12.21.15

{Sunday Spotlight}

Today I'm sharing with you an Etsy shop called Sweetlace Shop owned by Laci in Iowa.  She offers a variety of colorful and high quality crocheted items including party hats, pacifier clips, headbands, etc.

 

One of the first things I ordered for Norah from Etsy was a crocheted pacifier clip from this adorable shop.  Let me tell you the quality is amazing!  We ran ours through the washer and sometimes the dryer (oops) and this thing is till intact as you can see in the photo below.  Obviously the material looks a little worn from doing so but I think it is still in great shape.  I highly recommend her products!

You can find Sweetlace Shop on Etsy and Facebook.


Why did you begin your handmade shop?
As a stay at home mom of two, I really needed a creative outlet (my kids were 2 years old and 6 months old at the time). And extra income never hurts. :)

How long have you been in business?
It will be 3 years in February!

What are two random facts about yourself?
1.I got married at the age of 17
2.I have never watched The Wizard of Oz

What would you say is your peak and pit of owning your own business?
I would definitely say the peak would be being my own boss, having flexible hours, and deciding what I want to design and sell. The pit is trying to find the time to do everything (make orders, shipping, photography, and adding new items) since I am a one woman show.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone wanting to open a handmade shop what would it be?
Start slow and don't be discouraged if you don't make a sale quickly. It takes time to establish! Don't sell yourself short when it comes to pricing, your time and efforts are worth it.


I hope you enjoyed today's spotlighted shop & thanks for hanging out!

Love,
Katie

12.15.14

{Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm}

Today I wanted to share a favorite lip balm of mine by Burt's Bees.  I first bought one of these about 6 months ago and have bought two more colors since because I absolutely love the product.  It gives my lips a hint of color and the perfect amount of moisture which to me is the perfect day time lip combo especially during the colder and drying months.  I also love that these can be applied without using a mirror, perfect for on the go!

 

Here is some info from Burt's Bees website about this product:
*nourishes with shea butter and botanical waxes
*nine flattering shades
*100% natural
*wearable everyday shades

Below I have the three of the colors shown on my lips.  These photos are unedited and were taken in front of a large window with sunlight so the the colors are a bit lighter in the phones than in person.

bare lips

Red Dahlia

Forest Flower

Sweet Violet

Forest Flower - is a nudish mauve
Red Dahlia - is a lot like Forest Flower but has a hint of red
Sweet Violet - a light fushia color

I hope you enjoyed my review! Let me know if you have a favorite lip product.

Love,
Katie

12.9.14

{Cinnamon & Coconut Scrub} 

The other day I posted that I was trying out a homemade body scrub and needless to say it turned out AMAZING!  (in my opinion of course)  It seriously smells like you are bathing in snicker-doodle cookies!  The sugar makes for a mild scrub that gets the job done and the coconut oil leaves my skin feeling so soft and moisturized that I don't even need lotion after the shower.  I leave the jar of it in my shower and use it every other day.  Keep in mind since there is coconut oil in it it will harden in cool temps but as soon as you scoop some out with your hand it will melt into a lovely scrub due to your body temperature and shower steam.
 
Recipe:

1/2 cup sugar
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp cinnamon

In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar.  Melt coconut oil and pour over sugar mixture.  Stir until everything is combined.  Pour into your favorite jar.  The jar pictured is from Target.

 

Enjoy!

Love,

Katie

12.7.14

{Sunday Spotlight}

I wanted to start a series called Sunday Spotlight where each Sunday I share a handmade shop or small business with you.  I've always been an Etsy shopper but once I had a baby and joined Instagram I've found even more small businesses and I've shopped more handmade than ever before.  I have many favorites and love supporting these shops for many reasons plus most are hardworking mommas and they are just too good not to share!

This Sunday I wanted to share with you Little Big Dreamers LLC.  I found this shop on Instagram this past summer and Norah was one of their first brand reps which was so much fun!!  The owner, Keri, is an extremely hard worker all while being an awesome momma to two precious girls.  She has the most adorable head wraps, leggings & apparel.  I am blown away at how she has grown her business in such a short time and am so excited to share Little Big Dreamers with you.

Why did you open up your handmade shop?  I wanted to work from home, answer to no one and learn something new. I absolutely love creating items for mamas and littles and really wanted to challenge myself. Well I did. This has been quite the journey.

How long have you been in business?   I have been in business for 10 months

What are two random facts about yourself?   Hmmm I still watch Friends every.single.day. And not like re runs, i actually put the DVDs on while I work. I love to sing and dance. I secretly want to be in a flash dance mob (is that what they are called haha)

What would you say is your "peak and pit" of owning your own business?   I would say juggling it all is the toughest part. Being a work at home mom is tough. Something usually falls through the cracks and it's typically cleaning my house.  The best part is meeting all of the amazing, hard working, people I have met. I had no idea how much kindness was out there. I absolutely love collaborating and making new friends along the way.

 

If you could give one piece of advice to someone wanting to open a handmade shop what would it be?  Try not to compare or get caught up in the numbers and followers. Your items will speak for themselves if they are made with hard work and love.

You can shop Little Big Dreamers here and find them at the social media handles on Instagram: littlebigdreamers and Twitter/Facebook/Pinterest: littlebigdream1

Thank you for joining me for Sunday Spotlight!

Love,

Katie

12.1.14

{White Chocolate Toffee}

For the first day of December I wanted to share a recipe that I tend to make around the holidays for several reasons.  It's very easy, SO good, has minimal ingredients (4 to be exact) & it's super cute packaged up to give to friends, neighbors or coworkers. 

[Ingredients:]

• Saltine Crackers (I use the whole grain ones, it's silly I know but I think they taste better)

• 1 cup of unsalted butter

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• one bag of white chocolate chips (I usually buy two just in case I need a little extra to cover the entire tray) 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a jelly roll pan (baking sheet with sides) with parchment paper and then lay out crackers side by side on the pan in a single layer. 

Next, combine sugar and butter in a small pot, melt and bring to a boil.  Boil mixture for three minutes stirring occasionally.  I always watch it to make sure the sides don't burn.

It should become this caramel color.  Pour mixture over crackers and spread carefully so that all crackers are covered. 

Put the pan in the oven and bake for 5-6 minutes. It will bubble up like show in picture below.

Take pan out of the oven and pour chocolate chips over top and let it sit for about a minute and spread the chips as they are melting to cover the crackers.  Immediately add sprinkles or other toppings you are using.

Let it cool completely, about one to two hours and then break into pieces. 

I found the treat boxes at Target and used tool to tie it closed.  I hope y'all enjoy the recipe and thanks for reading!

Love,

Katie