Etsy Shop Favorites!

Today I put together a little list of businesses I have purchased from on Etsy and have become a big fan of their products and wanted to share with you: 

Not One Sparrow sells handmade jewelry from New Hope, PA.

I ordered from Ina for my wedding last year. I purchased the above earrings for each of my bridesmaids and ordered a gorgeous vintage-inspired pair for myself. We have worn these time and time again!
I have a huge wishlist for her shop because I kinda want everything!
She offers several styles of classic drop earrings, studs, and bracelets in gorgeous rich colors.

Shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NotOneSparrow

Aubrey Elizabeth Apothecary has the cutest soaps!
I ordered some of these macaron soaps for my bathroom when it was Kate Spade themed.
I am very interested in trying out some of her lip scrubs. I have been looking for a good one and she has some citrusy options that sound nice!
Shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AubreyEApothecary

Fleet Collection dresses are my favorite. I own about three now and they are worn often and for almost every occasion. I have worn them for interviews, meeting clients, to church, weddings, and showers!

I loved my mint dress so much (which I wore during my lookbook shoot!)  I ordered another one in coral and recently wore it to Liz's Bridal Shower.
I love seeing pictures of bridesmaids wearing their dresses posted on their Facebook. They always look so lovely! If only they came out with the dusty rose color in time for my wedding!
Shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FleetCollection

 Zoet Bathlatier offers luxurious candles and bath items.
I found this shop at Clover Markets, where we both are vendors, and smelled every candle in the tent! They are wonderful unique fragrances and I had to pick myself up one!
I can't wait for her Pumpkin Lager to come out in the fall again!
Shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ZoetBathlatier

Firebird has incredible scents of lotion and soap.
I tried a sampler of her soaps and every scent was unique and refreshing.
My personal favorite product is her body lotions. I love the lavender wood scent!

I am almost out and have to get some more!
She has great seasonal scents too that I can't wait for them to come out in the fall!

Shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FirebirdBathBody

The Paper Fairy is my go-to shop every time I am about to have a party.
They have so many fun things from printed goodie bags to flashy paper straws and cupcake liners.

Every time I look there are new awesome products being added to the shop!
So next time you throw a shin-dig, you know where to go!
Shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThePartyFairy

What are your favorite shops on Etsy?

Comment below, I would love to check them out!

Craft Party!

The other weekend I invited some of my lovely friends over to join me for a crafty brunch. 

I treated them with homemade waffles, fresh fruit, strawberry bruschetta and french breakfast donuts fresh out of the oven.

I asked each guest to bring a mug or plate to decorate because we were going to make sharpie mugs!

Have you tried this?!

The girls made some cute mugs and I decorated a couple of plates I thrifted a few days earlier.

We used Sharpie oil-based paint pens and after waiting a couple days I baked them at 425F for 30 minutes. I popped them in the oven as it was preheating so the ceramic could slowly rise to temperature. Once they were done I turned off the oven and left them cool with the door closed for 15 minutes. 

I cracked open the door to let them come down to room temperature.
They look good!

If you are looking to doodle on some of your own mugs, use caution when decorating with strong oil-based paints and when baking. Make sure you ventilate the room for safety.

It is recommended that you hand wash your new dishes. 

If you are decorating mugs, only decorate the outside of the mug. For plates, use them as decoration or serving trays. Do not eat or cook on them. 

We had so much fun we are going to have another one soon and I can't wait!

What should we make next?!

Have fun crafting!

Love, Katie

Katie's Kitchen: Mac and Cheese

This is one of my favorite meals because it is so comforting and tasty. 

Plus it is easy to make with only a few ingredients and dishes!

I have adapted this recipe from a country cookbook my mom had for years. 

I simplified it to about half of the ingredients in the original recipe and it is finally perfect. 

I like to make this for get-togethers or just when I am craving comfort foods.
This recipe is great because you can feed about 8 people, or have it for dinner and lunch the next day and feed 4 people, twice! I love it even more when it is reheated for lunch.
So make it when you have guests or just for yourself.

See recipe below:

Mac and Cheese

1 Box of Elbow Noodles
4 Tablespoons of Butter
3 Tablespoons of Flour
2 Cups of Milk
4 Cups of Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, separated

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Boil water and then add elbow noodles, turn down heat slightly and cook. Drain noodles and rinse. Set noodles aside. In a pot at medium heat, melt butter. Mix in flour until incorporated. Slowly add milk, then bring to bowl stirring occasionally. Turn heat to low and gradually add and melt 3 cups of cheese. Add in noodles and mix until noodles are coated. Pour into a casserole dish and spread 1 cup of cheese over the top of the mac and cheese. Place in oven and bake for 15-20 mins. Cheese on top should be melted and slightly brown. Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 mins before serving.

Makes 8 large servings or 12 small servings

This is delicious right out of the oven, but even better reheated! YUM.