Happy Monday, friends, and welcome back to a new week. A week vastly different than last… or even yesterday! This pandemic is so uncharted, every day seems to bring more changes and unknowns.
We made it home from Cabo safely, and with no issues. The airports were crowded and lines were long, but everyone was patient and respectful, and there was a real sense of working together. Every where we looked, people were wiping down surfaces, washing their hands, and keeping distances.
My family feels healthy, but will keep social distance and stay home as much as possible in an effort to help with containment. Both kids are on ‘extended Spring Break,’ from school, so we’re taking advantage of the unexpected family time. I expect it will be a lot of movies, cards, and puzzles. And for Little Miss, an excess of TikTok videos!
We’re also fortunate to have everything we need in the form of supplies, and the ability to work from home, but if that’s not the case for you, please let us know if/how we can help!! If you or families close to you need food, supplies or financial assistance, please email sugarplumcares@gmail.com. We started this foundation last year and were able to sponsor ten families during the holidays, and hope to do more this year!
But while we’re all dealing with the effects of the virus in some form or another, this blog and my social channels will remain a happy, positive space that hopefully brings joy and inspiration to your days. And today we’re talking Spring Refresh, and all the great home finds available on Prime! Here are some recent favorites I’ve spotted…
one // Beaded Chandelier // We have versions of this beaded chandelier in both our breakfast room and office, and I love the texture and style they add to a room. I’m considering this flush mount version for our Guest Room. The prices are incredible, and the reviews excellent!
two // Tote Bag // The cutest bag to carry us through spring and summer! #punny Hang it on the back of a chair, or add throws for an unexpected storage with personality.
three // Faux Succulent // Tuck these cute little succulents on bookcases, end tables, kitchen sinks, coffee tables…pretty much anywhere that could use a little pop of green. Plus, I can’t kill these beauties, no matter how hard I try!
four // Rattan Tray // Corral books, magazine, remotes and more on this tray for a stylish coffee table vignette. Great for outdoor entertaining, too.
five // Leather Pillow Cover // How fancy is this leather pillow?! What a nice addition to a guest room bed or living room sofa! The price can’t be beat either!
six // Patterned Pillow // Another gorgeous pillow option! It’s a chic pairing with the leather pillow for a fun pop of color!
seven // Wooden Gift Tags // With Easter, Mother’s Day, high school and college graduations, baby and bridal showers coming up this spring and summer, add some of these cute tags to your cart to be prepared for all those gifts! You get a 100 pack for less than 10 dollars! They’re darling place cards for spring table settings, too.
eight // Stacking Basket Set // Use these stylish baskets all over the house for easy organizing, and a great touch of texture to every room.
nine // Dotted Umbrella // Don’t polka dots just make you happy?! With all the ‘April showers’ coming our way, it’s smart to have an umbrella by the door or in your car for those unexpected storms. And you can look cute, too!
ten // Boxwood Wreath // Wreaths are the easiest way to spruce up your porch, and y’all can seem to get enough of the Amazon options! This beauty looks so natural, and comes with a quality storage box so you can keep it for seasons to come.
eleven // Wooden Beads // Add texture and style to coffee tables, bowls, mantels, bookcases and more with this super-chic wooden bead set. These garlands are everywhere this season, but these are a fraction of the price!
twelve // Doormat // I love a good doormat find, and so do y’all! This one has such a cute message for Spring, but could be used year-round as well!
In fact, I grabbed several of these things for our porch…it’s still a work in progress, but I love the fresh spring vibes! (I spy a sweet pup in the window!)
Boxwood Wreath | Adjustable Wreath Hanger
Here’s another fun home find…I’m often asked about this mirror, and found one super similar HERE.
Console | Similar Mirror | Wood Bird | Faux Plant
I honestly don’t go through a single day without using something I found on Amazon. Especially now that we’re confined at home. If you’re looking for something new to keep the family entertained, Phase 10 and Uno are our fave cards games (available HERE), and Scattergories is a good board game. Plus, it requires brainpower! #bonus
We also turned the dining room table in to a puzzle station, and have a new 1000 piece going (tons available HERE). Little Miss loves crafts and painting, so we’re grabbing a few things to keep her busy HERE. And don’t forget, Amazon Fresh, where you can order all kinds of fresh food delivered right to your door HERE! How are you keeping yourself and the kids occupied? Are you sprucing up the house for Spring?
If your ‘staycation’ includes organizing, you can find all my top Amazon Organizing picks HERE, and best Kitchen Essentials HERE. And find all my best Amazon finds in my store HERE, and all my Amazon Hauls HERE.
Have a great day, lovebugs!
I do hope that since you just came home from your trip, that you will completely stay in and self isolate yourself (not “as much as possible”) for the required two weeks. As you said, airports were crowded and you were within close distance to many unknown people who could possibly be infected. (As well as yourself). This virus is scary stuff. We are in for some terrible times and I think the world is going to grind to a halt here shortly.
We are following all CDC guidelines and doing our part, as I’m sure are you, Colleen. It’s also important to not assume what others are doing and extend grace. This is something we’re all enduring together, and staying kind and positive will be essential. xo. C
Sorry Carrie..did not mean to upset. I was just going by what you said…Words on the Internet can be interpreted in many different ways as you did with mine.
You did not upset me at all, I always appreciate comments and feedback. xo. C
Cassie so glad you and your family were able to get away for some relaxation. So many vacations have been cancelled. Thank you for always being positive and sharing words of encouragement to others.
How much is that doggy in the window? Sorry, couldn’t resist! Precious! My dog always seems to be in the door window spot as well!
Cassie, I love your blog and know your intentions are good. I also know that your business model relies on affiliate links and that posts are planned long in advance. However, Prime orders don’t magically appear on our doorsteps. Each order means hundreds of warehouse workers are having to show up to work to fulfill orders for non-essentials.
Those orders are also keeping businesses and workers employed, along with the delivery drivers. We’re ordering take-out and delivery food quite a bit more, as well, to help local restaurants and employees afloat.
I’ve been reading your blog for years, and you always have come across to be sweet and someone I would love to hang out and be friends with. Reading your blog this morning your compassion really showed as well. To offer complete strangers help in any means is truly big hearted! It really blew me away! Thank you ❤️
Thank you so much, Angie. I know others aren’t as fortunate to have the flexibility and means, and while we feel helpless in so many ways, there are things we can do to help lessen the burden!! xo. C
Do you need a pkg. of toilet paper?? Three sheets each people!
Devastating when this virus thing effects people who rely on customers, and depend on tips.
Also feeling sorry for all the educators that have to scramble to teach online. Many good students don’t do well learning online.
So good of you to help others in need SPs. Bravo! : )
This will impact so many people, we’re looking at a range of ways we can help!!
Thank you for doing what you do. Your blog is such a nice respite in this crazy times. I work in healthcare on the front lines and really appreciate the distraction of looking at pretty things.
Thank YOU so much for what you’re doing to keep us safe and healthy! Much love and prayers to you and your family! xo. C
I’m happily working from home myself. Seeing this post and your offer to help people, has made my heart so happy.
Cassie, you are what is right in this world. We all need to take a page from your book.
Stay healthy and well , friends.
Thank you so much, Sheila! We’re fortunate to be in the position to continue working from home and provide for our family. I know that’s not the case for many, so we’re happy to help where we can! xo. C
Thank you for your positivity!! Having some distractions is so helpful!
Cassie,
I love that you are staying positive during this difficult time. I do get that you and your family are beyond fortunate to be able to continue to exist without much worry. Not going to lie, I am very, very envious. There are so many of us scraping to get by, and seeing your posts just stings. While you were off in Mexico (was Cabo comped?) twice recently, others of us were working 2 jobs just to provide for our families, which look far different the beloved SPs. I know you only show us the positive (I don’t count Mr. College Guy…I have had two off as well, and that’s life), but I am wondering if you will ever show your vulnerability. Your constant try on sessions and over consumptions are just too much for me right now. I am not an XXS, my family has its fair share of struggles, and right now your blog, for me, is completely unrealistic.
I hope you will respectfully accept my opinion and publish this. Maybe you could share how you are helping…nobody needs to redecorate and add to their wardrobe right now. Just my opinion, but it just doesn’t feel right.
I’m not trying to but rude, but I feel like I need to represent the other half. Laughter is the best medicine, but it always needs a dose of reality.
I absolutely respect your opinion, Carly, and appreciate the feedback. I definitely wouldn’t say we’re existing without worry, as we’re taking a large hit like literally every person around the world. I just realize it’s not as crippling for us as some, and helping and giving back always helps me feel less anxious and helpless.
I choose to keep this space positive and joyful, but do share quite a bit of my heart, fears and vulnerabilities on my social media channels (Instagram/Facebook Stories). As for how I’m helping, we started Sugarplum Cares last year and have quietly been helping and sponsoring a significant number of families within this community…it’s just not something I broadcast.
It’s my job (literally) to share new finds, ideas and styles, and my sole income, so I’ll continue to work, just like you. We also have to know our own limits and self-preservation, and that means knowing what to watch/read, so if my posts aren’t bringing you joy, I’d suggest steering clear of them for awhile. Please let me know if there is anything we can do to help ease your burden right now.
And not that it matters, but no, our trips were not comped. Much love to you and your family, C.
Very well said, Cassie. Hugs to you and your family. ❤️
What happened to if you don’t have something nice to say don’t say it at all. Cassie, you take the negative feedback quite well. Have a good day!
Glad you had a lovely Spring Break with your husband and daughter in Cabo and are safely back home and following all the guidelines as suggested. These are trying times, and your blog is your job, so I don’t know why anyone, including you, should feel bad about continuing to work. I agree with some of the others that’s it is nice to have a break from the constant news/updates about the virus and read positive blogs like yours. So keep up the great work!
Thank you, Kathy!
Cassie,
I’m a flight attendant and appreciate having something positive to see in the morning on Instagram. Let’s try to be gentle with each other. Everyone is scared and stress. Sunshine and positivity is what I need right now. (Even if you’re sunshine is all I have in Dallas this week.
Much Love 💗
Robin
Gentle is such a great word for this. Much love to you, Robin! xo. C
Cassie,
I’ve been enjoying your site for about 2 years but have never commented. I also have a college freshman son and a daughter Little Miss’ age. That picture of you sending him off to college – that was me in August too! So I’ve so enjoyed your posts about how much you miss him, how much you enjoy it when he’s home as well as how nice it is to have your daughter still home to spend one-on-one time with now. Keep us posted on how you’re keeping everyone entertained – I could use the advice! I love your fashion finds – which are so much more practical than many other sites out there – as well as your home picks and packing guides. They’ve been a huge help. Thanks for providing great advice and a good distraction in crazy times.
Thank you so much, Jen! I know you’re glad to have your babes back under your roof, even if for such uncertain circumstances! xo. C
You’re doing a good job!
Cassie,
I feel so much empathy for you right now. I’m not sure why readers feel the need to try to make you feel ashamed of having wealth as a result of hard work. There is not a limited amount of money in this world for us to all squabble over. Americans, if you can come up with a good idea and work hard you, too, can experience the success that Cassie has experienced. You can INCREASE the amount of money in our country’s pot of wealth. In addition, you can contribute to your county and fellow Americans by paying lots of taxes, spending to boost our economy, and employing others to help decrease the unemployment rate. If you envy Cassie, create a dream for yourself and start taking steps to build a better life for yourself.
Thank you for those kind words. This blog is MY job, just like everyone else has their jobs. My family relies on my income to pay our mortgage, college tuition, etc., so I need to continue on just like everyone else. I appreciate your input. xo, Cassie
Cassie,
Thank you for always being so positive on your blog. Lord knows, we hear enough of the bad news everywhere. And, like you said, this is your job!
We too have a college student coming home for an extended time due to the college going online. Are you limiting the amount of time your son is allowed to go and do things with his friends. I want to be fair with our daughter, but also don’t want all sort so extra germs coming back into our house. Your thoughts?
Stay safe and healthy!
Janie
Thanks so much, Janie! We were allowing a friend over earlier in the week, but as the news as progressed, we’ve stopped allowing friends in or us going out. He doesn’t love it, but it’s mostly about protecting US! Enjoy the extra time and best of luck with this unexpected season! xo. C