Happy Friday, everybody! I’m so excited about today’s post!
READER QUESTIONS is now the 2nd most popular series on the blog, and I love that y’all are all nosy, just like me. Listen, I get it! My favorite posts that other bloggers do are the ones that give a little peek into their lives or a little look behind the scenes. (And just in case you’re curious, the most popular posts are now my monthly Amazon posts.)
So, how did this series come to be? Well, I get questions from y’all just about 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 ladies would want to know, and I also request reader questions on instastories. I’m only answering a fraction of them today, but I’ve gone ahead and made next Friday another READER QUESTIONS post as well! I can’t answer all of the questions submitted, but I’ll definitely be answering those that are duplicates.
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.
Here are several of the most popular questions/answers from previous reader question posts in case you want to catch up.
*Question: How do you maintain your weight? Click HERE.
*Question: Are you still a speech therapist? Click HERE.
*Question: How did you and your husband meet? Click HERE.
*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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I loved when you did this last month, so would you please share the TOP 5 READER FAVORITES for February? – Lori
Yes, Lori! Thanks for reminding me about this! I loved it too, and so did lots of readers! I need to remember to do this every month!
- #5 Favorite HERE – Hint: Perfect for running around town & the office! SO SOFT and I bought one in a 2nd color this month! (On January’s Top 5 list too!)
- #4 Favorite HERE – Hint: These have ribbons! (Also on January’s Top 5 list!)
- #3 Favorite HERE – Hint: #meow
- #2 Favorite HERE – Hint: I’m very excited that these were #2 for ya’ll, because they were #1 for me!
- #1 Favorite HERE – Hint: It has a v neck and is also CRAZY Soft. Limited colors now, but I love the soft yellow.
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Great question! Chris (my hubby) takes 90% of my pictures. He’s so patient with me when I’m all “No, my hair looks wonky.” or “Hold on, it looks like I have a lazy eye in that one.” #hewishesiwaskidding
Click HERE to see the pics that Chris took for one of my most recent campaigns and HERE to see some pics he grabbed of me and Carter.
My friend Narci has taken pics for me before as well, like HERE and HERE. My friend (and tech support) Stephanie took these pics. And Cassie has taken my pictures in the past, like when she photographed me in her first line HERE. Carter has even been known to grab pics for me on occasion, like HERE (he took all of the pics of me in the pink sweater)!
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We go to First Baptist McKinney as well! We love it!
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Not a question, just an observation. I always like it when you show both the clothes laid out and you show the clothes on yourself. I like seeing the outfits on a person, but I also like just seeing the clothes on their own because I can picture them better on me that way. – Leslie
Hi, Leslie! That’s such an interesting perspective! I’ve definitely had readers tell me before that they like both flat lays and outfit pictures, but I’ve never thought of why that might be! I bet you hit the nail on the head!
I picked a couple of flat lays I’ve showed in the last couple of weeks without outfit pictures….and today you are getting the outfit pictures too!
FLAT LAY #1: White, Denim, Leopard, and Camo
white tee / must have denim jacket/ earrings / leopard flats / camo bag (use code STMTSAVE10 for 10% OFF)
FLAT LAY #1 ON ME
I’m highlighting two items this week as part of my Kut from the Kloth ambassadorship. First up, these white jeans. (I also showed them a lot in my Amazon post HERE, just in case you want to see them styled different ways.)
They are thick and stretchy, and not see thru! I do wish the lining in the front pockets was less noticeable, but I love everything else about these jeans. I’m wearing a 4, so they are true to size. They are ankle jeans, but I did a thick cuff here for this outfit.
In the spring and summer, I love pairing my must have denim jacket with white jeans. The outfit can be dressed up with wedges and accessories, but it can also be dressed down with just converse or flat sandals. If you’ve been reading for any length of time, you are most likely already familiar with the jacket. I named it a MUST HAVE about 6 years ago now, and it’s still a must have for me.
white tee / must have denim jacket (c0lor “sweet new”)/ white jeans / leopard flats / camo bag (use code STMTSAVE10 for 10% OFF)
FLAT LAY #2: Lilac jeans, White Sweater, Camo Sneaks, and Denim Jacket
white sweater option / denim jacket / multi color earrings / lilac jeans / camo wedge sneakers
FLAT LAY #2 ON ME
This denim jacket is the 2nd item I’m highlighting this week as a Kut Ambassador! (The jeans and the sweater are actually Kut too!)
If you don’t have a Kut denim jacket, the first thing you need to know is that they are incredibly soft and comfy. They are very different from denim jackets of yesteryear. They have quite a bit of give to them, and they are flattering and not boxy! I promise you that if you give one of them a try, you will wonder how in the heck you ever lived without one in your closet. Seriously, with free shipping and returns, you’ve got nothing to lose.
This particular wash is new me for me this year, and I feel like it’s a great option for those of you that just can’t get on board with the stonewashed one above. I still love my stonewashed one, but I’m so happy to have this new wash in the rotation as well!
Sizing Tips: I’m wearing a medium in the jacket and the sweater and a 4 in the jeans. The lilac color of the jeans is so pretty, and they fit like a glove. They’re going to be great this Spring and Summer.
white sweater option / denim jacket / tassel earrings/ lilac jeans / camo wedge sneakers / camo tote (use the code STMTSAVE10 for 10% OFF)
And here’s the overhead shot for those that prefer them. And it gives you a good look at the earrings! They are one of my Amazon finds, and they are ONLY $6.99 right now!!!
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I actually got lots and lots of questions about Amazon this go round.
REGARDING AMAZON RETURNS: Returns are actually quite easy! You log on to your account, click the order in question, and then just check the items that you want to return. It gives you choices for why you want to return the item (ex. sizing wrong, not as expected, etc), and then they e-mail you a pre-paid shipping label you can print out. When you place HUGE orders like me, it might take a bit to prepare the returns because sometimes the items will be separated into different return boxes. For a regular sized order, I’m guessing it’s much easier.
REGARDING AMAZON QUALITY: After 3 months of doing these posts, I’ve found that Amazon quality is ALL OVER THE PLACE. But that’s where I come in! I order a lot of stuff that never makes it to the blog. Most of the time that’s because of sizing/quality issues. Consider me your quality control officer. Ha! (Some of you have asked me to share the misses as well, and although that sounds fun, it’s all I can do to get the HITS highlighted!)
If it makes it to the blog, I truly do like/love the item. And I have to say, I have been VERY IMPRESSED with many of my Amazon orders. I really didn’t know that you could get great quality, well made, and totally on trend items from Amazon!!! And for such great prices! My favorite brands so far have been Daily Ritual (maker of the military jacket) and Alexander and David (makes of the super soft sweaters and cardis).
Click HERE for February’s post if you didn’t get a chance to check out my last haul!
When we’re talking about Amazon, I thought it would be fun to share non-clothing items we’ve picked up from Amazon this month as well.
Chris grabbed this electric skillet. He first ordered one for the ranch and LOVES cooking breakfast on it, so he got one for our house too! Several weeks ago I asked y’all for suggestions for things that y’all think I needed to add to my Amazon cart, and I had 5 people recommend this exact portable phone charger (the reviews are FANTASTIC), so I finally ordered it yesterday.
UPDATE: I received this comment this morning and wanted to share it: I have the Anker charger in white, had a vinyl monogram made and purchased the Hermit case to go with it! Throw it in my purse and take it everywhere! It’s a lifesaver at weekend baseball tournaments! You can also charge portable hand warmers with them! SCORE! I purchased your Amazon military jacket in cream and LOVE it!! I like the tone-on-tone, it’s stretchy and fits perfectly! Thanks for the info, JJ!
Chris’s 2nd cousin had a grandmother pass away several weeks ago, and her grandkids had given her this book. The book asks really interesting questions, and Aunt Nelta had filled most of it out. It was so sweet and special to read her words in her own handwriting. I immediately hopped on and bought it. My friend Carly posted about a book entitled You Are Special, and it was written by Max Lucado. It’s a children’s book, but apparently the lessons in the book are for all ages. I’m so excited to get it and read it with Carter.
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Good question! I do miss recreating Pinterest outfits like I used to do, but those posts became problematic for me for a couple of reasons: 1) It was becoming increasingly difficult to get permission from the source to use their inspiration picture on my blog. 2) Although readers did seem to really like the outfit recreation, they did not like me featuring old items that I couldn’t link. Y’all want to know exactly what I’m wearing as much as possible, not “similar” items.
So, although I’m not recreating outfits, I do pride myself on the fact that my posts do contain favorite items of mine again and again. And again. Some people like this, some people don’t, but it’s how I dress.
I’ve even done a handful of posts called “Style It Again, Sheaffer”, where the purpose of the post is to show you different ways to style a particular item.
Today I’m going to style my camo jacket again for y’all! I’ve had several readers tell me that they grabbed the jacket, and since this one might be a challenge for some to style, I thought I’d give several ideas. The jacket is edgy and I love it. I feel like a young and hip mom when I’m wearing it. Yep, it makes me feel young. #SIGNMEUP
I thought it was such a fun look to pair it with leopard flats. (If you need a small size, you’re out of luck right now with the jacket. Click HERE for a similar jacket that’s available in all sizes.)
So here it is with my favorite black jeans and my new pointy toe leopard flats! Remember, it runs big, so you might want to consider sizing down. (I’m often a medium in jackets, and the small is still oversized on me.) I’m wearing a 4 in the jeans (true to size), and the flats are true to size too.
camo jacket (camo jacket option with stock in small sizes)/ white tee /my favorite earrings / my favorite black jeans / pointy toe leopard flats
I switched it up here (STYLED IT AGAIN!) and styled the jacket more casually with a hot pink sweater and my ribbon lace sneakers! Another great look!
camo jacket (camo jacket option with stock in small sizes)/ exact pink sweater (similar hot pink sweater with better stock) /my favorite earrings / jeans/ ribbon lace sneakers
And I styled it yet again here with my boyfriend jeans, gold jewelry, and leopard flats! So you see, it is actually a versatile piece!
camo jacket (camo jacket option with stock in small sizes)/ white tee / initial necklace / boyfriend jeans (plus size boyfriend jeans) / leopard flats
And here’s another angle.
camo jacket (camo jacket option with stock in small sizes)/ white tee / initial necklace / boyfriend jeans (plus size boyfriend jeans) / leopard flats
Get The Look For Yourself Here:
This next highlighted outfit is part flat lay recreation / part Style It Again Sheaffer.
You saw this flat lay last week…
SO CUTE, right? I love the Kelly green with the leopard.
Kelly green sweater / multi color earrings / brown belt / my favorite black jeans / pointy toe leopard flats / cognac suede cross body bag
And I recreated it this week, but I switched out the black jeans for my new favorite blue jeans and the cognac tote for my cognac cross body.
Sizing Tips: I sized up to a medium in the sweater, and the jeans (27) and the shoes are both true to size.
I LOVE this outfit.
Kelly green sweater /gold disc earrings / my new favorite jeans / pointy toe leopard flats / cognac suede cross body bag
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Hi, Karis! I actually have a sponsored JCPenney post scheduled for the 3rd week of March! I’ll try to work in some Old Navy finds too, even if just on a Friday Favorites post.
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Hi, Danielle! Another great question! Chris helps quite a bit in anyway he can, but most of the duties I really have to perform on my own. Other than Chris’s help, there’s not anybody else behind the scenes. Sure, it would be great to take some things off of my plate…but I also kind of love the simplicity of doing it this way.
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This next picture is from a reader that messaged me earlier this week. Isn’t Carrie DARLING? She sent me a message to say THANK YOU and to show me her outfit, most of it from my Amazon posts. Doesn’t she look great?
Here’s what she said: I’m a mom, an attorney and running for elected office for the Virginia House of Delegates! I’ve had more compliments on my attire as I’m out visiting with people, and I appreciate you helping this busy working mama keep the balls in the air by helping me shop!
Carrie! This thrills me! I love hearing that I make life easier, and your outfit is comfy and totally work appropriate! Do y’all remember when I posted a leopard tote last week and it sold out immediately? When it sold out, I found a similar option that was still available, and that is the tote that Carrie grabbed. She told me she loves it.
Thanks for the sweet comment and the picture, Carrie! You look great!
tee / cardigan / leopard bag / leopard belt / kut from the kloth cords (now sold out)
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I wish I had some amazing tips, but I don’t. When we were in the beginning stages of deciding to get two dogs, I did think about the idea that 2 dogs would mean more hair. But I honestly thought, how much worse could it be? WELL. NOW I KNOW. IT COULD BE MUCH MUCH WORSE. #iwishiwaskidding
The pups are 100% worth it, but OHEMGEEEEE at the hair.
My only tips are to have lots of lint brushes (for your clothes and the furniture) on hand and be willing to vacuum once a day. Click HERE to see the post I did where I talked about what vacuum we use. We LOVE our vacuum. (And if you are a puppy lover, you need to check out the post because of all of the cute puppy pics!)
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Hi, Jen! I’m going to speak on behalf of our entire group right now when I say we don’t deal with jealousy. I think we do a wonderful job of encouraging each other and lifting each other up, and we are without a doubt each other’s biggest cheerleaders. I saw a meme once that said your circle should want to see you win, and if they don’t, you should get a new circle.
These girls are good for my soul. We’ve been through a lot together, and I really cherish them.
(Click HERE if you want to see our trip to NYC that we took this past fall.)
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Hi, Meg! This isn’t a very intellectual answer, but I love watching t.v. and going to see movies. And we love going to the Moviehouse and Eatery as a family. We have some favorite games to play as a family, like Rubik’s Race and Uno Attack. Our very favorite thing to do is go to the ranch together. Click HERE to get to the post where I shared the history of the family ranch.
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Great question, and I will try my best to get together a Nordstrom WORK WEAR post for you in the near future. It will probably just be me playing dress up, but we can all pretend together that I’m headed to an office. Ha! The reason Conner typically sticks to LOFT and Ann Taylor is that the clothes just fit her better. Sometimes even the XXS at Nordstrom are still a little loose on her. #beingtinyishardyall
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I’ve received a lot of requests lately for Spring Break attire. I haven’t had time to really put anything together, but I did run across a couple of things. I put them at the bottom of yesterday’s Bachelor post, but I didn’t want those of you that don’t read the recaps to miss them.
How cute is this beach bag! Under $30, FREE SHIPPING, and fabulous reviews! Click through to see the scale of it.
I’m also dying over this caftan like cover up. My favorites are the black with the crochet and the flowy little number they are calling orange/blue. And I think I’m going to have to order this 1 piece. I love both prints but I think the black and white is my favorite.
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Thank you so much for asking, Erin! If you follow me on social media you’ve heard the wonderful news by now, because I was shouting it from the rooftops!!!!!
Here’s a message from Alden, Holt’s mama (and my cousin):
Holt is in remission. There is still a spot on his bone that lit up during the PET scan but all the doctors and specialists that read the scan, including the head of the medical study Holt was following the protocol for, say they believe it is bone regeneration and nothing more! Because of this spot we will repeat the PET scan in 3 months but they feel so confident that it is just bone regeneration that he is going to get his port out in a couple of weeks!!!!! Of course we are still asking for prayers as the next 3 months pass. Prayers that Holt’s PET scan will show either no change or complete healing of the bone. We were told today that when people ask how Holt is doing that we should tell everyone that Holt is in remission and has completed his treatment.
Full stop.
Please take this very second to thank God along with us. ONLY God could do this, “because God is with me”.
She wrote more on CaringBridge, but you can also click HERE to see a video I posted of Holt himself announcing to the world that he is all better because of Jesus! He is absolutely precious and just shines with God’s love.
I cannot thank y’all enough for buying necklaces, buying t shirts, contributing to their Go Fund Me account, and most of all FOR LIFTING THEM UP IN PRAYER. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
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Have a wonderful weekend with your peeps!
Erika Slaughter says
I LOVE these posts!!!! And I might have laughed out loud when I read, “the pups”. 😉
Sheaffer says
But they’re so tiny and puppy dog like, no?
Shay Shull says
Find a new circle. Yes!!!!!!! Love this, Sheaffer!
JJ Mercer says
I have the Anker charger in white, had a vinyl monogram made and purchased the Hermit case to go with it! Throw it in my purse and take it everywhere! It’s a lifesaver at weekend baseball tournaments! You can also charge portable hand warmers with them! ??❤️SCORE! I purchased your Amazon military jacket in cream and LOVE it!! I like the tone-on-tone, it’s stretchy and fits perfectly!
Sheaffer says
Hi, friend! Great to know about the Anker charger! Can’t wait to get it!!!!! And so happy you love your military jacket. xoxo
Narci says
I love when you do q and a posts! Great answers, friend! I just hopped her to buy those earrings. So cute!
Lauren says
I do love an Amazon haul (I too have been surprised by the great quality), but these posts are my favorite. Thanks for taking the time to do them.
Michelle says
Have you tried using a Furminator brush on your dogs? It is AMAZING how much hair it removes. I have two labs and it cuts down on the amount of hair in the house tremendously.
Sheaffer says
Great tip! I’ll try it! Thanks, Michelle! xoxo
Tricia says
I love my Barrington bag and want to get another for the summer. I noticed you had a 10% off code but I was wondering if they ever have a sale with more off? Thank you for all of your wonderful posts!
Sheaffer says
Hi, Tricia! I’ve never seen them go more than 10% OFF, so it’s safe to go ahead and grab one now! xoxo
Sharon says
Love these posts as well – nice to have an inside perspective. I’m in Canada so most of your links don’t work for me but I still get ideas to shop my own closet or out on my own. So I don’t really care about the exact link ups – and enjoyed the pinterest type outift posts – but I understand that the majority of your readers have access to all your shopping spots.
I do have one post question – your pose is basically the same in all of your pics and stories – is there a reason?
Sheaffer says
Hi, Sharon! Thanks for reading in Canada! No real reason, except that I find it to be the most flattering. And if I find a flattering angle, I’m going to stick with it! Haha! 🙂 xoxo
Laurie S says
Love your post today, Sheaffer. As for the golden retriever shedding, when Ann was alive, we had a routine to brush daily outside (and she loved watching the neighborhood life go by). I had a regular brush and an undercoat rake. I alternated direction of brushing – head to tail and tail to head. It really helped cut down on the loose hair in the house.
Sheaffer says
Thanks for the tips, Laurie! Chris does a pretty good job of brushing them, and they definitely do love it! xoxo
Addison says
I love these Q&A posts, Sheaffer! So fun getting to learn more about you. Have a great weekend!
Angie says
We used to have boxers that she a ton. I put a tablespoon of coconut oil in their food and that seemed to help. Didn’t get rid of the shedding completely but helped make it less. After they passsd we got a hypoallergic dog!
Sheaffer says
Cool tip! Thanks, Angie!!! xoxo
Susan Stancliff says
Sheafffer such happy happy news about Holt! It made me cry! I have one of his necklaces and I think of him everytime I wear it. Love your blog and especially the Amazon reviews. Today I am wearing the military jacket and the high neck T. Love them. Thank you for all you do! Love everything about you.
Sheaffer says
Such a sweet comment, Susan! THANK YOU for reading!!!! xoxo
Amanda says
Love seeing the q&a posts! I am SO happy to see the wonderful news about Holt! Praying still for the next few months, but PTL they say he is in remission! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Jeni says
Loved this post!!! And I LOVE our circle. ?
Mary says
Hi Sheaffer! I’ve been meaning to let you know for a while that I LOVE your Amazon posts! The clothes are affordable, often come in a wide range of sizes, and I am addicted to the almost instant gratification of Prime 2 day shipping ! As a matter of fact I’m wearing the v neck sweater you recommended at this very moment! Please keep it coming! Great post today!!
Sheaffer says
Thanks for the comment, Mary! I wasn’t sure how they were going to be received, but everybody seems to love them, which makes me so happy! xoxo
Linda C Garza says
My absolute favorite thing about this post was the update on Holt. It made me want to ugly cry at work! It makes me happy and sad all at the same time. I know what it’s like to have a child go through something like this and I can imagine the joy the parents are feeling, but it also reminds me of our own journey and how excruciating it was for our whole family. Thank God Holt is doing good. I will continue praying for the family!!
Sheaffer says
Thank you so much for all of the prayers, Linda. I’m so sorry that your family went through something as well. I hope it ended with wonderful news for your family also. xoxo
Marla Slaughter says
I love your blog and enjoy seeing “the latest”! It keeps me young, I’ve shared it with some of my friends and now I have several other “seniors” reading!! It’s interesting how you can take one thing and tweek it to work for us older gals! Thanks Sheaffer!!
Sheaffer says
You’re the sweetest, Marla! We haven’t run into each other in a while…hopefully we will again soon! Thank you so much for sharing it with your friends. That means so much! xoxo