Five Things Friday

It's been a while since I have shared my weekly favorites and I figured it was time to bring it back...I also had a good number of things I really wanted to share.

O-Venture Keyring: I have seen these guys all over instagram and was interested in them.  The ladies were really sweet and sent one over so I could try it out, y'all I love it!  These are leather key rings that are big enough to slip over your wrists.  Honestly they are super awesome and I am obsessed!  My husband even remarked on the usefulness of it when he drove my car the other day.  They are a little pricey but the quality is amazing!

Adair Sandals: In case you missed my post on getting these Jack Rogers for less than $20, check it out here.  I picked the natural cork color and I am obsessed with them!  They were super comfy from the get-go, which is different from all my other Jacks.  Typically they take a little while to break in. They also have a rubberized bottom on the leather so they aren't slippery on the floor.  Definitely thankful for that as I have slipped quite a few times in my other Jacks. Jack Rogers are high quality sandals and I know they are going to last for years so for under $20 you absolutely can't beat it!     

Bobsweep: This was another instagram find, I saw a few people talking about them and looked into what Bobsweep was all about.  I have been wanting a Roomba for years and this guy was another option.  They were really great and sent one to me to try out, I'm hooked.  I set Bob up and he just goes!  I can chill out or work on other home projects and Bob will vacuum my floor, such a time saver.  Yes he gets stuck sometimes and his charge definitely doesn't last long enough to do the whole house but for not being able to always vacuum myself I'm all about Bob!

The Kitchen Boy A Novel of the Last Tsar: I have been really interested in the Romanav family since watching Anastasia when I was little.  It is such an interesting story and something I realized I didn't know a lot of details about.  This book dives into the capture of the Romanavs and their tragic story told through the eyes of the kitchen boy.  He claims to be the last living witness of the tragic murder of the Romanav family and sets out to tell the dark secrets surrounding their deaths.  It is a fictional book but filled with historical facts.  I was so interested in the story and ended up looking up more details on the actual events in history surrounding the Romanavs.  If you are interested in Anastasia or historical fiction check this book out!

Important date art: I got this beautiful date art pieces from Wishfulinkling Designs on etsy and I love it!  She sells just the prints so you have to get your own frame but Michael's or Hobby Lobby have you covered.  Each print is a special date and location, I decided to showcase where we met, got engaged and where we got married.  I love the timeline it shows and the going back and thinking about those places and times in our life. 

What have you been loving lately?

New Favorite Jewelry Pieces!

If you have been around for a while you know I love personalized jewelry (or just things in general).  I am a southern girl and I will always love a well placed monogram or initial.  I discovered Keira Nicole Jewelry on instagram and fell in love with the simplistic designs that are perfect for layering.  She is super sweet and sent me two initial bracelets and a necklace.  I have been obsessed with them ever since!  

I got one bracelet with my initial and the other with my husband's.  I could totally see getting my kid's initials to wear down the road.

I have been wearing these bracelets pretty much nonstop since I got them.  They are super easy to throw on and I love pairing them with other jewelry.

Side note...how cute is my new pearl denim jacket??

I have also been wearing my "e" necklace all the time.  I love how dainty and simple it is.  It looks so chic on its own or layered with other necklaces.

These would also make really great gifts, everyone loves personalized goodies!!

Five Things Friday

Spiral Hair Ties: A girl at work was raving about these, so I figured it was time I tried them out.  I was afraid they would hurt my hair but they are awesome!  They hold your hair tight but don't leave a mark.  They are available pretty much everywhere, give them a try.  Also I heard to put them in your shower if they loose their spring.  

Dear Hate by Maren Morris and Vince Gill: I love Maren Morris, she is so talented.  She recorded this song a while ago but released it in honor of the Las Vegas tragedy.  It is such a beautiful tribute to overcoming tragedy and the underlying love in the world.  The basis of the song is biblical, talking about the devil's temptation in the garden and how God's love persisted even after the temptation was taken.  It is a beautiful song speaking of God's forgiveness and how He is our hope in this world.  

Canoe No Show Socks: I have been looking for no-show socks for a while and these were a great find!  I caught them on clearance at Walmart for $2 for a pack of four.  They have the rubber grip at the back to hold to your heel.  I really like the longer front that covers the top of your foot, more comfortable for sneakers. 

Wood Art:  These art pieces from Rustic Love Addiction on etsy are my new favorites!!  They are absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to find a spot in our home.  The wood is quality and have been hand painted.  If you are looking for farmhouse, rustic decor items check them out.  They are beautiful quality and affordable.   

Faux Fur Blanket: Y'all this blanket was such a great clearance find!  I have been looking for a faux faux fur blanket for a while and this one is beautiful!  It is normally $20 at Walmart but I caught it on clearance for $6.  It is so soft and I love the look of it draped over a couch or bed.

What have you been loving lately?

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

Quaker overnight oats:  I received two of these in my influenster box and thought it would be interesting.  I have made my own overnight oats before but this makes it so much easier!  You just pour milk in the night before and then you have breakfast ready for you when you wake up.  I love the coconut almond flavor!   

So Delicious Coconut Milk Creamer: I have a thing for coconut it is no secret.  I picked this creamer up at Publix on a whim and have really been enjoying it.  It can have a slightly oily consistency being coconut milk but it isn't overpowering.  The flavor is good, I am not the biggest fan of vanilla creamer so I am on the lookout for a different flavor. 

Quote Bracelets: I ordered these bracelets from aliexpress last month (check out my post here) and have been throwing them on o dress up my fitbit.  They are pretty good quality, I love the quotes and are adjustable.    

The Story of Diana: This is a total random favorite thrown in but I just recently finished this documentary and had to share.  It was a two part special on ABC and is available to watch online for free.  My mom always had an interest in Princess Diana so that sparked my interest.  If you have any interest in Princess Diana watch this.  I learned so much about her life and the struggles she went through.  She was such an interesting woman.  The way she used her fame to help others even in the midst of her overpowering struggle with the press.  “Anywhere I see suffering, that is where I want to be, doing what I can.” – Princess Diana

Country Women T-Shirts: How cute are these shirts y'all??  I found these on etsy and fell in love.  I have always been a country fan and I love classic country.  One shirt has classic country women (Dolly, Loretta, Patsy and Tammy) and the other says "I was country when country wasn't cool" by Barbara Mandrell.  They are simple but perfect for adding a little country charm to your outfit.  

What have you been loving lately?    

Five Things Friday

Emergen-C: Yes that's right, the vitamin drink mix is one of my favorites this week.  I received a sample of the Mango Apricot flavor and fell in love, only to find out it was discontinued.  I went to Target a couple of weeks ago and found the triple berry flavor on clearance.  I figured I would go ahead and pick it up.  Now it is no Mango Apricot but it tastes pretty good and I feel like it can only be doing good for my immunity.  

When Calls the Heart: Erin Kakow is pretty much the cutest thing ever.  She is the main character in this Hallmark show.  The storyline follows Elizabeth, a woman from high society, who moves to a small coal mining town to teach school.  She gets  culture shock but eventually finds her place.  The story is really sweet and bubble gummy but I got sucked in and have really been enjoying it.  P.S. it is on Netflix.  

Simply Nature Creamy Coconut Bars: Oh my goodness these are my new favorite things!  I saw these at Aldi and they just jumped into my cart.  They are creamy and have just enough coconut flavor to not be overpowering.  They have other flavors there and I can't wait to try those too.  

Rose Quartz Necklace: Jack Jack and Co was sweet enough to send me this necklace and I am in love!  It is the perfect simple piece to wear alone or layer with other items.  I love simple dainty necklaces thrown on together.  I am loving the rose quartz as well.  They also have just recently released dainty essential oil diffuser necklaces.    

Gekks: I saw these socks advertised on the Money Saving Mom (love her!) and thought they looked really cool.  I have a couple pairs of shoes where it is hard to wear normal socks because either they show or they never feel right in the shoe.  These socks solve that!  They are a revolutionary sock that stick to your shoe and stays there.  They are made with silver in the yarn which is supposed to keep your feet from stinking.  I have a pair in my floral booties that I couldn never get socks to work with and love them!  Check them out and use my code ThriftyGinger5 for $5 off your order!     

DIY Customized Disney Magicband

With four Disney trips this year, my Magicband was becoming a well worn accessory.  For those of you new to the Magicband world, they are your ticket, room key, and money for the parks.  I have the basic gray one that is a good neutral, I just felt like it needed a little extra sparkle to make it more Disney.  This was such a random project and takes five minutes or less but the results are so cute!

I started out ordering a castle sticker with a cute Minnie on it, I got it from etsy.  I love the color combo and Minnie's little bow.  I wanted to make sure it stayed put on my Magicband (we Disney hard) so I put a clear coat of nail polish over it.  After that dried I figured why not add some sparkle to the rest of the band and cover it in glitter nail polish.  It was super simple I just coated the band and let it dry.

My glitter polish did end up cracking a little bit when I put it on for the first time so try painting it when it is wrapped around something to limit this.  

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! 

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.  

Perfect monogrammed cosmetic case: E & M Embroidery Review

I recently discovered E & M Embroidery and fell completely in love.  They have the cutest monogrammed products at a GREAT price!

They specialize in personalized gifts for all of life's special moments, including: engraved monogrammed jewelry, monogrammed gifts, totes, duffels, weekender bags and more!

I had the chance to review their Monogrammed Accessory Bag in Aqua Chevron

SO cute!!!  Look at those colors and the quality is amazing!! 

This bag is BIG!  Perfect for a trip (I'm planning on using it for my wedding and honeymoon) 

 In love!!

Perfect for keys, makeup, phones and all your accessories to throw in your purse or tote bag. Makes a great gift for yourself, friends, or family.

Monogram V-Neck: El's Briar Patch Review

Y'all know I'm crazy about my monograms...well head on over to El's Briar Patch to get a selection of beautiful, high quality monogrammed items!

I had the chance to review the Personalized Monogrammed T-Shirt:

Lots of color options!!

My shirt is a pink color with teal chevron pocket and navy monogram...in LOVE!

Lots of font options as well...I picked the Script font, that one's pretty much always my favorite

This is such a great way to make a plain t shirt absolutely adorable!!

I am in love with this t shirt, every time I wear it I get SO many compliments!  It is SUPER comfortable!

One thing I love is that the pocket is actually functional, I've seen a lot of other monogrammed t's that just sew the pocket closed. 

Meadowbelle Market Review

I got to review the Personalized Initial Necklace from Meadowbelle Market:

The sweetest sterling silver initial keepsake. Available in either uppercase or lowercase letters. Personalized initials make a lovely flower girl or bridesmaid gift for weddings, for new moms, and for birthdays.

I absolutely love layering this piece with other necklaces!

The letters are shaped by hand using time tested tools and technique. Soldered at the joints (so they won't pull apart like wire that's simply bent). They're also slightly hammered, then tumbled for extra strength and shine!

*Initials measure approximately 1/2" to 1" tall. Letter height varies based on selection.

Beautiful Aprons! HandMad'ns Crafts Review

HandMade'ns Crafts is a mother-daughter company who specialize in handsewn items, including aprons, bibs, adult bibs, B'Aprons and more.  

I had the chance to review the Vintage Sewing Patterns Apron:

Cute, retro apron featuring vintage McCall's girls sewing patterns on a pink gingham background . This apron is one size fits most with adjustable ties at the neck and waist. Can be machine washed, dried, and ironed. For added durability and structure, all of our aprons are completely lined on the back. With a large pocket and a cute, complimenting ruffle, this apron is adorable and functional.

Oh my goodness this couldn't get any cuter!  I love the vintage look of the patterns on the apron and seriously what could be more perfect than this apron for a Home Ec teacher??

I am in love!!

Monogram Ring: Jeneri Jewelry Review

Y'all monograms are taking over my life...and I am completely ok with it!

Jeneri Jewelry is such an adorable site that has the most beautiful personalized jewelry options!

They have the best quality personalized jewelry I have seen around...gorgeous and yet simple!

I had the chance to review their custom sterling silver hand-stamped signet monogram ring:

such cute packaging!! 

This ring measure 1/2 inch in diameter (top disk portion). It is a sterling silver, hand-stamped and oxidized disk with a hand-soldered sterling silver rim. 

Oh my goodness I love this ring!  Such a classy and simple style.  Goes with absolutely everything and I have gotten so many compliments!

Mason Jars!: Kasey's Simply Primitive Review

I love mason jars...probably too much.  Kasey's Simply Primitives is such a cute place to find mason jar accessories if you are an addict like me.

She repurposes mason jars into usable decorative accessories in your home.

I had the chance to review two products:

1. Mason jar soap dispenser:

So cute and you can specify the color when you order!

2. Mason jar with straw and lid:
Did you know that everything tastes better when you drink it from a mason jar? If you are planning a garden party, tailgate party, or just having a few friends over for a cook-out, sip your drink in this cute cup.  

Seriouly could these things get any cuter!!! I am in love with them!

Check out Kasey's Simply Primitive!

GIVEAWAY!!!! Angel Heart Ceramics

Ya'll I have a surprise for you!!!  I have my very first giveaway!!  Thank you to Angel Heart Designs for sponsoring this!

Angel Heart Designs provides Cottage and Shabby Style Ceramics: Cupcake items, Holiday items and Home decor, Roses, Clocks, Tea Pots, and more even special orders.

And the giveaway is:

Vintage Birds Ceramic Wedding Cake Toppers in White

Elegant white little birds vintage design for your wedding cake and home decor.

Retail for $18

They measure across by about 3." high 1.5 " by 1.5" wide

7.6cm X 3.8cm

These are pored from a vintage mold, clean fire to bisque, then glaze again, with the color.

Beautiful...don't have to be used for a wedding could be decorative accents in your home, maybe in a plant...or whatever strikes you. 


So details details...How do you win these adorable birds??

1. You must be subscribed to my blog (should be a join button to the right)
2. Leave a comment below (any comment works)
3. I will notify the winner by December 20th!
Good Luck!!


Blessings

My Adorable Teacher Sign: CraftsNAt Review

Oh my goodness ya'll, is this not the cutest teacher sign you have ever seen or what?

Invite students and visitors into your classroom or office with this beautiful personalized sign!

This sign is made of burlap ribbon and fabric flowers. Any name or words can be painted onto the signs. Signs in photo measures 16" x 8". (Other sizes available.)

Chevron, polka-dot, and plain burlap available. She works with you to design your own custom sign from the colors, ribbon, flowers, and name. You're sure to end up with something you can't wait to show off!

I am absolutely in love with mine, and with my big girl teaching job coming up I can't wait to have it on my door!

To design your own go to CraftsNAt on etsy!

These signs can also be customized for holidays, kid's rooms, etc!

Cutest little Lilly necklace: Kellembell Review

Preppy...Lilly...Adorable...These three words perfectly describe Kellembell.  This cute little store sells customized jewelry featuring Lilly Pulitzer fabric.

I had the chance to review one of their adorable necklaces:

Custom Lilly Pulitzer Sailor Patch Fabric Covered Button Necklace:

For this necklace, YOU choose which fabrics you want! There are five buttons on the necklace, so when you order, pick any five fabrics that you would like.

The fabric buttons are 1 1/8" wide.

These necklaces are hung on a chain with a lobster clasp. The fabric buttons sit in a beautiful lace-edged bezel. You can choose between silver and gold...I got the gold one. 

The total length of the necklace is 18", but can be adjusted to a shorter length.

 Seriously how adorable is this necklace???  I have been wearing it absolutely nonstop!

Tie On Towel: Messy Messy Me Review

I don't know about you guys but I always like to have a towel over my oven rack to dry my hands, veggies, etc. on with ease.  The only issue is that without fail it will fall off at least once a day....I have found a solution!

Introducing Messy Messy Me's Tie on towels!  

This is the cutest little shop offering lots of practical handmade and vintage items that help clean up, get organized, or just make things pretty.  A lot of the products are made with re-purposed vintage fabrics and trims to make a one of a kind, originally designed item...which I love!

I got to review an adorable tie on towel featuring teacups and blue gingham!

I am such a sucker for pretty packaging...no matter what is inside it makes it feel so much fancier!

 Please ignore my messy oven and just look at how cute that is!

 Never to fall off again! 

This is absolutely adorable, brightens up my kitchen, solves a problem, and is totally functional!  Seriously do yourself a favor and check out Messy Messy Me!


Erin