Starfish Project: Jewelry with a Purpose

Jewelry that helps others speaks to my heart.  I recently came across the Starfish Project and their mission to help restore hope to exploited women in Asia.

Through life changing opportunities with holistic care programs and a social enterprise where women take on jobs they can be proud of.  They have employed over 130 women and have served thousands through community outreach services. 

The Meaning Behind the Name: The Starfish Parable

One day, an old man was walking along a beach that was littered with thousands of starfish that had been washed ashore by the high tide. As he walked he came upon a young boy who was eagerly throwing the starfish back into the ocean, one by one.

Puzzled, the man looked at the boy and asked what he was doing. Without looking up from his task, the boy simply replied, “I’m saving these starfish, Sir”.

The old man chuckled aloud, “Son, there are thousands of starfish and only one of you. What difference can you make?”

The boy picked up a starfish, gently tossed it into the water and turning to the man, said,

“I made a difference to that one!”

I picked out this beautiful initial necklace.  It is 14K gold and the perfect dainty everyday piece.  I have been wearing mine everyday on it's own and layered up. 

It came in the prettiest packaging and included a handwritten note from a women who is being helped by the Starfish Project.

It's not too soon to start thinking about Christmas presents, a jewelry piece from the Starfish Project would make a perfect gift.  Beautiful jewelry and a mission.

Five Things Friday

Folgers Coffeehouse Ground Coffee: I have been really enjoying making a pot of coffee and having a few cups in the morning.  I used to use the Keurig everyday but the coffee wasn't what I wanted (sometimes watery and not as strong) and I didn't want to have to use another k-cup to top off my cup.  I picked this coffee up at Publix and it is my new favorite!  Strong but not too bitter.  If you are looking for a good ground coffee this one is the best!  

Monogram Necklace: I am a southern girl and with that comes a love of monograms.  I have always loved the classic look of a monogram necklace.  I found my new favorite one from Classic Prep Monograms.  This one is the perfect size, I love the size, enough to be a statement but not overwhelming.  I can't wait to pair it with sweaters for the fall.      

Mulled Cider Candle: This candle is amazing!!  It smells just like a Bath & Bodyworks candle, the throw is great, it doesn't burn too fast and it is less than $4!!  It smells delicious and my husband loves it, he said it smelled like fall.  Next time you are in a Wal-Mart go smell it and see what I mean. 

SmallTownNC Stickers: I am an NC girl born and raised.  Right now my husband and I live in Alabama so we definitely miss home.  I have always loved stickers.  They are so cute to decorate your notebooks, computer, planner, etc.  I randomly discovered this shop on etsy and fell in love with all her NC mountain stickers.  She was sweet and sent me four and I am in love with them!  My favorite is the NC state outline with a beautiful watercolor mountain print.  I love them so much I almost don't want to use them.  

Fall Treats: Fall is here and that means it is time for pumpkin EVERYTHING!  I love pumpkin baked goods so when I discovered Kay's Simply Homemade treats I fell in love.  She has a bakery on etsy where she sells all kinds of delicious goodies.  My husband and I had the chance to try three things: Apple Pie Cookies, Bourbon Pumpkin Pie Bars, and Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls.  They were awesome!  My favorite were the pumpkin cinnamon rolls!  So good and so easy to have fall treats delivered to your house instead of having to go to the trouble to make them.  Check out Kay's store and let her know I sent you!  

What have you been loving this week? 

Five Things Friday

Thomas Rhett Life Changes Album: Yes new music!  Thomas Rhett has been one of my favorite new artists so I was really excited to see he released a new album!  This one is great, he is so adorable, if you don't believe me check out the track "Life Changes".  Some of my favorites are "Marry Me", "Grave", "Unforgettable", and "Leave Right Now".  I'm loving the feel and sound of the album and have really been enjoying this one.    

How I Met Your Mother: Yep it's back!  I have been wanting to re-watch this show for a while and just got the whim to start this week.  If you haven't watched this show you definitely need to!  It is one of my favorites, I like it better than Friends.  The characters develop well, the story is creative and I just really enjoyed it.  I have heard rumors that they are taking it off Netflix at the end of fall (and I'm gutted) so binge watch while you can!! 

Macaroons: Guys I discovered the absolute best macaroons I have ever tasted!  I have had macaroons before and enjoyed them but these are on another level!  They are light, have a crispy outer layer and creamy inner layer.  Tamara was really sweet and sent over six of the raspberry french macaroons to try and Kyle and I devoured them.  If you are a fan of macaroons or have been wanting to try them these are the ones to go for!  Try them out and let Tamara know I sent you :)

Torani White Chocolate Sauce: Y'all know I am a coffee lover.  I have seen a few recipes talking about this white chocolate sauce being a budget sub for Starbuck's white chocolate sauce.  While it isn't an exact match it is a nice substitute for a homemade white chocolate latte.  I have been making them on the weekends for a little treat and have really been enjoying them.  Let me know if you would be interested in a DIY White Chocolate Latte post.    

Monogram Bag and Backpack: Being a southern girl I love a good monogram.  I recently discovered Krafty Chix and fell in love with their cute monogrammed accessories.  I have been eyeing the scallop monogram totes for a while and finally got my hands on one.  It holds a lot and looks really chic.  My only complaint is there are no pockets inside the bag but for a tote it's not a terrible thing.  I also had seen these little flap top backpacks on instagram and they had them available.  I love the crisp ivory and gold accents.  Check them out!  

Anthropologie Mugs for $1!

Yet another thrifting haul...sorry not sorry.  I just love finding a good deal.  One of my recent finds was a pair of Anthropologie initial mugs.  Yes I did find one with my initial!  I also found one with my sister's initial that I am planning to give her for Christmas.    

These mugs are $8 in store and I found them for...99 cents!! 

The tell tale Anthropologie sign is this little bird...if you see that symbol you better snatch it up! 

Starbucks Iced Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato review taste test

I love some iced coffee in the summer.  Starbucks is such a guilty pleasure and when they make new drinks I'm all about trying them.  This summer they released the Iced Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato.  I am a fan of the caramel macchiato and the vanilla macchiato so I had high hopes for this one.    

The description says it is chilled Sumatran coconut milk, white chocolate mocha (which I love), espresso, topped with caramel and mocha drizzle.  

I absolutely loved it!  It tastes like a smoother, creamier caramel macchiato.  I love the slight white mocha flavor.  If you're not a fan of coconut milk try it anyway I couldn't even taste it.  

They say it's limited edition but I might have to figure out a way to make this more often it's definitely a top drink for me.  

What's your favorite Starbucks drink? 

Five Things Friday

Essie Eternal Optimist: I have been loving pinky nudes for months and this color is one of my absolute favorites!  It is the perfect barely there color in some lights but in others its a really pretty pink.  I love how it goes with my skin tone and looks classy.  

Monogrammed Short Sleeve Athletic Tee: I received this from Shop Ellie Belle and am in love!!  It is so soft and comfy.  I have worn it to work, run errands and just for lazy days at home.  It is my new favorite shirt.  That monogram is adorable and I love the sporty stripe detail.  

e.l.f. Matte Lip Color in Natural: I have been looking for a good matte lipstick that didn't dry out my lips for so long.  I finally discovered one I love.  The e.l.f. lip colors are matte so they are more drying and will show some lines in your lips but they feel nice and smooth, have great staying power and I love the color of this one.  The shade Natural is a really nice your lips but better nude color.  

Tartelette In Bloom Palette: I recently made a Tarte order and picked up this guy.  I have been admiring it for so long I decided it was time it came home with me.  I have the first palette and use it all the time.  This one has matte shades and shimmer shades so it is a nice mix of options.  Of course the pigment, blending and product is great as it is from Tarte.  It also smells really nice...

Snapchat: I'm so behind on this one but Snapchat is really fun!  I love playing with all the filters and following everyone's stories.  It is such an easy way to keep up with people and to share fun things in your life.  If I'm being honest playing with the filters and sending the funny ones to my husband and sisters is my new hobby.    

New favorite monogram store

I've mentioned it before but I am a brand rep for the cutest monogram store Ellie Belle. The owner is the sweetest and provides top notch customer service.  

I had the chance to preview a monogrammed tumbler and monogrammed polka dot pajama shorts.   

I am obsessed with the tumbler!  I have been using it to carry my drinks to work, travel, wherever I'm going.  Its a large size so it holds a lot of liquid.  Plus it is so cute!  You can get the monogram in so many different colors and even Lilly prints!  

The shorts are adorable, super soft and fit great.  I love wearing these around the house!  

Use the coupon "erinssharings" for $2 off any drinkware item!! 

Five Things Friday

1. Blue Diamond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk : To say we are obsessed with this stuff in our house would be an understatement...this stuff is delicious!  Seriously my husband and I fight over who gets the last cup.  It is unsweetened but you can't tell at all, so smooth and absolutely the best almond milk.  We had been getting the store brand or the Silk brand on occasion and weren't crazy about it but I had a coupon for this brand and thank goodness I did because this stuff is AMAZING!!  You might still be able to find the coupon here.  

2. Monogrammed Mug: My father in law got this for me for my birthday and I am in love wit it.  It is a really sturdy mug that just feels good and looks good.  That might be crazy to say about a mug but my mug lovers get me.  

3. Merona Madeline Flats in Sand: I got these last year at Target and I am so glad I did...seriously I should have gotten two pairs.  These are the most versatile flats ever, I wear them with everything.  They are also super comfortable.  

4. My New Business Cards: for those of you who don't know I recently started an etsy shop, Glitter and Grits.  I am really working on this and and so excited to see where things go.  I got my business cards in this week and I am in love with them!  Seriously I feel so official.  I got mine from Vistaprint and they are amazing and the cheapest ones around...you know I was going to get a deal on them :)

5. Thomas Rhett's Crash and Burn: It's been a while since I have had a favorite song of the week...this week I found so many new songs that recently came out and I have been listening to them non-stop.  This guy's has been at the top of the list.  It's really upbeat and fun, I heard it on the radio for the first time and was like wow I really like this one.

What have you been loving this week?

Introducing Glitter & Grits!

Alright guys I have some exciting news...I now have an etsy shop!!    

Right now it is small as I am just starting out and deciding what items I want to sell.  I am hoping to add lots more monogrammed items as well as some handmade decorations and accessories.  I wanted to share my love of monogrammed items and DIY projects with everyone!  Here are some of the items in my shop:

 Monogrammed Chevron Backpack

Monogrammed Flannel Pajama Pants

Monogrammed Chevron Cosmetic Case

Monogrammed Sun Hat

Check them out!  I will be adding new things soon.  Let me know if you have any recommendations or ideas! 

What's In My Purse

Alright guys, so I love to look at the article in US Weekly about what's in the star's handbag and I the what's in my bag videos are one of my favorites on youtube...so I thought I would do a post on what's in my purse here.  First of all my purse is the New Directions Willa Hobo from Belk, I talk about it in my Five Things Friday.
So for all you nosy people like me...here's what's in my purse:

• wallet, mine is Kenneth Cole.  I think I got it at Ross.  I actually have two of the same style in different colors because I love the layout so much.  I looked it up and it's the Urban Organizer Clutch Wallet 
• planner- picked this one up from Target on sale for like $2 and put a monogram sticker on it.  I have a planner on my phone but there is just something about writing down my plans and things going on 
• Bath and Bodyworks mini lotion in Charmed Life, this scent is actually discontinued :(
• a pen...because I always need one
• card organizer wallet from Target, I have so many gift cards, rewards cards and id cards so I got this little mini wallet to organize them
• Life Choice White Chocolate Pretzel Meal Bar, I like to keep bars in my purse in case I'm starving at work, forget breakfast or need a meal on the go.  These are pretty good for a meal bar.  
• a hair tie
• not one but two packs of gum..and I did have three this morning until my husband stole one.  I have the Extra Dessert Delights in Mint Chocolate Chip, Stride Sour Patch Kids Redberry, my absolute favorite gum is the Orbit Sweet Mint (which my husband has...) 
• mini tissue pack with Disney Princesses on it...I got them from the Dollar Tree and thought they were adorable (funny story my husband had a cold and needed to take tissues to work one day and the only ones we had were the Disney Princesses...he's adorable btw)
• I also have two pouches...I am a firm believer in the purse inside a purse thing:
• leopard print: This one is my tech case.  I have my headphones, chargers and other electrical things (very exciting)
• the red bag is my absolute favorite pouch from Sonia Kashuk for Target.  This one has two separate pouches and so much organization potential.  I keep all my beauty supplies in here (lippies, mascara, nail clippers, medicine...whatever else a girl may need 

So that's what's in my purse...plus or minus some trash and receipts.  What do you guys keep in your purse?

How to Combine fonts on an embroidery machine

Alright so this post is going to be a little specific to my ladies that do embroidery...or maybe you don't but you might one day.  Some of you may know I got an embroidery machine on Black Friday.  I have been wanting one for so long because I have been wanting to do my own monogramming.

I have the Brother PE700II Embroidery Machine with USB Port and love it.

So I started to try and do monograms and bought some fonts and things and realized that I would have to calculate where each letter starts and ends and how  line them all up together...it was a big headache and all my designs came out horrible.  I was really discouraged and decided to look up what I should do.

I found the Combine Design Program Version 1.1.112 software.

This is a software program created to merge PES files together and save as one file.  It will allow you to save in a 4x4, 5x7, or a 7x5 hoop size.  This software is perfect for those needing to combine letters from a digitized font and save the word, name or monogram as one single file to load to your machine.

So what is does is take your fonts that you import into the program and lets you arrange them to suit you then you save them as one file and transfer it to your embroidery machine.  Then you can set up your machine and it will do it all as one, no stopping and figuring out where to put the next letter and you don't' have to calculate it.


It works with Windows 7, 8, vista, and xp.  Unfortunately it does not run on Mac software or iPads or android tablets.

Watch the tutorial below:

The best thing is that this program is just $11, yes there are nicer programs out there but really this is all I need it to do.

I have been so happy with this program and highly recommend it if you are struggling with combining/arranging your fonts when embroidering.

Five Things Friday

Five Things Friday by erin-rucker-richardson featuring rampage shoes

1. Rampage Icon Boot in Cognac (these are from Belk and are on a crazy good Black Friday sale $19.99!!!)  My sweet husband got these for me for Christmas and I have been wearing them nonstop!! 

2. Monogram Tote from  I Flew the Nest...seriously is it not GORGEOUS!!!  It is a perfect size, looks so classy and It has a big zip pocket in the middle and two big side pockets for ultimate organization.  I am in love!! 

3. If I Stay I got this movie for Christmas and finally got around to watching it.  I read the book a couple of months ago so I knew the story.  I thought they did a great job portraying the story and keeping with the book.  Makes you really take your life into perspective and hold your loved ones a little closer.  

4. Downton Abbey The premiere just came on Sunday and I was so excited!  It was a little slow but midway through it picked up and I am so excited for this season!  

5. Tarte Bon Voyage Collector's Set and Travel Bag So my husband go this for me for Christmas and I am absolutely in love with it!!  First of all how beautiful is that cosmetic case?  Gold foil ahhh!  The eyeshadow palette is gorgeous, there are some beautiful nudes in it both matte and shimmer.  The lip products are beautiful, a perfect lip color like your lips but better.  I haven't tried the other items yet but I know they will be beautiful!  Unfortunately this was limited edition from Sephora but you can get it on amazon.  

Monogram T-Shirt: Strictly Masterful Monograms Review

My Memorial Day weekend was sweetened with an adorably monogrammed t-shirt from Strickly Masterful Monograms.  They were sweet enough to send me a monogrammed t-shirt to review:

Look at how adorable this is!!! The quality is AWESOME!!  All my monogrammed t's have a tiny little monogram on the pocket this takes over the whole shirt.  The colors are beautiful and the thread looks great!  I am absolutely in love with this shirt and can't wait to wear it this summer.

Check out Strickly Masterful Monograms for the prettiest monogrammed shirts and other items.

Oh just another shopping haul

Oh my goodness do I have a haul for you, so my little sister and I went shopping last weekend and had a blast.  Spent too much money and had some good quality time together.  Anyways here is a review of the day and all the goodies I found:

1. Plato's Closet- This is only my 3rd time ever going to one of these stores and I am falling in love.  It is a consignment store so they sell used name brand clothes for good prices.

I found this adorable Old Navy shift dress for $8.00!  Love the style and the colors are so pretty!

2. Rugged Wearhouse- I love me some Rugged Wearhouse this store is a little like a T. J. Maxx or a Ross because it sells name brand clothes that come from other stores...but much cheaper!

Yes that is right I got this dress for $1.00!!  Seriously I couldn't pass this up!!

I also picked up a wax melt in Fresh Linen.  I have a million ones that smell like Christmas and winter but I thought it would be nice to have something fresh for the summer.

3. Ross- I love Ross, such cute things and such good deals

Yep $6.99 for this adorable shift dress.  I love the stripes and it is such a simple shape and style that I can have lots of fun with my accessories.

4. Hobby Lobby- I have talked about Hobby Lobby before but it is a HUGE craft/home decor store.  We actually made this shopping trip specifically to go and get craft supplies for my wedding but of course ended up with a whole lot more.

Wedding craft supplies..more on this later

They also had their Easter stuff on sale (90% off) and I got this adorable little chick plate for $0.39!

5. Michaels- So again we stopped here to look at wedding craft supplies and ended up with so much more.  Easter stuff was 80% off here so here are some things I got:

2 little jelly bean ramekins, I already have a few of these but they are perfect for making little desserts and things in them...and seriously how cute are these?? and at $0.39 I couldn't resist

My sister and I love making Oreo Balls (maybe a recipe sometime) and we use the melted chocolate to cover them.  We usually pay around $2 a bag for the chocolate.  These bags were on sale for $0.59!  I got 3, they are marshmallow flavored and we have never tied that before but I'm thinking some kind of S'more recipe might be in the works.

This was a completely random impulse buy, don't judge.  I have seen these little retro cell phone hookups around for a while and I secretly wanted to try them.  Sometimes when I am talking on the phone at my house I get tired of holding my phone to my face (oils and its uncomfortable).  This one is easier to hold, more comfortable and I don't get that oily phone residue.  Bonus it was on sale for less than $2

This is a present for my brother that we picked up.  They had all kinds of Super Hero key caps but he likes Batman so we went with that.  And they were only $0.39

I love Michaels Thank You cards, I always pick them up when they have a good sale.  These are adorable and were only $0.80

They had all kinds of jewelry (necklaces, rings, and earrings) for 50% off and I picked up this little key necklace for $1.49.  Would be perfect for a gift as well!

6. T.J. Maxx- Oh how I love you T.J. Maxx, I can always find something.  This time I just picked up 2 basics:

I have been buying these makeup wipes from T.J. Maxx for a while now and really like them.  They smell nice, they take my makeup off and they are only $3.99 for 60.

I also picked up another bottle of the essie nail polish top coat, I already have one but I wanted to make sure I snagged another bottle for $4.99 before they disappear (seriously if you see something at T.J. Maxx you better get it, things disappear and don't come back)

7. Target- is hit or miss for me.  Oh trust me I always find things I love...I just don't like to pay full price for them.  I am a clearance shopper at target with a capital C.  Here are some of my clearance finds:

This adorable white short sleeved high low sweatshirt 70% for $7.48

Cutest little wallet that I plan on using to keep my coupons and loyalty cards in.  Found on clearance for less than $3

I had never tried Izze soda and always wanted to.  They had 4 packs on sale 2 for $5 so I got two of the blackberry and am loving them!

8. Rue21- This store is hit or miss for me, sometimes they have really great sales and sometimes I walk out empty handed.  This trip my sister found some sandals and I got this beautiful navy and paisley infinity scarf for $2!  Love it!

And what shopping trip would be complete without a trip to Starbucks??

We took advantage of the Frappy Hour (half price frappuccionos from 3-5) and treated ourselves to 2 white mocha frappuccinos (my personal favorite)