Hey friends! Welcome back to a new week! How was your weekend? Ours seemed to fly by, as usual. When’s the next 3-day weekend, anyway?! This semester will be full of college visits, so we’ve got lots of road trips on the agenda for those long weekends. I’m excited about the uninterrupted family car-time though…we always seem to have the best chats when they’re hopped-up on car snacks (and no wifi!).
Do you follow me on Instagram or Facebook? I love the conversations and back-and-forth engagement we have other there. I recently opened it up and invited my Instagram readers to ask me anything…and you didn’t hold back! I figured many of you might have the same questions, or be interested in them, so thought I’d share them here. And since I received so many (way too many for one post), I’m starting a new You Ask, I Answer series!
So let’s get started with the first batch!
Q: Do you think the DryBar blow dryer is worth it? I need a new one and was wondering if this is one of those items where you’re better off spending the extra $$$.
These questions are tough because obviously there are so many other things worth spending money on than a new hair dryer. So I’ll answer based on it’s worth and value to me, mmmkay? I’ve always been fairly indifferent to hair dryers, and stuck with whatever I found under $50. And usually had to replace that $50 hair dryer once or twice a year when it burned out, or became too unpredictable.
But when I tried the DryBar Buttercup dryer, I discovered that not all hair dryers are created equal. I love how quickly this dries my hair, it’s quieter than any other I’ve owned, the cord is crazy-long, and it’s never once over-heated or acted wonky on me.
So, yes it’s pricey, but I think in the long run it will cost the same or less than a stream of cheaper dyers, and it certainly cuts down on my styling time!
Find my How-To Hair Tutorial here
Q. Can you share how you whiten your Converse sneakers again please?
Yes ma’am! My darling friend Mary shared this tip with me, and it completely transformed my grungy sneakers! I’ve taken this exact pair on almost every trip for the last two years, and they still look good as new (so comfy, but size down half!).
- Soak your white sneakers in a diluted mixture of Mrs. Stewart’s Blueing Liquid overnight.
- Scrub your shoes (canvas and soles) with a stiff brush.
- Toss in the washing machine with a regular load of laundry.
- Dry in the sun!
- Grab your sunglasses because those babies are going to be bright!
Striped Tee | Jeans | Sneakers | Similar Bag
Q. I’m curious about Mr. SP’s job. He must have a lot of flexibility with all the wonderful trips you take!
He’s a therapist, specializing in chemical dependancy. He was the clinical director of a group practice, but about a year ago he transitioned to more of a private practice set-up. Now he sets his own schedule and is able to take time-off when he needs it!
He was a professional musician for the first 10 years of our relationship, touring the country for weeks at a time, with only a couple of days off in-between. He played for a few different country artists (we lived in Nashville at the time), then had a solo gig for awhile. Life is never dull with Mr. SP, that’s for sure!
Q. Where did you get your leopard rug?
I love that rug!! It’s the perfect neutral to marry my bold Living and Dining Rooms, and doesn’t show any dirt (perfect for the foyer!). It’s Dash & Albert and you can find it here for 20% off!
Q. How old are your kids?
My cuties are 16 and almost-12. Our son is a junior in high school, and Little Miss started middle school this year. I love when they make appearances here!
Back-to-School Style post here
Q. How do you shower every night, yet only wash your hair a few times per week? Doesn’t the steam ruin all your curls?
My secret weapon is the world’s best shower cap! I know what you’re thinking, ‘Aren’t all shower caps the same?’ No ma’am, they are not! This one is lined in terrycloth, so it absorbs the moisture away from your hair. It’s also really roomie, so it doesn’t flatten your hair down when wearing it. I can’t tell you the number of readers who are straight-up obsessed with it. Most love it so much, they’ve bought it for all the women in their lives, too.
Q. Tell me about the artwork in your living room! It’s gorgeous!
That’s the amazingly-talented Dara Burriss! We commissioned that piece especially for our Living Room, but you can grab a canvas print for yourself here.
Q. I recently got the Colleen Rothschild Discovery Kit because of you, and I’m obsessed! Everything is seriously amazing! How do you care for the muslin cloth?
I’m so happy to hear that! I pretty much use her products exclusively now, and I swear they’ve transformed my skin. I use the muslin cloth each night with the Cleansing Balm to wash my face, and also the Detox Mask and Dual Enzyme Polish every week. I just toss it in the washer and dryer when it starts to get dingy, and since the Cleansing Balm comes with a new cloth, I replace it every few months.
Q. What did you do before you started blogging?
I’ve had a job since I was 15-years-old, when I started selling corn dogs at the mall! My first ‘real’ job out of college was at an ad agency, and then five years later I became the Operations Manager at Country Weekly magazine. When we moved to Texas, I worked in health insurance, and then sold promotional items. I still manage a handful of clients on a part-time basis from home (shoot me an email if you need any swag with your company logo!).
Q. Who watches your kids when you both go out of town? What about the pups when the whole family goes?
We’re lucky to live near family who is always anxious to see the kids, and the sweetest college girl who loves to stay here when we’re out of town. She stays with the kids when Mr. SP and I travel alone, and with the pups when we travel as a family.
Q. What kind of boots are wardrobe staples?
That would be a toss-up between booties or knee-high boots…both can be worn with skinny jeans, skirts and dresses. If you choose just one color, taupe is the most versatile and literally goes with everything. I love these booties and these knee boots.
Camo Jacket | Peplum Tee (short-sleeve version) | Necklace (similar) | Distressed Jeans | Leather Tote | Sunglasses | Earrings | Booties
Q. Can you share your everyday makeup favorites?
I actually have a full make-up tutorial coming soon, but you can find some of my favorite products here and my tips for looking younger here.
Okay, I think that’s enough for today! I have a bunch more for another time, but feel free to leave any questions of your own in the comments and I’ll add them to a future You Ask, I Answer post. And I’m an open book, so ask away! Happy Monday, lovebugs!
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So kind of you to take the time to reply to your followers! I always love reading a good Q&A 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Love your blog and your style…and any post with Momma SP! I’m hooked on CR for my face now, too! You answered many of my questions. Your faith seems important to you and I wondered where you go to church. Thanks for being so transparent in your posts.
I’m thrilled you love the CR products, too! Our faith is a part of our daily lives, that’s for sure!!
Wow, what a cool post!
Aren’t the conversations w/kids in the car the best? You can ask them anything-you have a captive audience-ha,ha!
Be careful what questions you answer because the whole world sees it. I personally think answering where you attend church is too personal. Only my opinion, but I think you instinctively know when a question is too personal. Have a great, high stylin’ week!
xoxoxox. C
When I first saw your living room reveal I feel in love with the painting. When I saw the colours I new my Master bedroom had to be a rich dark blue and I ended up buying her painting “Kick Start my Heart” Thanks for the inspiration
That’s awesome!! I love all of Dara’s pieces!
I am so excited that you are doing Q &A’s. I love the rug in your living room. I may have missed it if you have already shared where you purchased it. Oh, the paint color in your foyer, can you share that? Also, this past summer I became vegan. So going forward I am only going to buy vegan products. There are a few nice purses I have found online made by Gunas & Angela Roi but I have no idea what they are like in person. Have you had any experience with these purses? Thanks so much. Rebecca.
Thanks Rebecca! My foyer is ‘Repose Gray’ by SW, the door is ‘Hague Blue’ by F&B, and you can find the details of my Living Room in this post: https://hisugarplum.com/category/decor/living-room/
xoxo. C
Love the post and your style! I’ve bought many of the items you’ve featured.
Question: How do you care for your suede booties? Do you use Suede & Nubuck protector?
Thanks, Cary! I don’t actually put anything on them…but living in Texas, we don’t really encounter the ‘elements.’ If it is raining or whatever, I just wear different shoes!
Thanks for being so willing to answer questions! I also LOVE that you always take the time to reply on Instagram—so sweet! As a faithful reader, your openness is what drew me in—like you’re my friend, even though you don’t know me! You are precious and I enjoy each and every post!!
I think of you all as friends, and love chatting and being open! If you take the time to read and reach out, responding is the least I can do!! xoxoxo
You are such a doll and reading your blog makes me smile every single time! I think your blog content has a great balance of travel, beauty, clothes, home makeovers, life, etc. There really aren’t days where I don’t enjoy reading. Also, your insta stories crack me up on the regular!
Wow, Rachel…thanks so much!!! I’m thrilled you enjoy stopping in here! xo
Thanks for answering these questions. I love your openness and willingness to share. I had always wondered what Mr. SP did. I love seeing him play the piano on your insta-story.
I’m surprised the rubber on your runners doesn’t come unglued at the toe when you soak it so long. Strange. Mine did. I now spray them, use a stiff brush on the canvas, rinse and air dry.
I agree with Sandy. I love how honest and open you are with your readers but perhaps some questions should be left unanswered ( sitter arrangement, church, etc.) In today’s world…..
I love your home! Every time I see it, I want to add bright color to my neutrals & mix modern with traditional. B..u..t..ful!
Thanks so much, Joanna! That’s a bummer about your sneakers!!!
It’s always fun to get a little more insight into a favourite blogger’s life (I’m not a creep….I just enjoy looking into people’s living room through their window at night for inspiration 😉
But yes, anything too personal shouldn’t be asked of anyone, we are still strangers after all. There’s a great French Canadian expression that reflects this exact idea “on se garde une petite gene” which translates to “we keep ourselves a little shyness” but essentially, it means it’s important to keep a little bit to yourself for your personal comfort. I definitely appreciate knowing what type of work you guys do for a living as it gives us insight as to what kind of life we can aspire to live based on comparison of career. For example, it’s clear you do most of your shopping at Nordstrom and they do have wonderful stuff but I find it extremely expensive and hardly ever go there. On the other hand, I also assume they sponsor your blog from time to time which would explain why you manage to shop there so often. Also the way you decorate and dress is so beautiful that you inspire me daily with ideas for my wardrobe and home. I love your style.
Thank you so much, Caroline! I’m thrilled you find inspiration here!
Love your style and down-to-earth posts. Definitely inspiring.
Question: I too have a high school junior, and going through the college search/admission process is daunting! Any tips you can share to make it easier on us? Things are SO competitive, and so many of our friends are hiring specialists to help navigate the process. Seems a little overkill, but maybe this is a sign of the times? Can’t imagine our baby going away within a year and half!!
Shannon, the college process is huge. Help out in anyway you can, let your student study and make the grade. Be their “administrative assistant”. There are a million good tips in the books at the library. I personally don’t think the biggie tests can be tackled w/o some prep. It gets them comfortable w/them. In our area, they take it several times, send in the best scores. Get on the grapevine at school and ask other parents. Yes, this is like a full time job. Keep files, lists. I prayed- a lot. You can do this! The rewards will come, promise!
It’s so hard to think about them leaving!! But hopefully we’ve done our job and prepared them! We are working with a college advisor for this first round…she assists him with his high school schedule, SAT and ACT testing and prep, writing essays, narrowing down schools, etc! I hope is that he and I are still friends after the process, hence the third party help! 😉
Thank you Cassie! I’m probably your mom’s age, I love her style as well as yours. She’s also short like me! I think I’ve thanked you before for doing my shopping for me! Love it! Keep giving us these awesome links to these great buys and I may never have to leave home! 👠👡👙👗👛👜👓!
What musicians did your husband play for? I live near Nashville, so country music is a big part of our lives. You are precious and I love your style but could you try to not be so cute in them-it is hurting my bank account. Ha!
LOL — you should see me now! 😉
So fun to read! I’m always eyeing that leopard rug!
I loved this post! ❤️ It was great to see the answers to some of the things I had been wondering about too! Another topic that has me curious is how you keep in such good shape. Seriously girl, you look fabulous! 👙 What do you typically eat during the day? Do you have any tips?
Oy!! I’m the worst eater, kind of an all or nothing kind of person…certainly nothing worth passing on! But I do Orange Theory Fitness classes, and that has been so great for me!
Love your blog! Because of your travel post a few years ago we traveled to Florence, Italy. Which is now my favorite city! We are headed back there in a few months before a cruise. I showed my husband your post on your recent trip to Mexico and he said well maybe we need to check that out!
Yes ma’am, you do!!! I love that my travel posts are helpful!! Florence is impossible not to love, right?!
I love your blog – always fun to read and your sense of style is awesome!
My husband and I are planning a family trip for this summer with our children (son -17 & daughter 15). Last summer we visited the Pacific Northwest/Canada and loved all of the outdoor activities and great food. Since you’ve gone on so many amazing trips, any good ideas for our family?
Thanks!
Thanks so much, Shelly! Sounds like an amazing trip! We haven’t done that exact one yet, but you can see similar trips we’ve taken as a family to the National Parks, and the spots in Canada we’ve visited, under my Travel tab! have a blast!
Love that you’re doing Q&A! I’d love to hear about your nail routine, it appears that you almost always have your nails polished. Do you get them done or do them yourself? What is your routine? Any products you love?
That’s so funny!! I rarely get manicures…my nails are usually 17 layers of polish! 😉 I added this question for a future batch, thank you!!
Hi Cassie — thanks for sharing! I was wondering if you have any blog regrets? Posts you wish you hadn’t?
Ooooh, great question!! I have a few posts that make me cringe, mostly from a photography standpoint. But those are also fun to see because it shows me how far I’ve come! And I have a few design decisions I’d like to rethink, but not necessarily regret. I’m not hasty when it comes to writing and posting, so there’s hours of thought and effort put into each!! xo
I’m a few days late reading this post. I about cracked up reading about your first job. I Love It!
My Uncle was friends with the man who started those “mall corn dogs”, the ones with the tall hats and matching tops in Red,White, Yellow & Blue. Was that where you worked?
My parents used to help get that business started in other states at the state fairs. Mom used to help make the uniforms and making corn dogs was a job we all had when we were growing up! Great memory!
I still love me a fresh, hot corn dog!!!!
Thanks for the Q and A. I find it interesting to learn about the person behind the blog. I can’t even remember how I first found your blog but it lead me to “Honey, We’re Home”, “A Thoughtful Place” and “Sunnyside Up”. I have the four of you grouped together in my head – so funny!! Anyways, thanks for sharing!!
All my favorite girls!!! xoxo
Thank you for sharing Cassie! Can you please share the dilution ratio that you use on your sneakers please?
It says on the bottle!
Now that you’ve had the shower cap for a while, I wanted to ask if you’ve experienced it getting moldy! Reading reviews on Sephora are making me wonder if it’s worth it as a lot of people mention it growing mold/mildew quickly. Thanks!
I haven’t!!! I’ve had mine close to 2 years or more, too. I don’t leave it in the shower though, I drape it over my sink or tub faucet after use, so it must dry out completely there.