Monthly Shopping Trip - Fave Five May 2021

Here we go again! Another month, another Fave Five coming in hot, my friends. Please enjoy my Monthly Shopping Trip – Fave Five below for May 2021!

Just like in April, I had a ton of fun shopping for some goodies to ring in the new season. And as we’ve been chipping away at our master bath renovation (I believe this is the month it will be finished. Hallelujah, praise the Lord!), I’ve also had some fun picking out new pieces for that space. Enjoy this edition of Monthly Shopping Trip – Fave Five May 2021!

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Fave Five #1: Hammock (with Stand)

I bought this hammock + stand combo a few years ago. The hammock itself got mildewy and gross after a couple of seasons (I did not store it during inclement weather, so my own fault). So, I’ve been on the hunt for a hammock to replace that one, and I finally found it!

I love laying in the hammock! It is so relaxing. I’ve got ours placed out by our fire-pit area and it’s lovely. The stand is still in great shape, and I’d definitely recommend this hammock + stand combo. There are a ton of color options, and you can even choose your hammock material! There are 21,000+ reviews that don’t lie.

If you would just like a traditional hammock to hang in a tree (or if you’ve got a stand already), this is the one I got this year and I love it. I’m taking better care to store it this time around! I specifically wanted one that had the spreader bars so it wouldn’t bunch up as much. I can also confirm that this hammock works with the Vivere stand that I shared above.

Price: Hammock + Stand Combo = $119.99 | Hammock = $36.99

Fave Five #2: Concentrated Vinegar (45%)

I heard about this concentrated vinegar concoction from Phillip over at Philip or Flop on IG… needed to try it. I’ve got all kinds of cocklebur plants invading our property and they just got out of hand last year. I’m trying to get them under control a bit this year and wanted to try an eco-friendly product to knock them out.

I use this around my garden, so I definitely didn’t want to use any chemicals there. I also use it on my driveways and out at our fire-pit area. It works well. I pour it into a spray bottle (full-strength) with a drop-ish of Dawn dish soap. Then I start spraying. I pull leaves back and try to spray directly at the root, or as close as possible.

Important Note: This will not kill the plants completely down through the root! I’ve heard from a few followers who have used this, and they all say it works on the above-ground plant, but will eventually come back. So, take that into consideration. I’ll continue to use it to make pulling easier and in my “clean” areas.

You’ll also notice concentrated vinegar has many household uses. I’m intrigued and will have to test some out!

Price: $24.99/gallon

Fave Five #3: Glass Spray Bottles

I’ve been making an intentional effort to use less plastic around our home. We have a long way to go, but I’m taking small steps and this is one of them! I’ve been on the hunt for a substantial glass spray bottle set, and these do not disappoint.

These hold up to 16oz. and are a great size for mixing your own cleaning solutions! I am a bit irritated with myself because I thought I’d ordered the amber set, but I ordered the clear glass instead. I’ll just have to add the amber set to a future order! I currently have my general purpose/counter cleaner in one for the kitchen. And in my other one I mixed up a fabric refresher spray that I use on our bedding between washes as I’m making the bed.

The quality here is great. And for those of you who like good “feels”, the spray head/mechanism feels really great in your hand. I also like that you can turn the nozzle off (for those curious little hands), to mist, or to stream! Very handy.

But that’s not all! This set also includes two caps, a funnel for pouring/mixing, and cute labels, y’all! All at a really great price point, I think. Again, reviews don’t lie!

And I know what you might be thinking, “Glass can break! What if I drop it?” I got you, boo. I got you. Once I received mine, I thought the same thing and went a purchased a set of these sleeves. Boom, problem solved. The silicone sleeves do fit these glass spray bottles. It’s a snug fit, so you just have to pry them on a bit. But they don’t budge. And I like that they protect the bottle while you can still see what’s inside. Lots of fun color combos, too!

Price: Glass Spray Bottles = $9.99 – $11.99/set | Sleeves = $10.95

Fave Five #4: Cordless Stick Vacuum

Oh my Lanta, y’all. I’ll have to share this baby real soon on Instagram stories. This is my Mother’s Day Gift. I’ve had a *good* cordless stick vacuum on my wish list for a long time. I’ve researched, hunted for deals, and finally landed on this Tineco Cordless Stick Vacuum not too long ago. I sent the link to Eric as a hint-hint and by golly, that man ordered it! whoop-whoop!

We have had this Dyson Upright Ball Multi-Floor Vacuum for a few years. It’s has a lot of power, but it’s heavy and I was sick of dragging a cord around the house to use it. I knew a cordless stick vacuum was the way to go. I looked at Dyson stick vacuums, but they are really expensive, so I thought I’d give this one a go. It has everything I wanted/needed – cordless, two batteries, converts to handheld easily, light, good power, nice attachments, decent battery life.

Coincidently, we just had new floors installed, so it’s been nice taking this thing for a spin to keep our new floors clean and tidy! I have only had it a week at this point, so I can’t speak to its longevity, but so far I’m thrilled. I wouldn’t say it has the power that I’m used to with my Dyson, but I don’t think I’d get that with any stick vacuum.

If you’ve been considering a cordless stick vacuum, this is a great contender if Dyson pricing isn’t in your budget right now. This is still an investment, but at about half the cost of the latest Dyson that’s out. It has great reviews, too.

Price: Tineco A11 Hero EX = $329.99

Fave Five #5: Benton’s Animal Crackers

I have my Grandma to thank for this one. We’ve had some pretty heavy hitters this month, so I thought a (very affordable) dupe on a classic snack was needed! I didn’t know I was particular about my animal crackers until I had these. They’re delicious!

They’re almost like a shortbread cookie of sorts. By far the best animal cracker I’ve ever had, and I the only one I’ll be getting from here on out. Find them at your local Aldi! I don’t see them anywhere else online.

Price: Very affordable! Like, a couple bucks a box!