Boots and Blazers

Fall truly is my favorite time of year...the colors, the cooler weather, the cozy blankets....and it means it's time to break out the boots and blazers again! These 2 fashion pieces are definitely 'go-to' staples of mine... They can be dressed up or dressed down and I really can't think of two more versatile items to include in your wardrobe...except for maybe a LBD (little black dress).

This is as about as close to 'me' as a look could get...the boots, the blazer...the scarf, the bag, jeans....My Uniform! 

LOVE this blazer from J Crew...the cut, the length, classic black....would work in so many outfits!



*Drool* These Ailee Flat Studded Knee Boots by Michael Kors are yummy! I seem to gravitate to this camel/caramel color when it comes to boots...

I'm off to organize my closet and get my boots & blazers front row center!

RR

Thank you....

Thankful.....Grateful.....Blessed.....Gratitude....

All words to describe my feelings right at this moment...but also every day.....

Thankful for drives down country lanes...

Grateful for family dinners around the table...

Blessed to be able to grow and enjoy such beautiful bounty as this...

Happy to show gratitude for each and every day....

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours!

RR

Mason Jar Madness!!

Or...in my case, Crown Jar Craziness!

They are literally EVERYWHERE these days!!

These are something I grew up with...we used them in the workshop to store nails, screws and odds & ends but they were also used in a more traditional way in the kitchen to store preserved produce and maple syrup our neighbour made.
Seeing as they have always been a staple in my home and I have found a way to take a traditional item and add a bit of a modern but still rustic twist to it...keep reading for how you could win one of your own!

Lonny Magazine's Facebook page recently featured these Ball Mason Jars (see below) in an article by Ginny Branch about alternative wedding ideas.

These are a collection of my family's McDonald Sealers (namesake collectibles are always fun). I just love their colour and shapes.

I was flipping through Style at Home the other day and saw the photo on the left below...cast porcelain Mason jar styled vases. 

I looked up from the couch and across the room and looked at something very similar sitting in my living room...a painted Crown Mason Jar that I had done as a DIY, holding peonies from my family's garden. 

I had made this jar and arrangement for a friend for her birthday earlier in the year....A little raffia and grey glossy paint just made this arrangement!




Painting jars is nothing new to me....I've been doing it for a few years now and my Dad used to also do this many, many years ago.

They are available for order in my Rustic Retrievals Etsy shop or if you're wanting to place a larger order for something like a wedding, shower or other event, you can email me at rusticretrievals@gmail.com

The jars are available in a variety of colours....essentially we are only limited by the variety of options provided by the companies that produce spray paint.

I'm currently putting together an order of fuchsia, apple green, white and black jars to ship to the US. Can't wait to see them all completed!

And now....it's CONTEST TIME!!!

Rustic Retrievals has had a great week and I would like to celebrate with a give away...

It's simple...just leave a comment below or on my/Rustic Retrievals Instagram/Facebook page under the picture correlating to this blog post, telling me what colour jar you would like and why you chose that colour.

I will draw the winner the end of next week and the winner will get their personalized Crown Mason Jar sent to them to use around their home to hold flowers, kitchen utensils, pens, pencils....the list is endless!

Best of luck and keep the comments coming...you can also comment more than once to increase your chances of winning!

RR

Thanks Mom.....

My Mom really is my best friend.....

Thanks so much Mom....for always having my hand, helping me stand tall and move forward...

Some pictures from the past few months that remind me of her....

Mother's Day Bouquet...I wish I could give her one everyday!

Picking paint colours for Mom and Dad's new home....we had them spread out everywhere!

Mom and I went for a drive...and had to stop and 'chat' with these guys..

Some of our finds after a day of antiquing and 'auctioning'...

A day at the beach with Mom this Spring.....such a great day! Thank you for the memories Mom!! Love you always...xoxo RR

Spring Forward

The sunshine and unbelievably fantastic temperatures today made it very, very difficult to be in the office today. As soon as I could tear myself away, I headed home, took Charlie for a longggg walk (and a swim or 2 in his case) and then.....it was time.......time to finally put away the outdoor winter decor. So long showshoes, sleds, greenery....and time to keep my fingers crossed that the bulbs I planted last fall have not been all whisked away by our ever so prevalent squirrel population!

I already have a few tulips popping through and there are buds on most of my perennials....I now just have to stay patient and wait for Spring to "pop"!  In the meantime and in anticipation of the explosion of colours to come....here are some images to tide us all over.

I have been filling my home with tulips, lilacs, daffodils and daisies the past few weeks and I'm really looking forward to finally seeing the outdoors come back to life, in full colour.

Have you started your garden planning yet? I am hoping to put up a privacy fence and raised beds along the back of my yard as well as continue to add to my hosta beds.

Were you able to get your bulbs in last fall to enjoy over the next few months? I went with a white theme and bought a wide variety of tulips. I can't wait to see them in full bloom!

I hope you all have a chance to get outside and enjoy the amazing weather we are supposed to have over the next week or so...and like I said the beginning of the week.."get off your butt and do what you love"!!

RR

*images from Pinterest