It’s here, ladies. The first post of 2019!
I had originally planned for this post to go live this past Monday or Tuesday to wrap up 2018, but life got in the way. I got sick, and plans were altered. My family headed to the ranch, and I was planning to join them a day late, but that just wasn’t possible. I was 3 days late. #stupidstomachbug #stupidfever And then once I arrived I only had 24 hours there before heading home. Still, I had a whole lot of fun, made some great memories with my people, and was treated to a magnificent sunset. It truly is our favorite place on earth.
I did spend some time reflecting, and your comments on last Friday’s post absolutely warmed my heart. There were so many comments and direct e-mails about how you look forward to reading the blog, how you get excited when you see a new post, and how you really trust my recommendations. Having you trust what I say is the foundation of this blog, and I’m thrilled to hear that I have successfully built that trust!
And I have to say – all of the comments saying that the blog makes your life easier…that you feel better about yourself when walking out the door….that you’re a more confident wife and mama…..they all make me beam with pride. I am just so thankful for this little community that we’ve created together. I’ve always aimed for this blog to be an upbeat and happy place, and I’m delighted that it’s providing a service to all of you.
So, we’re going to do two things today. First, we are going to continue our walk down memory lane. On Friday I recapped the Top 10 STMT READER ITEMS from 2018, and today I’m going to rank a handful of the most read posts and most frequently visited pages on the blog. After that, I’m going to share some of your thoughts from Friday’s post. I got a kick out of so many of them, and it became very clear to me (once again) that Y’ALL ARE MY PEOPLE.
Let’s get to it!
MOST POPULAR POSTS/PAGES of 2018
I took a look at some data, and seeing the most popular posts was a lot of fun for me, so I thought it would be for you too!
*** Are you familiar with my SHOP MY INSTAGRAM page? If you click on “SHOP MY INSTAGRAM” in the green toolbar right under my header, it will take you to the most popular page on my blog. The pictures you will find on this page are ones that I’ve shared over on instagram. When you see a picture you like, you can click on it, and shoppable thumbnails of each individual item will appear under the picture! It’s so user friendly and super easy to use.
*** Right behind my Shop My Instagram page is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale EARLY ACCESS post! This was no surprise to me because I know that like me, y’all LIVE for early access to the sale of the year.
*** This next one surprised me, but in the best way! Click HERE to see what post was #3! Can you guess? It was my First Ever Amazon Haul! I had never ordered clothes off Amazon until this post, and although a lot of it was NO BUENO (there was a bit of a learning curve for sure), I was able to find some gems! Your feedback was incredible, so I’ve pretty much decided it I’m going to make it a monthly post now! I think it’s going to be a fun new series. I’ve actually already received some of the items from January’s post, and I’m most excited about THIS and THIS.
These were the Top 3 items from my first post: 1. Leggings / 2. Sweater / 3. Earrings (I also ordered them in green!)
*** My most recent Reader Questions post was in the Top 5. Some of the questions answered in this post: How did you meet your husband? Are you still an SLP? and What kind of car do you drive?
*** This next one makes my heart happy. My blogging besties and I joined together to raise money for Holt, my cousin’s 3 year old son that was diagnosed was cancer. The post for the The Incredible Holt was one of my most read posts of the year, and that means so much to me. My friends showed up in a big way by helping me to get the word out, and then y’all showed up in a big way by ordering the Holt necklace, ordering the Because God Is With Me tees, and giving to his Go Fund me. THANK YOU. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU.
Holt is smack dab in the middle of his chemo treatments, and he became a big brother at the end of November. Mama actually delivered at one hospital when Holt was at another hospital receiving chemo. It’s been a really tough season for Holt’s family, but his new little sister has brought such joy to their lives. Holt is the most precious and amazing big brother. If you follow me on facebook, you’ve already seen this, but Alden took a video of Holt meeting Natalie for the first time. You have to take the time to go see it. It will make your heart smile. It might also make you cry, so get ready.
*** The Absolute Best Black Friday Deals was another popular post.
*** This Reader questions post also made the Top 10. Some questions answered: Do you ever have buyer’s remorse? How do you manage all of your clothes?
*** The Recap of My Girl’s Trip to NYC and What I Wore also made it to the Top 10!
*** Another most frequently read post was the one where I debuted the Gibson Holiday Glam Collection. Thank y’all so much for your supoort!
*** Y’all liked it when I kicked it old school and brought back Shopping with Sheaffer when looking for new clothes for my New York Trip.
*** And a post I titled The Best Friday Favorites Ever! was another super popular post.
*** And last, but certainly not least, My Bachelor recaps are all super popular! And yes, for those that have been asking, I WILL be recapping the new season that starts next week! Colton is the new bachelor, and I might as well say it, I’m not super excited about it. HOWEVER. THAT BEING SAID. The girls will make the show interesting. And awesome. Click HERE to see the recap of Hometown dates from Becca’s season, which was Colton’s last date. It will help get you up to speed on our newest bachelor.
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Now, back to The TOP 10 post from last week. Y’all LOVED the post, and it was so much fun reading through all of your comments!
- totes 2. fringe throw 3. must have wedges 4. slim profile UGGs 5. denim shorts 6. blardigans 7. boot cut jeans 8. Sims necklace / Sheaffer top 9. black jeans 10. bra / undies
I received over 400 comments on the post (the giveaway winners will be announced on Friday), and of course y’all agreed with lots of the top 10 items.
Here are some of my favorite comments about the different items. If you’re a reader that has been on the fence about any of these items, these other reviews might push you over the edge!
It was surprising to me, but the most comments by far were about the Wit and Wisdom brand! You guys are OBSESSED.
WIT AND WISDOM LOVE
The top 10 list included these black jeans and these boot cut jeans.
I have both Wit and Wisdom Jeans. I LOVE them, and I am hard to please with jeans. – Jenny
I am 60 years old and always had difficulty finding jeans I liked. Thanks to your reviews, I now own several pairs of the Wit & Wisdom…the itty bitty bootcut and the skinny are both flattering and fit well. – Michele
Wit & Wisdom jeans changed my life! Thanks for the recommendation. – Audrey
The Wit & Wisdom jeans FOR SURE are one of my faves! I bought them way back when you initially suggested them and I have not been disappointed! – Jenn
I’ve been reading your blog for years, and love it for so many reasons. I have purchased so many of your recommendations. You have become my “personal shopper”. Thank you!! I have three favorites from this year’s top ten. My #1 are the Wit and Wisdom jeans in black and although I bought them last year, and I’ve gained a few pounds, they still fit great, and they haven’t faded! Second, are my slim fit Uggs. They are the most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn! I wore them all over Seattle earlier this month in the rain. Love that they’re water resistant! I also bought the Ugg slippers for Christmas gifts and they were a huge hit! – Debra
The Wit and Wisdom jeans were absolutely life changing! Bought jeans, the totes, the undies, the wedges, the blankets–your blog is just the best and I love it. You help me look good, eat well and laugh. Cheers to 2019, Sheaffer! Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year! – Sheila
I have 10B, 9, 8B, 7, 6, 5 and 4. What can I say…I love them all. By far my favorite bra EVER and the Witt and Wisdom jeans just plain rock! Always get compliments on them. Look forward to your selections…great advice and reading them images my day! Looking forward to see what 2019 brings…Happy New Year Sheaffer! – Marci
BLARDIGAN LOVE
Click HERE for all the blardigans. I’ve received more e-mails about the blardigan than any other single product I’ve talked about in the last 6 years.
I have been reading your blog for years and I finally caved during the anniversary sale and purchased the hooded Blardigan. Why did it take me this long to pull the trigger?! It is amazing and one of my favorite items in my closet!
Why, Why, Why did it take me 5 years to order one of these for myself. This is the single best purchase I’ve made for myself. Is it weird to say it bring me joy every single day? Because it does. THANK YOU FOR MAKING ME BUY THIS, even though I didn’t really want to. You knew better than me. – Elaine.
Did you know that if you search “blardigan” on the Norsdtom website that it’ll takes you to the Barefoot Dreams cardigan? How cool is that? I have purchased the “blardigan” for gifts, I really need to “bite the bullet” and get one for myself one day. Thank you again Sheaffer, I’m so happy for you and the success of your blog, and you can be sure that I’ll continue to be one of your biggest fans! Happy New Year! – Debra
I have three blardigans! Still love the Callisto wedges (yellow!) that you recommended in 2013! – Kathryn
I received the Barefooted Dreams Blardigan for Christmas after I told my husband it was on my Nordstrom Wish List. I can’t imagine life without it. Since Christmas, I’ve worn it EVERY. DAY! How many days until next Christmas?!?!!!!!! – Elisa
I have 4 blardigans and my 10yo son just got one for Christmas. They are just that good! But seriously, thank you for all of the work that you put into your blog. I have discovered so many awesome items I would never have found on my own! – Betsy
STRAPLESS BRA LOVE
Click HERE for the strapless bra, which y’all seem to love just as much as I do. It truly is a game changer.
Love this post and all your recommendations. So many of my favorites. The strapless bra is life changing! – Jeanne
I love the strapless bra! It is the best one I have ever worn! I recommend it to all my friends who are looking for one.
an “honorable mention” goes to the “should have made the list” strapless bra. I bought it to wear for my sons wedding this summer, and I did not have to adjust it all! Love, love, love it! I know this was lengthy, but, I just wanted to share why I love your recommendations. – Debra
I agree too on the red carpet strapless bra, hands down the best strapless bra I have ever worn! I could not believe, it does not move!!! – Sarah
And so many of y’all have multiple items in the Top 10! I LOVE THAT!
I literally have all 10. I’m not sure if I should be proud or embarrassed. I’m going with proud. – Jessica
I bought 5 of the Sims stone necklaces, kept one, & gave the other 4 away as gifts. Gorgeous necklace. Natori bliss undies, I have 15 because they are wonderful & go perfect with Natori bras, which I buy 6 in January & 6 in July because when you find a bra that fits, it’s worth the investment! Wit & Wisdoms, I have 3 pair & love the fit & comfort….Kendra Scott Drusy platinum bracelet you showed with your watch on a post, I just ordered this week & cant wait to see it on. I didn’t see it as one of the favorites but it is going to be one of mine. Blardigans & blankets …… priceless coziness is how I can describe them. I enjoy reading your posts & want to say Thank You for updating my wardrobe with your sense of style. I would have never stepped out of my comfort zone without seeing the outfits you put together. – Shelley
I have purchased at least 4 of the 10 based on your recommendations and love them. The Wit & Wisdom itty bitty bootcut jeans are to die for; I get complimented every time I wear them. I bought the sims necklace in the cream before a trip to Memphis; it was a great accessory. I bought the afaghans and the suede totes when you had them on your site and gave both as Christmas gifts to different groups of girlfriends. They all loved them. I love your blog and appreciate the effort you put into making recommendations. They are “spot on”. – Lynn
OTHER READER FAVORITES
Definitely appreciated your time on the Amazon post. I ordered those leggings for three people for Christmas. I’m one of them and I think I like them just as well as my Zella’s! – Jenn
Your new Amazon leggings give me life. And I’m not being dramatic. – Stef
I actually have several of these items that I have purchased over the years. I have no complaints on any of them. However- the one that is my favorite is the denim cut off shorts. They fit well, they are cute, they don’t make me look like I’m trying to be 25 but they don’t look like grandma shorts. – Amber
Oh! And the Soma Cool Nights Sleep pj’s!!! Seriously replacing everything in my pj drawer with these! – Meagan
LOTS of you couldn’t believe that Tom and Sherri’s Iron in a Bottle wasn’t on the list.
One reader (hi @mycookiecouture) said “by far the BEST product ever“. She loves it so much that she gifted it to everybody and claimed that they have “the best customer service hands down“.
My hubby sometimes gives me grief about all of my “Sheaffer purchases”, but he’s a huge fan of the iron in a bottle spray. Thank you! – Sheila
How could the ironing spray not make your list? It’s incredible. – Jess
Click HERE for the ironing spray. Click HERE for the post where I originally talked about the product.
Use the code STMT10 for 10% OFF!
Many of you commented that the MUST HAVE Denim jacket should have been on the list again. And you know what, I 100% agree! Click HERE for the light wash (the original!) and click HERE for the dark wash (NOW ON SALE!)
My absolute favorite has been the Kut from the Kloth denim jacket. It has lasted hundreds of wears over the years and still looks new. Thank you for the work you put in! – Amanda
We love soft throws and the #2 item is no exception. I still wear my “must have” denim jacket (I have 2) the most out of all the items I have purchased per your suggestions. Thanks for doing all the work for me – it makes shopping so much faster and easier!!! – Gail
I purchased the must have denim jacket 4 years ago, and I almost always wear it at least once a week. – Brandi
Colleen Rothschild products were also mentioned several times.
For me it was the Colleen Rothschild products! I love every single new product I try and I have slowly replaced all of my old facial products with her line. And my face could not be happier. – Meagan
I own a majority of these, because you told me to… I also started using the Colleen Rothschild cleansing balm and I’m in love! i hope you have a great 2019! – Jennifer
I’m 46 years old, and I can say without a doubt that the my favorite purchase from your blog this year has been the Colleen Rothschild products. I started out with The Discovery Kit, and I’m currently replacing every single product in my arsenal with a CR product. My skin has never looked better. My older sister (52) and my daughter (32 years old) now use and love the products too. – Jill
Other items that y’all think should have been in the Top 10: Gorjana hoop earrings were mentioned a lot, the Trouve sweater (40% OFF RIGHT NOW!), Amazon leggings, the Free People Cowl Neck, Sam Edelman Felicia flats, the Nadri blingy bracelets (NOW ON SALE!), and Zella high waisted leggings,
That’s it for today! Thank you all again for an amazing 2018! I can hardly wait to see what 2019 holds!!!
See you back here on Friday for a super interesting READER QUESTIONS post!!!
Megan says
Happy New Year! Happy to hear you are feeling better and were able to spend a little time at the ranch. I’m patiently waiting for my bitty bootcut jeans to arrive!
Will you be doing any “get back in shape” updates this winter? I always enjoy those as I get myself back on track after the holidays.
Sheaffer says
Hi, Megan! I’m getting my head in the right space for this, but I will be doing some! xoxo
Rikki says
Awesome post as always Sheaffer! Happy New Year!
Holly says
You should plan to do a Resort Wear/Amazon post in January.
Sheaffer says
Hi, Holly! I already have everything ordered for my January post, but this is a great idea for February! I do have a resort wear post at the very end of January as well! Details to follow! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Karla says
Trying to make the switch over to all natural beauty products for the new year. Do you have suggestions for make up and skin/hair care brands? Anything that’s possibly sold on Amazon?
Sheaffer says
Hi, Karla! I don’t know of any on Amazon, but this is a great question! I’ll see what I can find out! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Julie says
Ahh, I just caved and finally ordered the Kennebunk throw! Wanted to grab it ON SALE while it lasted! I could hold out no more..ha
Lynn says
Poor thing on the stomach bug! I woke up with the day after Christmas. It was something fierce!!
Kimber says
Happy New Year! Regarding the blardigans, Do you have to order up a size with them. I ordered the same plum one you highlighted in a medium after looking at the reviews and it was still very small across the back and the sleeves were slim, as well. I normally order a small in most sweaters from Nordstrom.
Sheaffer says
Hi, Kimber! I don’t order up in blardigans (mine is the x-small/small).The arms might feel small on you when you first put it on, but they will stretch. I can’t imagine you would need the large. I often order mediums in sweaters, but didn’t have to in this one. Hope this helps! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Kimber says
Perfect! Thank you for the reply:) . I will give it a try!
Bonnie says
Took 20yo petite daughter shopping on her college Christmas break–many many tears as she tried on jeans at a few “teenage” stores. Then I remembered YOU. Walked her to the end of the mall into Nordstrom, went straight to the WitWisdom itty bitty boot cuts, and voila, VERY happy girl. She’s not a big follower of blogs (too much time in the library!), but I told her that YOURS should be her first. Thanks so much for all you do!
Sheaffer says
That’s GREAT, Bonnie! Thank you so much for sharing!!! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂