan you cute maternity clothes are amazing. 

Pregnancy would be so much scarier without my husband. He is the best. 

And so many other things...

Pregnancy is so many things I had heard, but also so many things I didn't expect to feel! The general consensus is always "it's all totally worth it"... and I absolutely believe that! I cannot wait until our little guy is here. 

Here's to 13 more weeks! 

 

Meet Jan + giveaway

Hi everyone! Excited to share a little about the lovely Jan... as well as a phenomenal giveaway package for those of you who are local! 

A few months ago I was lucky enough to get a consult with Jan for some much needed TLC on my face. Like many others, this time of year brings about flakiness, dullness and a multitude of other skin ailments. Plus, add pregnancy hormones in to the mix and my skin was screaming for some help. I always feel like a facial is the "reset" button for my skin. Plus, I tell people all the time that I would gladly take a facial over a massage! 

Luckily, Jan is a wealth of information and you can tell that she LOVES her field. I love Jan's passion for her clients and also her huge knowledge base of skin and products. Jan is truly interested in solving your skin questions! I wanted my readers to be able to get to know a little bit about Jan and what she does, so here's an inside look!

Jan of Reflect Makeup Artistry

Describe to readers what you do.

I am an aesthetician and a makeup artist. I love to solve skin care puzzles; find the right pieces for each client's goals and concerns to bring out their unique, natural beauty.

What motivated you to become an aesthetician?

As much as we don't want to admit it, the way we see ourselves, or the way we think other people see us, has an impact on how we relate to others. I want to be a part of giving people something they love about themselves.

What is the biggest change you’ve seen over the years?

Over the last decade there has been a huge shift in clients caring about what is in their products. More and more, people are looking for products with ingredient lists they can read. Ingredients that grow and occur naturally.

At the same time, clients are more informed and cautious with where they spend their dollars. Even over-the-counter products aren't as cheap as they used to be. Clients pay attention and want to be sure there is a noticeable change and benefit from the products they choose to buy. I think everyone is tired of having a department store beauty counter in their bathroom.

What can a client expect during a session with you?

My goal with my clients is to help them navigate all the information and give them results. With blogs, YouTube channels, direct marketing products, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what's worth spending money on. Then we work together to figure out a skin care routine that brings balance. I give you the information you need. You get to make the choice about what path to take.

What should we know about your skin care line?

I work with Eminence Organic Skin Care and I LOVE it. As in all the heart eyes . It's a concentrated, highly active, change-making professional skin care line. All of the products smell amazing and are packed with corrective ingredients. Skin is cleared, brightened, smoothed and HEALTHY. It's a raw food diet for the skin. You can find out more about it here. 

What is your favorite procedure that you offer to clients?

Custom Organic Facials are my jam. A one hour treatment where we talk about what you love about your skin and what you would love to change. Then we work to jump start those changes. I have amazing tools to use from active products, microdermabrasion and organic peels. I choose the combination that is tailored to give your skin exactly what it needs that day.

What about for those of us who are unsure of what products to use, have never had a facial, or are on a tight budget? 

Change happens the fastest when you combine at home products with professional treatments. Most of my clients' concerns can be addressed in a short series of three treatments with professional skin care at home; then doing a treatment for maintenance every 4-6 weeks. Everybody has a budget to work with (me too!) so what about if that doesn't fit? The products you use on your skin 365 days a year will make a bigger, long term impact toward your goals than a professional treatment on your birthday and anniversary. So if you have to pick one or the other, my vote will almost always side with at home care.

Is there anything else you would like readers to know about yourself, skin care or your career?

I originally wanted to be a teacher; to be a part of the light bulb going on and everything becoming clear. I seek to understand what's going on throughout the whole body that could be contributing to a client's concerns, including lifestyle. Sometimes it's skin care, sometimes it's sugar, but there's always a full picture.

Also, I love cinnamon lattes, independent films and capsule wardrobes.

*Insert.... Sweet and Modern also loves these things. And wishes she had a capsule wardrobe*

Where can we find you?

I work in a treatment room at Face to Face Salon at 8610 Brentwood Drive in LaVista, Nebraska. 402.884.6995

You can also find me Instagram and Reflect Makeup Artistry 

SO... the exciting news is that you can enter to WIN an Organic Custom Facial (1 hour $70 value)!

OR take advantage of this incredible discount: 

A Treatment Series of 3 Organic Custom Facials ($210 value) for $150!

Must mention that you would like to use the Sweet & Modern special when scheduling. Booking must occur by February 1st, 2017. 

TO ENTER to WIN {custom organic facial} :

Follow Jan on Instagram HERE

Like Reflect Makeup Artistry on Facebook HERE

Share this article on Facebook and comment to let us know you did so! 

The giveaway will close on January 11th and the winner will be announced on January 12th! Good luck!