Etsy Front Page!

Sometimes the best things come to you when you least expect them. The last thing I expected when I opened my inbox this morning was to discover that one of my shop items was featured on the front page of Etsy. That's my "Noelle" necklace in the picture at top left. It has now sold :)

It is kind of ironic that I wasn't online Tuesday night to see it for myself. Normally I would have been, but I had had a pretty crummy day and decided to take a break from all things Internet related.

If you don't sell on Etsy, you're probably wondering what the big deal is. Without going into all of the details, let me just say that having one of your items make it onto Etsy's home page is the equivalent to getting your 15 minutes of fame. It is tremendous exposure for your shop. Some sellers, it seems, are luckier than others and are often featured. I am not one of them. Put it this way, this was the first time it has happened in the two years that I've been selling, or at least as far as I know. So, you can imagine that I was pretty geeked!

I have to thank two of my fellow sellers ~ jamieshelman was kind enough to send me a "convo" to congratulate me. I thought that was so sweet. Please check out this Seller's wonderful shop full of playful cat drawings ~ it just recently opened. I think my personal favorite item is this one, since I can most certainly relate to it. I am always amazed by those who can draw or paint, since I have zero talent in either of those areas. I wish Jamie much success on Etsy!

The seller who created this lovely Treasury that made it onto the front page is the super talented shellieartist. I've admired her shop for quite some time ~ you must check it out. Shellie creates the most uniquely beautiful works of art using fabric on wood. I've never seen anything like it before ~ truly awesome. It is hard to pick a favorite from all of her lovely creations, but this would be one of mine.

Thanks so much, Jamie and Shellie ~ I will not forget your kindness!

Affordable Luxuries

As much as I would love a weekly visit to the spa, my budget just doesn't allow for it. So, I've had to resort to a lot of DIY pampering, which is actually OK with me, since I get a little weirded out by receiving a rub down from a total stranger.

I've bought quite a bit of Bath and Body products on Etsy. I like that most products feature natural ingredients, and you know exactly what you are getting. I have very sensitive skin and can't use a lot of the products that are sold in stores.

These are some recent purchases from a relatively new bath and body shop on Etsy called "Scentual Soundtracks". The wonderful and special lady behind the shop has been a loyal customer of mine since my first days on Etsy. I am so excited that Shanesha has opened up her own shop, so it was only natural that I would want to share the news.

The tagline of Shanesha's shop is "Bath & body that's music to your nose, heart & soul". I love that! She has blended a love of music with her homemade and customizable bath products. It's a feast for the senses.

The products pictured are, (from left to right):

*Coconut Cocoa Symphony - All Natural Handmade Facial Mask

*Scentual Soaking Salts

*Naturaroma Solid Perfume - CitrusMint- (Vegan)

*Passion - Aromatherapy Massage, After-Bath, and Body Oil

*Lotion Sample, "Spice Cookie" (smells good enough to eat!)

I wish the photo was "Scratch and Sniff" ~ the room smelled so glorious as I was taking this picture :)

I love that Scentual Soundtracks products are both high quality and affordable. A lot of us are pinching pennies these days, but you can truly afford to treat yourself here. The "Coconut Cocoa Symphony" sample size mask is only $1.25! You mix this with ingredients you have at home (directions are provided) to create a facial treatment that would rival any found at one of those high priced spas.

Shanesha is a dynamic, wonderful person ~ you should also check out her blog. This lady has a true gift for words as well. She is already on her way to much success on Etsy and in life. Best of luck, Shanesha!

Pasta Carbonara - A Most Divine Dish

Not long ago, my mom gave me a cookbook that her church had put together in celebration of its 40th Anniversary. It was one of those collective cookbooks, where the members were asked to contribute their favorite recipes. Truly, I think that is the best kind of cookbook, because the recipes come from "real" people. You can be pretty sure they they are tried and true.

At that time, I was on major pasta kick. I craved anything and everything Italian. When I found this recipe for Pasta Carbonara, (which was submitted by the priest, no less), I put it on my "must try" list and purchased the ingredients I didn't have right away.

The great thing was, I already had most of the ingredients! The only thing I didn't have was the Pancetta (which is very similar to bacon), but I easily found that in the deli of a nearby Produce market.

This was simple, delicious, and so very satisfying.

Pasta Carbonara

Ingredients:

2 T. Olive Oil

2 T. Butter

1/4 tsp. garlic, chopped (I used more!)

1/4 c. onion, finely chopped

1/2 lb. Pancetta (cut into bite-size pieces)

1/4 c. White wine

1/4 c. Romano cheese, grated

1/2 c. Parmesan cheese, grated

3 large eggs

1 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Pepper

1 lb. cooked pasta noodles (I used Spaghetti)

Saute' garlic and onion in olive oil and butter over medium heat, until limp. Add pancetta, saute' until crisp. When the pancetta starts to crisp add the white wine. Remove from heat and set aside.

In a large pasta bowl, whisk together the cheeses, eggs, salt and pepper. Set aside in a warm spot; do not let the eggs begin to cook. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente ( I did this while I was sauteing the other ingredients). Drain pasta and immediately while hot add to the cheese and egg mixture. Add pancetta. Serve immediately with extra parmesan.

This made about four decent sized servings. Hint ~ prep and measure your ingredients before you get started ~ this dish comes together quickly!