Fall Essentials

Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year.  All the beautiful leaves, chilly temperatures and lots of layers!  Check out some of my fall favorites:

Mulled Cider Candle: This candle is less than $5 and it is amazing!!  It smells just as good as the $20 candles but so cheap.  This one burns well and is the perfect fall candle.  Similar to leaves but a little sweeter.  

Oversized Sweaters: I love cuddling up in an oversized sweater and throwing on some boots. It's an easy outfit, super comfy yet still looks put together.      

TV Shows:  I love cuddling on the couch catching up on TV shows.  Poldark is my favorite fall show!  If you haven't watched it yet and you were a fan of Downton Abbey check it out! 

Berry and Dark Nail Polish:  I get really excited to paint my nails in the fall, I love the dark colors ad berry shades.  Angora Cardi is one of my absolute favorites!  It is a perfect berry shade that goes with everything.  

Booties:  Years ago I used to be scared of booties...I felt like they would cut off my legs and make them even shorter.  I'm so glad I ended up giving them a try, they are so versatile.  They are perfect to throw on with jeans, leggings, or dresses.  These Lucky Brand Basel booties are my favorite!  They are the perfect shade of cognac and the leather is like butter. If you are looking for a pair of booties that will last these are a winner.    

Cozy Blankets: I picked up this faux fur blanket for less than $10 and it is so snuggly!  As I mentioned before I love cuddling up on the couch with a cozy blanket and reading or catching up on a show.  I love when the weather gets chilly and it is finally comfortable to snuggle up in a blanket.    

Country Music: I love country music all year round but for some reason country music is my absolute favorite in the fall.  I think it has something to do with the fairs being in the fall and the country music takes me back to those moments.  

Pullover: My Patagonia pullover is perfect for chilly weather.  I absolutely love throwing this on running errands or just hanging out.   

Warm Perfume:  Something about chilly weather makes me reach for warmer scents.  I have a few that I rotate through but Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black is my go to cold weather perfume.  It is my absolute favorite!    

Slippers: Random fact about me, my feet get really cold.  I always have slippers on when it gets cold.  This pair from Target is my new favorite.  They are super soft and cozy and I love how sturdy they are.

What are your favorite things for fall? 

Five Things Friday

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer: I was given this concealer by friends and it definitely lives up to the hype.  I goes on smooth and hides all the imperfections.  It is really easy to apply and lasts well.  If you haven't tried it, the hype is real.    

Coffee-Mate Hazelnut Creamer: On my last Friday favorites I talked about my favorite coffee, this time I thought it was time to talk about my favorite creamer of the moment.  I have been a fan of hazelnut creamer since college and the love lives on.  I have tried lots of different creamers but always fall back on my old faithful hazelnut.  I love the slight hazelnut flavor that it adds, nothing overpowering.  If you haven't tried hazelnut creamer go try it!  Also let me know what your favorite creamer is.   

Poldark Season 3: Poldark is back!!!  This is my favorite show on at the moment.  If you haven't ever watched it and you are a fan of Downton Abbey definitely check it out.  The story-line continues with the love triangle between Demelza, Ross and Elizabeth.  As if that wasn't enough drama the war is encroaching on their lives.  I'm loving diving back into the lives of Ross and Demelza, (definitely team Demelza all the way).  If you are a fan of Poldark let me know what you think of this season.  

Cookie Notti Espresso Spread: This stuff was a random find from Big Lots.  I love the cookie butter from Trader Joe's so I thought this would be worth a try.  Honestly it is pretty similar to the Trader Joe's version.  This version I picked up has an espresso center.  I am a coffee fan so I enjoy the espresso flavor but I can definitely see how it could be too much for some people.  I have been enjoying putting it on toast, waffles and breakfast cookies.    

Essie Vested Interest: Fall is finally here and that means darker nails!!  I think fall and winter are my favorite times to paint my nails.  I love the rich, dark colors and I just feel like my nails should be painted in the fall.  This color is a dark tealy green and I am a fan.  It is such a pretty color and I feel like this greeny color can be a fun neutral.

What have you been loving lately?  

Essie Nail Polish Clearance Finds for $2

Two of my favorite things: nail polish and clearance!  I stopped in Rite Aid randomly to pick up some Kleenex and decided to glance at their clearance section.  They had an extra 75% off on clearance going on and they had essie!  

They had two bottles of essie polish for an original price of $9, but with a 75% off they were around $2 apiece!  You can't beat that price!    

I picked up the colors Mink Muffs and Sew Psyched.  Mink Muffs is a really pretty brown with a slight purple tinge.  Sew Psyched is an army green with a slight gray tinge and a hint of shimmer.  They are both super pretty fall colors and I'm loving them!  I always love a good deal on good quality nail polish.  Definitely will be checking out the Rite Aid clearance section more often.  

*some links are affiliate*

Five Things Friday

Maybelline Warm Me Up: This lipstick has been my go to for weeks.  It was a recommendation from some friends and I am so glad I found it.  It is this really pretty nude mauve pink and I am obsessed with it!  With fall coming up the color is perfect for warming up your look :)  

Felicity: So this show is an oldie.  I started watching this in college but never finished it.  It recently showed up on the ABC app and I had to start watching again.  Ahhh I forgot how much I loved this show!  It is so 90's, full of drama and I get so sucked into the story.  If you have never watched it, Felicity is a freshman in college.  She makes a life changing decision to follow her high school crush to New York for college.  There she makes friends, finds herself and gets into a crazy love triangle.  If you have never watched it, check it out.  

Essie Armed and Ready: I have had this color for a few years and went through stages of like and dislike.  It is one of those weird colors that are really a little ugly (seriously this one looks like baby poop).  I like it with all it's ugliness.  It is a dark army green with just a slight shimmer.  

Naturebox Praline Pumpkin Seeds: The pumpkin obsession continues with these delicious praline ones from Naturebox.  I had tried the Naturebox subscription service before and really enjoyed the snacks, they were just a little pricy to keep up.  Target started carrying them individually and every so often they go on a good sale.  I got these guys 40% off with the cartwheel app and used a $2 coupon bringing them to 25 cents each.  This is a crazy good deal for high quality healthier snacks.  These pumpkin seeds are so so good!  Not too sweet but still the perfect snack to satisfy that sweet craving.  

Walmart Necklace: Walmart has really been stepping up there game lately and I am loving it.  I have found cute shirts, a bag and now this necklace.  I love anything turquoise, must come from my cowgirl background, this necklace was $5!  I love the beading, the tassel and the beautiful turquoise stone.  It feels like really good quality too.  I have been wearing it with dresses and tees but I can't wait to throw it on over some sweaters and pair it with my favorite boots.  

What have you been loving lately? 

*links are affiliate*

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.    

Fall Essentials

Leather Riding Boots: I love to throw on a pair of riding boots over leggings, skinnies, tights, pretty much anything and I feel like it dresses up my outfit just a little bit.  These are my favorite from Target.

Cozy Oversized Sweater: I love throwing on an oversized sweater over leggings pairing some riding boots with it and you're cute and out the door.  Plus it's comfy, cozy and it hides that extra holiday weight...you know what I'm talking about.

Warm Cozy Perfume: When it gets colder I like to switch out my perfume to warmer, cozier scents.  I just feel like it fits the season and makes me feel warmer when I smell it.  This one is one of my favorites from Avon.

Quilted Vest: I love a good vest, I probably have 5 in my closet and I am always looking for more.  This one came from Groopdealz last year and it is a perfect dupe for the coveted J.Crew Excursion Vest.  I feel like this one just dresses up your outfit and makes you look a little classier.

Fall Nail Polish:  I love switching up my nails to more fall colors.  Some of my favorites are Essie Raspberry, OPI Peace, Love and OPI (this is such a pretty duchrome), essie warm and toasty turtleneck, and not pictured but my new favorite is Sally Hansen Expresso.

Fall Tote: I have always been a big purse girl and in the fall I love to switch out my purses to a big sturdy fall looking tote.  This one is old from the Phillip Lim for Target line but it is one of my favorites.

Starbucks: Typical white girl status but really Starbucks just helps to ring in fall.  Plus how cute are their fall cups this year??  I did try the new revamped Pumpkin Spice Latte and wasn't as much of a fan...guess I like fake pumpkin better??

Flannel: A good flannel shirt just screams fall.  It's cozy, warm, and just looks like Fall.  I love to layer mine under a vest.  If you are looking for some Target has some cute ones.

Leggings: Yes I am basic, but if wearing leggings makes me basic then bring it on.  I love to throw on a pair of leggings and an oversized sweater or shirt, some riding boots and I'm out the door.  Or if I'm in the house just  sweatshirt, leggings and some slippers or long socks.  They are so comfortable and really who wants to wear jeans when you can wear leggings???

Tights: I am a dress lover, even in the winter.  I just throw on a pair of tights and some boots and it's a cute outfit yet still cozy and warm.  I have especially been loving some tights with texture.  Target always has some cute ones.  

Patagonia: I got my Patagonia fleece last year for my birthday and I am absolutely in love.  It is so soft and warm.  I wear it around the house, out running errands, to walk the dog, traveling, pretty much anywhere I want to be comfy, warm and still look cute.  They are a little on the pricey side but I highly recommend mine.  I wear it all the time, have washed it and it still looks brand new.

Leopard flats: Leopard is a neutral right???  I sure wear my flats like they are.  I love to mix prints and have been wearing my leopard with plaid and other patterns this fall.  These came from Walmart believe it or not.

Lipstick: I am a lipstick wimp...I am scared of dark colors on my lips.  I have been trying to branch out and go a little darker.  The color I have been loving is an Avon shade in a mauvey tint

Scarf: I love to throw a scarf over a sweater, a dress, a t-shirt, anything I want to add a little comfort and warmth to.  These scarves from Kohls are super soft and cozy and under $10!

Cozy Cardigan: These are perfect for trowing over a t-shirt, tank top, dress whatever to add a little warmth and coziness to your outfit.

Booties: I just got my first pair of booties this year and man was I missing out before!  These are perfect for dressing up your outfit.  I love to throw it on with a dress, leggings, or skinny jeans.  All of mine came from Target.  

Latest deal finds (thrifting, T.J. Maxx, Walmart)

Oh man I went shopping again and found some deals...check them out

Thrifting is such a hobby for me, I love the hunt.  

I love this adorable duck sweater originally from Target I got for $3.75, perfect for winter/fall with leggings and I think it will look adorable with my herringbone vest....too bad I'll have to save it for next fall...

I finally got a hold of this monogram mug that I missed at Target when they were in store.  They had a handful of letters at this Goodwill and I happened to find an E (pretty sure I squealed a little...)  Picked mine up for $2.  

I loved the jewel tone of this button down chiffon shirt from Forever 21 and the studded collar was too pretty to pass up.  I love the tough but chic vibe.  Again shirts are $3.75

Ever since I saw the movie Julie & Julia I fell in love with Julia Child so when I saw this book at Goodwill for $2 I couldn't pass it up.  Now if I ever feel adventurous I can try to master one of her recipes.  

This was another Target find at Goodwill, This adorable coin purse with lime green hello scribbled all over was just too adorable to pass up.  

I had to stop in Walmart and pick up some oil for my car (so exciting) and happened to pass by a clearance display of shoes.  These leopard ones pretty much jumped up and into my cart...I mean they were my size and only $5.  I have been looking for a pair of leopard flats forever and these are so comfortable! 

While grocery shopping I sometimes tend to wander over into the clothing section to check out the clearance options...this trip I came back with two scarves for $1 each!  I am obsessed with them.  I love a leopard accent and this scarf is so cozy.  The black one has a great chunky texture and it is super cozy...too bad I have to wait till winter rolls around again to wear them (wait a second did I just say that?)

Alright so my shopping options in my town are a little limited (we have a Walmart and that's about it) so when we travel somewhere I like to stop at Target or T.J. Maxx (or both) and get my fix. 

This particular trip I picked up 2 essie nail polishes for $3.99 each.  They had so many essie options I had such a hard time picking just two.  I ended up with Spaghetti strap which is a pretty pale pink and Time for Me Time which is a perfect nude but with a slight shimmer.  

I always check out the clearance section at T.J. Maxx and this time I scored on my favorite Betsey Johnson perfume for $7!!  I bought this first from T.J. Maxx on clearance on a whim and I absolutely love it.  I get so many compliments on it and I bought this one as a backup when I use up the other one.  

What good deals have you guys gotten lately?

Five Things Friday

1. Cedar Cove: I started watching this show on a whim on Netflix when my husband was away for the weekend on interviews and fell in love.  The story line is great, small town, romance and sweet characters.  It is Hallmark so you know its pretty good and based on Debbie Macomber's book series.  I finished the first season and am patiently awaiting the 2nd season to air on Netflix.   

2. Essie in Ballet Slippers: I am obsessed with this nail polish!  Seriously how have I never tried this before??  It is such a beautiful pale pink color that looks classy and sophisticated.  I mean Emily Maynard wore it on The Bachelor so how can it be bad?

3. Anthropologie Homegrown Monogram Mug: I got this as a gift from a friend and it is my favorite mug.  Mine of course has an "e" on it and it is the perfect size.  It holds a large amount of coffee or chai tea so you can get energy in the morning and it fits perfectly in my hand...plus how adorable is that print?

4. BCBG Build Your Own Affirmation Strap Bracelt: I have been eyeing these bracelets for a couple of years and just never bought one.  I picked mine up at Belk on sale and got my initials and my husbands.  I really wanted to do a heart but they were all sold out, I'll keep looking.  It is a little hard to put on at first.  My husband had to help push through the leather but it gets easier.  I love the look and have been piling it on with everything.    

5. e.l.f.Studio high definition powder translucent
This is such an amazing product.  I use this on special occasions or when I know I am going to have my picture taken.  This makes your makeup last and your features look defined and beautiful on camera.

What have you been loving this week?

Five Things Friday

1. The Elite (The Selection): This is the second book in The Selection series.  I finished this one this week and sped through it.  It was really interesting and the story line was good.  I don't want to spoil anything for anyone but sometimes I got a little irritated and felt like the love triangle is carried out a little to much but still a good read and I've already started in on the third book.  

2. Shipping Wars: This is such an addiction for me...and I really can't explain it.  I just love Shipping Wars.  I can watch this show all day long, seriously one summer I was at my husband's house (then boyfriend) while he was at work and I watched Shipping Wars all day.  Well I recently discovered it on Netflix and have been watching while I do things around the house (dishes, laundry, etc).  Don't ask me why I like it I just get so into the people and their shipments and their problems.  

3. essie Nail Color in Watermelon: Perfect pink color for February and it makes my nails feel all springy :)

4. e.l.f. Contouring Blush and Bronzing Cream, St. Lucia: This is one of my all time favorite blushes.  It is the perfect coral pink that brightens up my face and the bronzer is great to add a little warmth or use as a contour.  This is what I used for my wedding and I have been loving it ever since...plus at $3 you really can't beat that.  p.s. it's also a dupe for NARS blush in orgasm.  

5. Bertolli Tiramisu Cups: So my husband has been doing a lot of interviews for his doctorate degree and that meant I was on my own for the weekend.  So I decided to splurge and get a good dessert.  I found these at Ingles on sale and figured they were worth a shot.  Oh my goodness are they delicious, rich and creamy and with just the right amount of coffee flavor from the ladyfingers and the chocolate ahhh delicious!  Too bad there are only two cups in a package...actually maybe that's a good thing....

Five Things Friday

Five Things Friday by erin-rucker-richardson featuring a grey nail polish

1. Love Me Like You Do by Elli Goulding: I did not get one this band wagon because it is on the Fifty Shades CD, I love Ellie Goulding and fell in love with this song on its own accord.  Her harmonies are great and I just love the sound, different but still something I love! 

2. Parenthood: Oh Parenthod, I can't believe they are ending this show!  I started watching in college and then got my husband hooked and it is probably one of my favorite shows ever.  I love the Braverman family and this show really has a way of making you feel a part of the family.  You hurt when they hurt and you are happy when they are happy.  If you haven't ever watched it please do!  I'm not a parent but I love parenthood! 

3.Brother PE700II Embroidery Machine with USB Port: I mentioned this in a few blog posts a while back.  I got an embroidery machine on Black Friday from overstock and I used it a little but sill didn't know how to work it.  Well I recently figured things out and have now been monogramming everything in our house...seriously all my jackets and sweatshirts and towels...ahhh I am in heaven with being able to do my own monograms!! 

4.The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella: I just started reading this and it is hilarious.  I have read a lot of Sophie Kinsella's books before and she is always so funny and makes situations that are ridiculous but still very relatable and down to earth.  

5.essie nail polish in Merino Cool: I love a good gray in the winter and this one is so pretty.  It has a purple shade to it that adds a nice touch.

10 favorites of 2014

10 things for 2014 by erin-rucker-richardson 

Here are the top 10 of my favorite things from 2014.  Yes a lot of them are recent and fall/winter related because I have a bad memory and can't think of things I loved at the beginning of the year but here alas here are my favorites of 2014:

1. 1989: Ok you knew this was going to be in my favorites I mean how could it not.  Taylor Swift did it again.  She is one of the few people who I can listen to an entire CD and love every single song.  If you haven't heard it (first of all where have you been) do yourself a favor and check it out!  

2. J crew pave link bracelet: Love this bracelet, goes with absolutely everything and looks classy! 

3. Harvest Snaps Snapea Original Green Pea Crisps: favorite snack hands down.  Perfectly crispy and salty and have this unique flavor and texture that leave you eating half the bag in one sitting...seriously I warned you.  

4. Almay Intense I-Color Bold Nudes, For Blue Eyes: This the the perfect eyeshadow.  It is so easy to apply, lasts all day and makes my blue eyes pop.  Seriously it even tells you where to put it.  Couldn't be easier and for less than $5 this one beat out my Naked and Lorac palettes.  

5. Essie Luxe Effects in Shine of the Times: This is the perfect glitzy top coat.  It is so unique because it has this amazing holographic effect that turns whatever polish you have on into a beautiful magical shade.  And it is different with each polish.  

6. Spotify: Free music...does that even need a reason why it is in my favorites other than that??  I mean really I can listen to new music and old music for free...seriously if you don't have any account sign up.  

7. Plaid Blanket Scarf: Beautiful, comfy, warm and absolutely perfect for layering.  This scarf is amazing!  The only thing I would change is to have gotten it earlier so I could wear it for longer.  

8. Designer Inspired Herringbone Vest: I am in love with this vest.  It is absolutely perfect and looks just like the J.Crew version only a fraction of the cost.  Unfortunately they don't have it on groopdealz anymore but they have added them a couple of times so keep your eye out.  

9. Aquaphor Healing Ointment Dry, Cracked and Irritated Skin Protectant: Ahh Aquaphor, this is seriously a life saver for dry chapped lips.  I use mine all the time and my lips have never looked better.  

10. Brother PE700II Embroidery Machine with USB Port: yes you read that right I got an embroidery machine!!  I actually ended up buying one for myself.  Overstock had a great deal on them for Black Friday and I couldn't help myself.  I am still learning how to operate it but have already monogrammed a few of my clothes and things so its a hit with me.

What were your favorite things for 2014?  I would love to try new things for 2015, let me know below!