Since the beginning of the blog, I’ve shared pictures of my family at our family ranch house. I mentioned in last Friday’s READER QUESTIONS post how it’s our favorite place to go in the world, and several people voiced interest in knowing more. So, today we are going to do three things: 1) I’m going to tell you more about the ranch. 2) We are going to take a walk down memory lane and I’m going to show you some a ridiculous amount of pictures from year’s past. 3) I’m teaming up with Nordstrom and Shopstyle to show you what I pack when I head to the ranch.
Let’s get started!
See that cabin in the back? That’s our beloved ranch house.
Chris’s paternal grandparents bought the land back in 1961, but it wasn’t until 1998 that the family built the cabin. Ever since Chris and I started dating, going to the land has been a big part of our relationship. Even before there was a house, we would drive to the land and fish all day on the tank and then drive back to town to stay with his grandmother.
After the cabin was built, we would go to the ranch at least 1 time per month. We love taking friends and family there as well. The entire extended family loves spending time there, and after everybody saw how much use the small house was getting, the family decided to expand it back in the fall of 2015, and they doubled it’s size!
The picture of the cabin here shows it after it’s expansion. It’s got a great front porch where we all spend a lot of time, and the house overlooks the dock and tank.
If these walls could talk.
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HOW I PACK FOR THE RANCH
I’m an over packer. Always have been, always will be. Even when we are just headed to the ranch.
There are a few essentials that have become necessary for me to have both at the ranch (and anywhere I might be traveling).
First of all, my newest travel obsession is packing cubes. I fell in love with them last month, but I’ve already taken them to the ranch twice. I can’t believe how much more I can pack in the same size suitcase. Nordstrom has a similar option to my packing cubes, and they are so much cuter! I love the stripes.
These are the only types of ponytail holders I wear anymore, and I always make sure I have several in my bag before heading out the door. To be honest, I freak out if I don’t have some on hand. They give my ponytails good height and volume, I don’t worry about hair breakage, and they don’t give me headaches!
When I travel, especially on the travel day, I like to wear huggie earrings (earrings where the post goes inside the earring on the back of your earlobe). I feel naked without earrings on, but I don’t like for the posts to stab me if I’m trying to catch a quick snooze either on an airplane or in the car. And to take it a step further, when I go to the ranch I typically don’t pack any jewelry. So I typically choose 1 pair of earrings, and I wear them the entire time. Here are some great huggies to choose from. Just click on what you are interested in!
Even though I keep an old hair dryer at the ranch house, ever since I purchased the Dyson dryer, I take it with me. I love it so much that I can’t imagine not using it. Even when just at the ranch. I also travel with my Drybar hairspray, and I always carry a small Jo Malone fragrance from a Jo Malone set I received two years ago at Christmas. And if I have a Jo Malone sample available (I always choose those when available during the beauty add-ons that Nordstrom does), then I just take one of the tiny little sample sprays.
And I’m not sure if I’ve ever talked about this for, but I always travel with Rose Salve. I always need to hydrate my lips at night, and this small tin of Rose Salve (only $5!) is perfect for doing so on the go. And just fyi, it’s the only thing that ever works during the cold months when I get dry and cracked elbows.
Another travel essential for me, whether headed to the ranch or somewhere else, is a large tote. And in that tote, I have a laptop case with my laptop, make make up bag, my wallet, and some other essentials. I ordered 3 totes that caught my eye to feature for y’all and review their potential for making travel easier. But 2/3 have have been delayed. So you’ll see this one later in the post! I actually considered this diaper bag (love that it has a cross body option), and this brightly colored TB Nylon tote (Brilliant Red and Bright Azalea) is DARLING. If I love them, I will show them in future posts.
And although I don’t take jewelry to the ranch, I do like to take jewelry choices on other trips. I have a case similar to this one and there’s also this one that quite a bit less expensive. They do a great job of organizing jewelry in a small space.
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WHAT I WEAR TO THE RANCH
When it comes to choosing outfits for the ranch, or for any trips/travel days, my main priority is comfort. EXTREME comfort. Being cute is just a bonus.
My family was supposed to be at the ranch for 4 days and nights over New Year’s. Carter and Chris were, but I got really sick and headed there several days after everybody else. So, my grand plans of taking pictures of all of my ranch outfits didn’t pan out. I was only there 1 night. (It’s okay to feel sorry for me. I felt realllllllllllllllllly sorry for myself.)
In the winter months, I like to wear leggings at the ranch. Wearing leggings while at the ranch is pretty much my happy place. Add in a cocktail and some yummy snack foods (both always in abundance at the ranch), and I’m living my best life.
Here’s the outfit I wore to the ranch when I headed down on New Year’s Eve. This tunic hoodie is PERFECT for leggings and all types of travel days. And get this…..it’s just about as soft as a blardigan. SERIOUSLY. It’s fantastic. I’m wearing a small and it’s still oversized, but perfect for leggings. If you are only going to wear it with jeans, then I would definitely recommend sizing down.
striped tunic hoodie / similar huggie earrings / high waisted leggings / slim profile UGGs ON SALE
On this particular trip, I was responsible for bringing the dogs. And because I ended up getting sick, the dog’s trip was delayed too. I swear they knew Carter and Chris were at the ranch, so they were more than ready to get down there too.
I was only able to join everybody for 1 night, but we had the best time. It was perfect weather to hang out around the grill and the campfire with family and friends.
And the fireworks show did not disappoint.
Because my trip was cut woefully short because of my illness, I’m now just going to show you outfits that I had originally planned to wear while I was there. All of these outfits aren’t just great for the ranch, they are also perfect for road trips and even airplane travel.
I’d been eyeing this draped wrap for awhile, and I decided this ranch trip was the perfect reason to finally get it. I knew I would love it and would get a ton of wear out of it both at the ranch and in everyday life. And I do LOVE it! I got a small, but think I’m going to try sizing up to a medium to make it oversized and long enough for leggings. I wear a medium in the cami.
wrap / $12 cami / similar jeans / scarf / reversible tote / slim profile UGGs
I added a tote, because I always take a tote with me whenever I travel. This one is awesome! It’s reversible (cognac or black), its just under $50, and it holds my 15″ laptop. This would also make a wonderful and super affordable work bag, or just an everyday bag.
The scarf is fabulous. It comes in this gorgeous rose color as well as a mustard. It’s soft as can be, and although it’s large, it’s not overwhelming. You can see it ties easily around a tote handle, and I love to tie scarves on a tote when traveling. It looks cute all tied up on the bag, and it’s easy to pull off and use as a blanket or pillow if you need to! I wore it on travel days to and from New York recently, and it was perfect.
Sweatshirts, leggings, and sneakers are a ranch staple. This type of outfit is also what I would call a PERFECT road trip outfit! Comfy, cozy, and lots of room for Corn Nuts and Funyuns. #justkidding #butnotreally #ilovecornnutsandfunyuns #iblamemydad
I’m wearing a small in the sweatshirt and the leggings.
Zella hoodie / Zella leggings (long version – short version sold out)/ no show socks/ similar sneakers by same maker
I knew it was going to be really cold at the ranch for New Year’s, so I pulled out my North Face pullover. This one has a hood and a toggle close neck. It’s so cute! I love how it’s warm and cozy, but it’s not too bulky. I sized up to a medium, but I almost always do in North Face.
Northface pullover / similar huggie earrings / similar jeans / reversible tote / slim profile UGGs
I was really late to the party on this piece, because I’m pretty sure every single blogger I follow has featured this in the past. WELL. When I knew I was going to be partnering with Nordstrom for a travel wear post, I knew I finally had to try it.
one button wrap cardi (plus size cardi) / similar huggie earrings / similar jeans / scarf /reversible tote / slim profile UGGs
This one button wrap cardi is an incredibly soft fleece on the inside and great for a car or airplane ride. And get this, it comes in 10 colors and is UNDER $30. You can wear it open like a more traditional cardi, but I prefer it closed with the cute button.
How in the world am I just now trying this? #bloggerfail #iapologize
Okay, now that I’m in the ROAD TRIP OUTFIT frame of mind, I want to show you some other examples of past outfits that would be perfect for travel!
I mean, you can’t go wrong with a baby blardigan EVER, but it’s a no brainer for travel. I would of course lose the statement earrings, but the rest of the outfit is made for a travel day!
earrings / white tee / blingy necklace / baby blardigan / ankle jeans / UGG slim profile boots ON SALE
A baby blardigan with leggings is an even better idea.
Or what about a hooded blardigan with the like buttah tee? Both are stupid soft. Which I enjoy.
YEP.
PERFECT FOR TRAVEL.
hooded blardigan / like buttah tee / cute plaid scarf options / jeans / UGG slim profile boots ON SALE
In the summer I wear the short sleeve peplum tees to the ranch, and in the cooler months I wear the long sleeve versions.
And Caslon just came out with a v neck version of their peplum tee!
long sleeve peplum tee / $12 necklace / similar military jacket / similar black sneakers
This cowl neck is one that I own in 3 colors, and all 3 colors have been to the ranch countless times.
free people cowl neck pullover / slim profile UGGs ON SALE
In the spring and fall, you’ll find me wearing lots of jeans, joggers, and tees. And I always have one of my denim jackets, a military jacket, or both when traveling. This is a super cute outfit, but it’s also crazy comfy!
must have denim jacket / white tee / joggers / similar sneakers / no show socks
In the summer at the ranch, it’s all about my favorite denim shorts (they made the Top 10 list for the blog f0r 2018!) and my favorite flip flops.
Madewell tees, Caslon tees, and these peplum tees also make lots of ranch appearances during the spring and summer months.
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A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE
Now that we’ve talked about ranch and road trip attire, let’s take a walk down memory lane. These pictures start about 15 years ago. before Carter was even a twinkle in our eye. We still miss sweet Scout.
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I hope y’all enjoyed a closer look at our family ranch house! As I’ve said before, it’s our favorite place on earth. We’ve made more memories than I can count, and I look forward to all the time we will spend there with each other in the future. Looking through all of the above pics made my heart incredibly happy.
And amidst all the ranch memories, I hope you got some great inspiration for what I think are pieces that make a great travel outfit.
Just for fun, even though these next outfits weren’t worn to the ranch, these were outfits I wore for airplane travel recently that I wanted to share.
I wore this on the way to L.A. to shoot the Gibson Glam collection!
Jeans that feel like leggings (see my WHY YOU NEED A PAIR OF BLACK JEANS YOU LOVE post for details), wedge sneakers, a comfy tee, and a stretchy denim jacket for warmth FOR THE WIN.
knot front tee / denim jacket / earrings / black jeans /wedge sneakers
I wore this on the way to NYC for our annual girl’s trip!
As soon as we got off the plane, I pulled this scarf out of my bag for an additional layer and some warmth. It’s super soft, comfy, and easy to style. And it comes in 2 additional colors, including a great mustard.
scarf / black v neck sweater ON SALE/ leather jacket ON SALE/ earrings / ankle jeans / sneakers ON SALE
And I wore this on my way home. The scarf worked so well for me on the way there, I pulled it out again for the trip home.
You can’t see it, but I’m wearing one of my very favorite sweaters (that I now own in 3 colors) that is NOW 40% OFF! Last year I purchased it in both red and black, and this year I grabbed it in shitake. I have smalls, and it’s definitely a relaxed fit, just how I like to wear it. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this sweater.
v neck sweater ON SALE / scarf / camo jacket / earrings / ankle jeans / sneakers ON SALE
I know lots of today’s post focused a lot on travel during the fall and winter months, but if you are going anywhere warm or tropical, Nordstrom has you covered there too! Click HERE to get vacation ready!
I’m soooo excited, because when looking around, I discovered that my orange slides from last year that I loved now come in a perfect neutral!
Check out all of these DARLING items! Somebody take me on vacation! Just click on what you are interested in…
If you have any travel essentials that you think I need to know about, please sound off in the comments!
Kassy says
I think everyone deserves a ranch house in their life! It looks so nice. Carter was a blonde! I love the throwback photos.
Erika Slaughter says
Sheaffer, now I want to book flights to head out of town ASAP OR I’ll tag along on your next ranch trip! The walk down memory lane was so sweet…baby Carter was precious!
Shay Shull says
Sheaffer, your ranch pictures are some of my very favorite!!! This post gave me all the happy feels!!
Narci says
How fun! All of these outfits are perfect for travel! And, I love all your pics from traveling!
Denise Noss says
Love the ranch pictures! I think you should gather your girlfriends and take a trip there with them. Would be fun to all of them there with you.
Cassie says
Always been curious when you talk about the ranch, but since this post is all about the ranch thought I would ask-why do you call it a ranch? Do you just not post pictures of the cattle/farming?
Thanks!
Sheaffer says
Hi, Cassie! It’s a working cattle ranch! I have posted cattle pictures in the past, they just didn’t make it to the collage today. There were HUNDREDS of pictures to choose from! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Christina says
I love your ranch house pictures. I grew up going to our ranch house (in Texas, too)! The denim jacket and joggers looks so cozy. I love my denim jacket-everyone needs that denim jacket!
Monica says
Love this! What is the lip color you have in the car pic with pups??? Thank you for making my shopping so simple! Love your ideas and style!
Sheaffer says
Hi, Monica! I only wear “fashion icon” by Lancome. I change up the glosses, but don’t remember what I was wearing that day. So sorry! xoxo
Bethany says
The picture of Carter on the lake is stunning! Canvas-worthy! 🙂
I have an idea for a future post (I don’t think you’ve done this yet….)
Have you done Disney? We are planning a trip for late 2019 and I’d love all your tips and tricks for what to wear, especially footwear for all that walking!
Happy 2019! Love, Bethany
Sheaffer says
Bethany, it’s already on a canvas! 🙂 And we’ve never done Disney. So sorry! xoxo
Lily says
I have the one button wrap cardigan in a couple colors. Not only are they great for travel but perfect for a shopping trip. I button it as well paired with a tank underneath and comfortable boots and skinny jeans and I can go from trying clothes on in a snap to still looking nice to meet folks for lunch or dinner.
Kara says
I love all the pictures but I would have to say I am partial to the ones with Goldens in them. Goldens are sooooo photogenic haha! Seeing pictures of Scout just warmed my heart. I could not stop looking at the one with Carter in the cowboy hat and an older Scout on the porch.
Thanks for a peek into ranch life.
Ali says
Would love to see which diaper bag you considered. The link went to the BP tote. Hoping to find a non diaper bag looking diaper bag for life with two toddlers. Thanks!!
Sheaffer says
Hi, Ali! I’ll go update it now! So sorry!!!!! xoxo
JJ says
Love this post!! This fall, I came across a picture of the shrimp boil we did on our trip to the Ranch with Blake and Jenny. ❤️Yum! So peaceful and freedom from the Metroplex. This is my FAVORITE travel jewelry case! You’re not limited to where pieces go which allows you some freedom in what you take and doesn’t waste space. (You know that’s an important factor when ‘trying’ to pack lighters I’ve given several of these as gifts.
https://www.containerstore.com/s/in.bag-blue-tile-travel-jewelry-organizer/d?productId=11008738&q=travel%20jewelry
Sheaffer says
YES! Y’all have got to get back down there with us!!!! Going to check out the travel case now! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Jenny says
OM….. that weekend was forever ago, but I do remember we had so much fun!!! This is a great travel post Sheaffer!! I’m loving my Amazon legging…. hands down my ver favorite ever!!! ?
Laci says
Baby Carter…Baby Scout….I mean come on!!! Sweetest ever!!!!
Gail Wilson says
I remember your pups rolling in the mud!! That was one of my favorite Instagram stories ever – hilarious!!
Lorie says
Great post! Just checked out with a couple of the items in my cart. You always look so polished and together Sheaffer! Your sense of style has really elevated mine and given me so much more confidence. Thanks for sharing your life with us!!
Sheaffer says
Oh my goodness! Thank you so much, Lorie! Your comment put such a smile on my face! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Tanya Van Voorst says
Now I want to go on a vacation 🙂 What are your sunglasses? I love them!
Sheaffer says
They are Quay from Nordstrom, but they are no longer available in that colorway. So sorry! xoxo
Kate says
Girl, you have not aged ONE BIT!
Sheaffer says
Kate, that is so sweet of you to say. I was thinking the exact opposite, so I will definitely receive that compliment with a smile! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Katie Harris says
Oh how I so enjoyed this post! The Ranch house looks so nice and relaxing. I think everyone needs a getaway like this! And all of the pictures and reminiscing…be still my heart! My son is 16 months old and this makes me want to go and do as much as we can, and TAKE MORE PICTURES. I’m so bad at not grabbing my phone for quick pics! Happy Friday!
Lauren Barnett says
Love the ranch house! My family has a lake house that is similar! So sad that your favorite jean shorts are only available in limited sizes. Any suggestions for some similar? I am wanting a relaxed fit, jean short! Thanks!
Sheaffer says
Hi, Lauren! I would hold off and see if they get restocked. I LOVE THEM.
Catherine says
What is a tank? Haha. I’m assuming it’s he pond?!
Sheaffer says
Hi, Catherine! Yes! It’s a pond!!! 🙂
Melanie says
I have questions!
What is the difference in a ranch and a farm? I feel like Texas people go to ranches, and everywhere else in the country just have farms.
Also what is a tank? Is it a pond?
Sheaffer says
Hey, Melanie! A tank is a pond! Now, about the difference between a ranch and a farm…I don’t really know?!? I’m guessing a farm has crops? It’s a great question! xoxo
D says
What hats do you wear? I have the hardest time picking out cute baseball hats.
Sheaffer says
Hi, D! They are Judith March and I find them in boutiques! I’m sure you could look on Amazon too! xoxo
Erica says
I discover the one button Bobeau cardigan a couple of years ago. I have it in heather red and it is one of my favorite fall/winter tops and I get compliments on it all the time. Even got my MIL one for Christmas last year. Glad to see you featuring it! (Oh, and finally broke down and bought the denim jacket. Wearing it right now— why did I wait so long????)
cassie // hi sugarplum says
this place look so magical…just sitting over here waiting on my invite!! 😉
Kimberly says
Would love to see pictures inside the ranch house. Do the grandparents live there all the time or is it just a vacation house for the whole family? I would love to have a ranch house:)
Sheaffer says
Hi, Kimberly! The inside of the house is nothing special. It’s a mis-match of furniture and accessories and is much more like a “camp” house. Nobody lives there full time, but the whole family has access to it! If you want to reserve it, you call Grandmommy to reserve the weekend! 🙂 xoxo
Meredith says
Outfits are always perfect! Love the pictures! Especially the one of Chris and Stephen! Great memories I have of those two!
Sheaffer says
Hey, Meredith! Isn’t that a great picture?!? I will definitely let Chris know that you stopped by to say “hi”! xoxo
April says
Sheaffer, I’ve been praying for Holt and his family. Could you update us on how he’s doing? Does he have a brother or sister yet?
Sheaffer says
Hi, April! YOU ARE AWESOME. I have updated several times on different posts, but I know not everybody reads the blog everyday. I just wanted you to know that I hadn’t stopped updating because we soooooooooooooo appreciate the prayers. Seriously, thank you so much. He’s in the middle of another round of treatment right now, and we are hoping he gets released tomorrow! The most recent update I did on the blog was on my January 2nd post right in the middle of me talking about the most read posts of 2018. In that post I link to a video of Holt meeting his baby sister for the first time. It is one of the most precious things I have ever seen, so you need to go check it out. Here’s the url of the post: https://sheaffertoldmeto.com/top-10-posts-and-reader-runner-ups/
Thank you so much for praying and wanting an update.
xoxo,
Sheaffer
April says
The video is so precious! I do check the blood every time it comes in email but I do skim it quickly sometimes and totally missed that update. Thank you.
Jody Forsee says
Great post, Sheaffer! What do you wear under the Bobeau one button cardi? I like how whatever you are wearing does not peek out…
Sheaffer says
I’m wearing the same white BP camisole I was wearing with the wrap top up top (the one where the scarf was tied around the bag). Hope this helps! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Kim says
The ranch picture collage was heart warming. Wonderful memories being made! The love you all have for one another shines through.
I bought the Wit & Wisdom black jeans in the fall and loved them, however the fabric or dye had an awful odor that I couldn’t get rid of. I tried washing several times, used vinegar and Borax. Nothing helped. Sadly, I returned them. Nordstrom is fantastic about accepting returns.
Has anyone had a similar experience?
Sheaffer says
Thanks, Kim! I’ve had some a small number of readers say that, but mine had no smell! Most don’t report a smell, so I have no idea?!? xoxo
Andrea says
So this is off topic for this post, but awhile back you shared a link for that super cute wooden tray from Macy’s and said you are using it as decor. I bought it, obviously because you never steer me wrong! I am just curious where you put it, if anything is set on it, etc… Any info or a pic would be greatly appreciated! My wardrobe and now our house are so darling, all because Sheaffer told me to! Thanks! Andrea
Sheaffer says
Hey, Andrea! I’m out of town now, but I’ll try to share it on instastories later this week. Right now it’s sitting behind my sink (on our island) with a candle and some soap on it! xoxo
Laura says
Looks like a wonderful place to call a 2nd home! And you use it often which is amazing. How far away is this from your place? Some friends have places that are only 2 hrs away and they use their place often, however friends that have places that are 5 hours only get there about half the time they wish. So that’s how I’ve come up with my question, how far away is this from your regular home?
Sheaffer says
Hi, Laura! It’s about 2 1/2 hours away, door to door. And I totally agree…even 3 1/2 hours would make it so much harder for weekend trips. I wish it was even closer, but 2 1/2 hours isn’t bad! xoxo
Rachael says
Hey Sheaffer,
Just wanted to drop by and say I PURCHASED THAT TOTE!!!! LOVE THAT ITS REVERSIBLE!!!! So EXCITED!!!!!!
Jennifer says
Oh my goodness! I ordered the black and white stripped soft hoodie. It came today and it is ah-maz-ing. So soft. I’m a teacher and I can’t wait to wear it with leggings to work tomorrow.
Lauren says
Is it a shared family cabin? How do you decide who’s going when?
Sheaffer says
Hi, Lauren! It is! If you want to reserve a weekend, you call Grandmommy and she puts you on the ranch calendar! 🙂 xoxo