It’s time y’all! Time for another edition of READER QUESTIONS!!!
Here’s a little background on the READER QUESTIONS series…
I imagine that for every question I receive from one of you ladies, there’s at least another 25 or so of you that probably have the exact same question…so I’m hoping this post will be valuable/interesting to all of you!
(Disclaimer: If you’ve e-mailed me recently and haven’t received a response, I’m working on it! The sheer number of e-mails often overwhelm me, and it takes me a little bit of time to work through them. Thank you for your patience!)
Let’s get started!
I get questions from y’all every day via instagram, facebook, e-mail etc. I save some of them for posts like these when I think they are answers that lots of y’all would want to know! And then earlier this week I asked for reader questions on instastories, AND Y’ALL BROUGHT IT WITH THE QUESTIONS. I got close to 150 questions. I obviously can’t answer them all, but I’ll answer some of those today, and I’ve decided to go ahead and make this a December series. So I’m going to do a READER QUESTIONS post today and the next two Fridays!
LOTS of questions were duplicates, so I’ll be sure to answer those because it’s obvious that inquiring minds want to know! Of course many of the questions had to do with clothes, but I also picked some more personal ones that I just thought were fun! If you submitted the question on instastory, then your little question box and avatar will be in today’s post. If you direct messaged me or just e-mailed me, then I will just include your question and your name in italics.
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I received several repeat questions this go round that I’ve answered in previous posts, so I’ll direct you to where you can find those answers now….
*Question: Do you keep everything you order or do you return it all? Click HERE.
*Question: Do you want more kids? Click HERE.
*Question: What’s your favorite shampoo and conditioner? Click HERE.
*Question: What are your Top 5 purchases of all times / what is your top recommendation ever? Click HERE.
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Do you have an Amazon gift guide? I want to place one huge Amazon order for all of my gifts, so I’m hoping for some inspirations. I’ve already purchased many things in the past that you’ve recommended (like blardigans, patagonias, bose speakers, ugg slippers, etc)…so I’m hoping for some new inspiration today! Your gifts have always been hits. – Alex
Hi, Alex! I’m so happy to hear that your gifts in previous years have been well received! I don’t have an Amazon gift guide (although that would be a great idea), but I’ve gathered some items that I think would make awesome gifts! I don’t know who is on your list, so I’m just going to list some random items for all different types of people that I think make great gifts.
Chris has this exact meat thermometer and loves it, so a couple of other people on our list are getting it this year. You stick the probe into the meat, and it stays in as your cooking. The temperature gauge stays outside of the grill or oven and keeps you updated on the internal temperature. It’s pretty genius and a really cool gadget for your guy (and you too)!
This magnifying mirror looks like something my mom would love. Who am I kidding. I would love it as well, so it’s already in my cart.
And these are my favorite gifts for boys from like 3-10. They provide countless hours of thoughtful and imaginative play.
tons of Magformer sets / Zoobs building sets
I know that’s a random assortment, but I’ll work on putting an Amazon gift guide together over the weekend!
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Chris and I were high school sweethearts! We met in Algebra II our Junior year at Lake Highlands High School in Dallas, Tx! We started dating that year, our first date was the Valentine’s Day dance our junior year, and then we both went to college at OU. He likes to think I followed him there, but he’s wrong. Ha!
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Do you have an opinion on Joules rain boots? I love the look of Hunter boots and always think you look so cute in them, but I just don’t want to pay that much for rain boots. Have you ever done a review on Joules boots? – Kimber
Hi, Kimber! I only recall ever talking about a pair of short Joules rain boots that I got from ModCloth. I don’t think I’ve ever talked about or tried the tall Joules. I actually get questions similar to this pretty frequently, so I decided to order a pair of Joules to try them at home.
Here’s the verdict: I LOVE THEM.
First of all, the vibrant colors and patterns are DARLING. You seriously won’t believe the choices. Secondly, they are much lighter in weight and not nearly so clunky.
I ordered these from Nordstrom just last week, but they are now pretty much sold out. I found TONS of different colors and patterns HERE. And they SHIP FREE!
blardigan / grey tee ON SALE / ankle jeans / earrings / Joules rain boots
This exact pair doesn’t seem to be available, but you can check out all the options HERE.
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Hi, Anna! I think I’ve already answered this one, but I can’t find it, so I’ll answer again today since lots of readers had this question! Right now I’m just blogging and have been for the last several years. After having Carter I started working part time as an SLP (I had always worked full time), but what I found is that I was still really working full time. My 3 days a week at school were spent seeing kids all day long. And then I had to spend off days writing reports, writing goals, doing progress reports, etc. Managing both work and the blog became next to impossible, so I decided to give the blog a whirl as my full time gig! Doing so allowed me to be more present with my family, so even though I loved my job with the schools, it was the right decision for me.
I continue to pay my dues and keep up my continuing education hours, just in case I ever return to life as an SLP. It was an extremely rewarding job and I loved the kids, families, and teachers I worked with. I definitely miss the people, but I do not miss the paperwork at all.
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Hi, Steffani! Your question kind of piggy backs off the last question, so I’ll answer it here and even expand on it a bit.
The short answer is I started the blog in 2012. It had gained a pretty loyal following before I decided to focus on it full time in 2014.
Before I started the fashion blog, I had a family blog that was read solely by my friends and family. Several of the girls in my group had blogs, and we just filled them with pictures of our lives as new mamas with our cute little ones. Shay started a food blog and was having a ton of fun with it, so she started encouraging me to start a blog too. Pinterest was new on the scene, and I had the idea to recreate outfits I’d pinned on Pinterest, so I jumped all in and named the blog Pinterest Told Me To.
I was recreating outfits with items I already had in my closet, but as my following continued to increase, things started to change a bit. Y’all made it clear that you didn’t want me wearing old items and linking to “similar items”, you wanted me linking to the exact items I was wearing. In early 2016 I stopped recreating outfits from others, and I started styling all of my own outfits. At that time, I rebranded to Sheaffer Told Me To.
Now I think of the blog as kind of a personal shopping service. And what I’ve come to learn is that although this is certainly a blog for people who love to shop….it’s also for those that don’t enjoy shopping or don’t have any time to shop!
It is my hope that this blog makes your shopping life easier and that you feel cute and confident when walking out the door!
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I absolutely loved your Christmas home tour. Can you show more of your house? Also, I feel like I remember seeing pictures in the past of the outside of your house with wreaths on the windows. I’d love to see that again! – Amanda
Hi, Amanda! I’m so happy you loved the tour. And you’ve got a great memory! I did share the exterior last year. Click HERE to see my wreaths on the windows and see the outside of the house all gussied up for Christmas. And if you missed the home tour this year, click HERE. This year’s post also contains some precious pics of the kid and the pups!
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Hi, Sheaffer! I’ve been a follower of yours since the beginning, and I know you’ve shared your Christmas hand print art several times on the blog. I searched for the posts, but didn’t have any luck. Can you share your pictures again, please? I have a 2 year old, and I’m excited for us to start this tradition as well!- Lisa
Hi there, Lisa! This handprint art is definitely one of my very favorite traditions. We started with the Christmas tree when Carter was 3, and we’ve obviously done several since. He loves doing them, and I love thinking about him having these when he has his own family. Chris and I get it on the fun too to make the pieces even more special.
Here’s a straight on shot for you to get a good look!
I basically just search “handprint art” on Pinterest and then use the images as inspiration. Some of the canvases are all paint, but the Santa and the snowmen family also incorporate scrapbook paper that I added with Mod Podge. The Christmas tree is all of Carter’s 3 year old little hands on top of each other, and the Christmas lights are his fingerprints! The snowman family is all of our feet, and the red birds are mine and Carter’s hands.
You can pick up canvases at a local craft store (I get mine at Hobby Lobby), or you can order canvases of varying sizes HERE. For the paint, I just use regular ol’ acrylic paint. We hang them up with these handy dandy velcro strips, which are totally easy to use and don’t leave any residue behind.
Here’s a picture of the proud artist a couple of years ago. This manger scene is my favorite one we’ve done. My foot is Mary, Chris’s foot is Joseph, and Carter’s foot is the angel. Carter’s handprints are also the animals.
This particular canvas is extra special to me because my sweet friend Manda’s family also has a canvas manger scene of their own. On Manda’s last Christmas on earth, our friend group rounded up a big ol’ box of fun for Manda’s family to use while at home during the Christmas season. Games, books, puzzles, things to bake…..we wanted them to have all of the items necessary for making memories.
Narci and I went over to deliver the box of memories and spent a little bit of time with the family. Narci tooks Santa pics of them all (yep, we had a Santa come to the house!), and I worked with the family to do a couple of these handprint scenes with all of their hand and foot prints. It was such a special time, and I know it meant the world to Manda to be able to give her children those Christmas memories. She was the most incredible mom, and even at her very sickest, she made sure they felt treasured and loved.
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I got an e-mail from a reader yesterday and had to share one of the pictures. Hollie hosted her high school friends for a party inspired by Shay’s Annual Recipe Exchange! And check it out, most of them are wearing blardigans too!
Thanks for sharing, Hollie! So much fun!
Jamie L, Courtney, Nicole, Hollie, Megan, and Jamie K
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Hi, Emily! This is an easy one! I drive a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
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This isn’t a reader question, but I asked readers to send in pictures of themselves in The Sheaffer Top , and I wanted to share them today! I’m afraid that I’ve left out a couple of readers out that sent in pictures, but they were coming in through e-mail, facebook, and ig…and I don’t think I did a very good job keeping track. If I’ve left you out, I’m so sorry! Please feel free to send them again!
That’s Erika in the red in the center! I love how she styled it with the dark denim and the leopard belt. The blonde in the black to the left of Erika is my friend Karla’s sister in law. Isn’t she darling? Her name is Brittany! The girl in the red with the 3 kiddos is one of my sister’s besties! Thanks for the pic, Amber! You are always gorgeous! The girl on the bottom row (2nd from the right) is my friend Amber. We met when our boys were on a baseball team together. She just got remarried a couple of weeks ago, and she wore the top during her wedding weekend!
I also wanted to share this review that popped up on the Nordstrom site yesterday! Thank you AggieMom89!
Doubling Down with Sheaffer – 5 STARS!
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This one was a verbal question from my good friend Meagan: Can we still get the earring deal?
YOU ABSOLUTELY CAN! My friends at A.C. are running the deal again this weekend! Click HERE for the entire post where I talk about allllllllllll the reasons that these boxed earring sets make great gifts for everybody on your list, but especially teachers!
With the code STMTglitterstuds, you can get the following for ONLY $13 (reg. $26): a pair of earrings (you choose the color!)….the DARLING card with the graphic…and the box (TOTALLY READY FOR GIFTING)!!! ALL FOR THE SUPER LOW PRICE OF JUST $13.
THIS IS IMPORTANT: WHEN ENTERING THE CODE, YOU HAVE TO FIRST HIT “CHECK OUT”. After you hit “check out”, a rectangular box will appear on the right side of the next screen that says “gift card or discount code”, which is where you will enter STMTglitterstuds.
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These questions were on facebook awhile back…
Sheaffer you are the best! I love your posts! Could you share some ideas of casual pants instead of jeans that could be worn with cute tops/sweaters. I am a teacher and not allowed to wear jeans and it seems as if everything I have tends to need to be paired with jeans. I can get by with colored jeans. – Laura
Great question, Laura, I’m in the same boat. I don’t have to be extremely dressed up, but no jeans unless it’s Friday. – Liz
Hi, Laura! Hi, Liz!
Did y’all see my posts on the stretchy cords?
These cords are such a great alternative to jeans. AND THEY ARE ON SALE!!! For all of you that work in a school or office environment that can’t wear jeans, you have got to try these! If you’re scared of the bold colors, go with a non-assuming black or grey.
At almost 5’4″, I have found that the petite sizing works best for me. The regulars are several inches too long on me, but that’s great news for you taller ladies! They are mid rise, a relaxed fit, super soft, and extremely comfortable for all day wear. And I love that they have a great amount of stretch, but they don’t sag.
cords courtesy of Kut from the Kloth / black v neck sweater / moto jacket courtesy of Kut from the Kloth / leopard belt / similar taupe booties ON SALE
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Hey, Sheaffer! Will you ever start doing your Style It Again, Sheaffer series again? I really enjoyed getting to see you style the same things different ways. I vote for you to bring it back! – Lauren
Hi, Lauren! YES! I totally need to bring it back. I’d actually forgotten about it to to tell you the truth!
Well, I’ve got one outfit for you today for a mini Style It Again post! Do you remember Monday’s post where I styled the plaid top and pink fleece v neck with camo sneakers and a wine bag? Click HERE to see the outfit on me.
Outfit on Left: plaid button up / fleecy v neck / wine bag / gold earrings / ankle jeans / camo wedge sneakers
Outfit on Right: plaid button up / fleecy v neck / leopard bag/ pink & red earrings/ ankle jeans / similar taupe booties
I loved the outfit with the camo earlier this week, but look at it here with the leopard! I mean, SO CUTE.
With outfit #1 I pattern mixed with the plaid top and the camo sneakers. With outfit #2 I pattern mixed with the plaid top and this fun leopard bag! The button up is 40% OFF!
For size reference, I sized up to an 8 in the plaid shirt (I often size up in button ups), and I’m wearing a small in the fleecy v neck. If you aren’t going to layer this on top of another shirt, I think you could size down.
plaid button up / fleecy v neck / leopard bag/ pink & red earrings/ ankle jeans / similar taupe booties
Let’s talk about my lipstick again.
I told you on Monday that I wear one lipstick almost every day (in “fashion icon”). But when I want to be festive, I’ll wear this lipstick, (in “ruby woo”) which is the perfect red for me. It’s a nice blue/red, and it’s supposed to look great on a variety of different skin tones. I’m also wearing this gloss (in “naked plum”). I’ve really enjoyed wearing a bright red lip on occasion, and this one doesn’t lean orange at all, which has always been my problem with other reds I’ve tried. Both the lipstick and the gloss are ON SALE! In fact, there’s a pretty big make up sale happening now! It’s a great time to pick up some of your favorites or try some new products you’ve had your eye on!
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Speaking of make up sale..I whipped up this collage earlier in the week to highlight some of my favorites! ALL ON SALE!
The Dior Eyelash extender would make an EXCELLENT gift for pretty much any lady on your list that has eyelashes. And the mascara is the only mascara I can say that I’ve ever loved.
Ruby Woo red lipstick / Naked Plum lip gloss / Dior Eyelash extender / Smoky Eye Mascara / Liquid glitter eyeshadow
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I still need ideas for my dad and my husband. Help, please! – Robin
Hey, Robin! I haven’t gotten around to making a new gift guide this year, so I’m going to republish this one from the past. In addition to the items here, I also recommend this cool little gadget that I mentioned above.
These are the items that my guy LOVES and are HIS must haves. Some of these items he’s had for years, and he still loves them and uses them just as much as he did when he first received them. In fact, the only thing new in the below gift guide is the Patagonia pullover. He’s owned everything else for at least 3 years. This isn’t just some random gift guide of items I think would be good for guys, these have all met Chris’s seal of approval…and that’s not an easy seal to get.
Bose speaker /North Face e tip gloves / patagonia / under armour tee / deer stags slippers
He syncs the Bose speaker with his phone or any smart device (via bluetooth connection) and plays music EVERYWHERE: the neighbors, the pool, the ranch, tail gating, EVERYWHERE. He’s owned it for 4 years, and it’s still going strong. The range is about 30 feet with no obstructions, battery life is 6-8 hours, and the sound quality is awesome! So many readers have purchased it for their husbands, sons, boyfriends, and/or dads over the years, and everybody says they were gift giving heroes!
I gave Chris e tip gloves 2 years ago. They allow him to use his i phone while keeping his gloves on. He loves them. He’s been wearing Under Armour tees for a couple of years now, and he really likes the fit. They’re soft, not too loose or tight, and they wash great. He also loves their shorts. His slippers are slip on, cozy, and ON SALE for $21.90!!!! WOW! The Patagonia pullover is the one new item.
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This is more of an FYI, but last weekend I asked followers on a facebook post if they would like me to do a clothing Amazon haul. The response was an overwhelming HECK YES! I’m placing my order this weekend, so leave a comment if there are specific brands or items you would like to recommend or are interested in me trying. I’ve already been told by lots of you that the Daily Ritual brand is one that I need to focus on.
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I want some slippers for myself, but I’m pretty picky. I know you’ve recommeded UGGs before, but those are too expensive for me. I also recall you mentioning some leopard ones that were cute, but I wanted them to have a back on them. Any other recommendations for slippers that are affordable WITH a back? – Suzie L.
Hi, Suzie! I actually do have a pair that I recommend that are about 1/2 the price of UGG slippers and have a back! They are a little boxy for slippers, but they are very comfy, very warm, and very cute! They also come in a black glitter and a plaid. I sized down to a 6 (normally a 6 1/2) and they were still roomy. These would make a super cute gift!
Click HERE for these sparkly guys!
And if you are feeling particularly whimsical, I’m dying over these llama slippers!
That’s it for today, y’all! If your question didn’t get featured today, maybe it will be on next Friday’s post!
Narci says
What a fun roundup of questions!! And those slippers are just the cutest! Happy Friday, friend!
Shay Shull says
Those Magnaformers are a HUGE hit at my house!!! And that purple blaridgan! Every time I see it, I LOVE it!
Erika Slaughter says
Those slippers…who doesn’t wanna be comfy, cozy, AND SPARKLY?!??
Lesa says
I ordered an Amazon Essentials V-neck sweater in rust and am quite impressed. In addition to that sweater, I ordered a Free Rose colorblock sweater in Camel. I get so many compliments. It doesn’t hurt that I usually pair both with your beloved leopard print! All so inexpensive!
Sheaffer says
Ooooh! Thanks for the tip, Lesa! xoxo
Kim says
I have been following your blog for more years than I can remember and have always appreciated your suggestions and tips, etc. I have two comments after reading this post today (one is a question). First of all, I always wondered how to hang the canvas art when I am putting it up for just a season. I would just work with the nails that I already was using for other things before and after the holidays. I really appreciate that you shared what you actually use to do it this time and already put some in my cart. Any idea how much weight these will hold? Secondly, I love your Shaeffer lace top, but I am a woman with a large build (especially on top) and am wondering if it will only emphasize that in this style. Thanks for keeping us entertained and in the know when it comes to style!!
Sheaffer says
Hi, Kim! They say how much weight they hold on the front of the package (size and weights vary)….but the canvases are WAY under the weight limit! I have a bigger build on top too, and I obviously still loved the top! If you try it, remember that Nordstrom has free shipping and free returns, so it’s no risk!!! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Meghan Webb says
Sheaffer! I have been a loyal follower for years and you definitely help me “shop” and feel effortlessly put together. I love going to stores but I’m also busy so following links to the outfits you’ve created are SO helpful!
Virginia says
Thank you for the men’s slipper recommendation! I needed another “happy” for my boyfriend, so I’m sneaking a peek at his shoes tonight (to check size – new relationship!) They’re such a good deal!
cassie // hi sugarplum says
I love these posts so much!!! Happy weekend, friend!
Jenny Null says
I bought a pair of Joules rain boots several years ago at Nordstrom Rack. They were under $50 and I love them. The Hunter rain boots are too tall for me….they come to the middle of my knees and make it to hard for my short self to walk. I found the Joules and they fit perfect and the under $50 price tag made them much easier to justify. I got a red pair that has a navy stripe down the back. They are looking a little chalky right now so I need to find Shay’s tip on how to clean them.
Linda Z says
Love the questions from the reader posts and
always look forward to reading your blog.
You’ve got a friend and fan in MA.
Xoxo
Megan says
Hi Sheaffer!!
I’m Megan (from Hollie’s recipe exchange picture above). I just wanted to comment and tell you that when my husband saw the picture, he asked if we were at a Blardigan convention ???!
Also, I’ve been reading your blog for many years and SO appreciate all your outfit and gift ideas, hilarious bachelor recaps and bossyness about the Blardigan! I have 5 ? and they are just bout the best things ever! When I get home, my 4 year old daughter says, “mommy, are you going to put on your ‘ballardigan’” ?
Sheaffer says
Hey, Megan! Your little girl group looks so much fun! And listen, I think a Blardigan convention is a FANTASTIC idea. Your hubby is kind of genius. Thank you for being such a loyal reader. I appreciate you!!!! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Sharon says
So I just had to order the red lip stick in “ruby woo,” first because it’s so pretty on you and we have similar coloring, but also, because one of our doggies is named Ruby, and that’s our nickname for her! ❤️? -Sharon http://www.sweetsavorymama.com
Tish Ferry says
Hi Sheaffer!! So first of all, LOVE and ADORE you!! Second, PLEASE help! You have me hooked on the blardigans (yes, plural!). My husband has bought me 3 since September and I’m in LOVE! However, my youngest son, Cutter, (who is 9) has at the TOP of his Christmas list a “boy blardigan”. Ha! He’s my texture kid and my blanket kiddo so it’s the perfect combo. However, I have looked all over your blog tonight and cannot find the post where you shared about Carter’s blardigan. Do they sell them for little boys? Please ADVISE bc I cannot keep sharing mine! lol Although, I do get LOTS of hugs now! 🙂
Sheaffer says
Hi, Tish! Aren’t they THE BEST?!? Carter doesn’t have a “boy blardigan”. I bought him the original blardigan. H didn’t want it to be his size….he wanted to totally be able to wrap up in it! That being said, if you go directly to http://www.barefootdreams.com, there are a couple of options for boys! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂