Happy Hump Day, friends! Did you see my exciting news I shared HERE? I officially ditched the cast and boot, and after 12 loooong weeks, I’m walking and wearing two shoes! I’m even cleared to travel, so my dear friend Suzie and I are headed on a little adventure today!
We were originally booked for this getaway in September, but my ankle had other plans, so I’m thrilled we’re able to go now. She’s been a single mom for 18 years, raising an incredible young man who just started at NYU, so I wanted to celebrate her! You know I’ll share it all on my Instagram Story HERE, and a full recap on the blog later this month.
But let’s jump to today’s post… I’ve got a hodgepodge of life lately, so here’s this month’s This & That…
Hoco 2023 //
We celebrated another ‘last’, with Little Miss Sloan’s Senior Homecoming… look at her beautiful, happy face!! Friday night was the game and all about the jumbo mum (pretty sure it’s a Southern thing), and then dinner and the dance on Saturday.
She and her friend had the genius idea of swapping their dresses from last year… so each had a ‘new’ dress, without the stress and expense of shopping!
Holiday Ken & Barbie //
Our friends hosted their annual Halloween party, and this year’s theme was Barbie… and after last year’s combo (see it HERE), I knew I wanted something more glam…. and Holiday Ken and Barbie definitely delivered! (See the fun with Mr. SP HERE.)
And y’all, I freaking loved wearing this whole princess combo… I’m already scheming how to find a way to wear it again, ha! And would you believe I found it all at Amazon for under $100?!
Ball Gown | Petticoat | Similar Bag | Faux Fur Shawl | Tiara | Halo Hair Extensions
Walmart Wows //
I shared these brushed flannel pajamas last week and they were instant best-sellers! The prints are too cute, not to mention, J.Crew quality for $13!
Fit Tip: I’m wearing a size Small in the pants and tee, but would prefer an XS, so don’t size up.
French Terry Sleep Top | Pajama Pants | Slippers
I also found this lightweight jersey knit style, with a jogger pant and so many fun prints! Even festive combos for the holiday.
Fit Tip: They run a little big, too, I’m in a size Small but would prefer a size XS.
Pajama Set | Slippers | Long Cardigan | Bedroom Sources HERE
But the real hero is this cardigan!!! Friends, hear me when I tell you…. it is a Barefoot Dreams dupe for under $20!! It’s so good, in fact, I’ve been reaching for it more than my Barefoot Dreams cardigan every morning since!
It comes in several colors, is super soft and plush (without being heavy!), and washes and dries like a dream. These finds would make great gifts, too.
Fit Tip: I wear a size Small so I can toss it in the dryer, but it’s an oversized fit.
Slippers | Long Cardigan | Beanies
Closet Dreams //
My friends at SOS Home Organization came over recently to help me swap my closet from Summer to Fall/Winter (since I’m not exactly climbing ladders these days!), and the result is mind-blowing! Can I just move into my closet, please? They are so good at not only making everything look great, but it’s so functional and easy to maintain. Since I work from home and the bulk of my business comes from my closet, having them work their magic is such a gift!
Pants Hangers | Bracelet Holder | Sunglasses Stand | Woven Basket | All Sources HERE
White Woven Baskets | Step Ladder | Headband Holder | All Sources HERE
Boomer! //
Sloan is 99% sure she’ll attend the University of Oklahoma next Fall, so we took a day-trip up last week for her to meet with some students and tour the housing options. And the bonus was being able to see Jackson, too! (He’s a senior there.) It’s all becoming a little too real for this mama, but I’m trying to stay focused on the present.
And I say 99% because she was just accepted to another of her top-choice schools, and suddenly she’s asking if we could visit it one last time ‘to be sure.’ It’s 10 hours away… somebody hold me!
Jackson’s Puffer Jacket | Sloan’s Sweatpants
On me: AirEssentials Half-Zip & Wide Leg Pants (code CASSIEXSPANX) | New Balance Sneakers
Gimme All The Graphics //
I hit the graphic sweatshirt jackpot with these finds! So cute for Fall and Thanksgiving, and OHEMGEE so soft and cozy!! And they even gave me a code for 20% off… SUGARPLUM20!
Fit Tip: I sized up to a Medium for a relaxed fit and longer length for pairing with leggings.
Thankful Crewneck | Nap Crewneck | Give Thanks Crewneck | Stay Cozy Crewneck (code SUGARPLUM20 for all)
Happy For Holidays //
I know, I know… it’s not even Thanksgiving, but I was too excited for twinkle lights to wait any longer, and my Christmas decor is up! It’s so fun and colorful, and I can’t wait to share it all with you! My friend Casey Nowell came to help me decorate, and had the most genius hack for hanging garland… cord bundlers!!
Just stick them to the top of your mantle, then loop them around the garland to secure them in place!
15′ Garland mixed with This Garland | Cord Bundlers | Stockings | Wreath | All Sources HERE
Merry & Bright Holiday Style //
The holiday styles are coming in hot, with two of my favorite boutiques leading the pack with the best finds! I loved all these fun and festive looks, and all are 15% off with code CASSIE15!
Merry Everything Sweater | Sequin Dress | Merry & Bright Crewneck
Pearl Blouse | Satin Skirt | Plaid Puff Sleeve Top | Faux Fur Jacket (code CASSIE15 for all)
Social Threads has some gorgeous pieces, too, so easy to mix and match for the holiday and beyond. I’m cuckoo for the statement sleeve top!!! And code SUGARPLUM10 saves you 10% site-wide!
Sleeveless Sequin Top | Ruffle Neck Dress | Statement Sleeve Blouse (code SUGARPLUM10 for all)
Happy Hair //
Requests for my Nutrafol code continue to lead the pack for link requests in DM’s, which means many of us are in the same boat! I don’t know if it’s age, stress, Covid, or a combination of the three, but in recent years my hair has started to thin and break. I ordered my first bottle of Nutrafol last November, but truthfully, didn’t get serious about taking it daily until February or so.
After about 3-4 months of consistency, I noticed significantly less shedding… and now I hardly recognize my own hair! It’s growing like a weed, and has tons of new growth giving me back the fullness I’ve lost in recent years. I’m officially a believer, as are so many of you! I reached out for a discount, and they’ve offered us $50 off 3 months, or $106 off 6 months supply HERE!
Pinkie to Bob to Bruce //
Last month we ditched Pinkie the Cast in favor of Bob the Boot… then it was Bruce the Brace. (Silly, I know, but I’ll do whatever it takes to maintain a positive attitude with this!) Now I’m cleared to walk on my own, only using the brace for certain activities. Baby steps! #punintented
Crop Pullover (Small) | Shorts | NB Sneakers
What I’ve Read Lately //
I recently finished Four Winds by Kristin Hannah and couldn’t put it down! She writes with such clarity, oftentimes I’d look up from my book and expect to be in the middle of the Texas plains!
Sloan and I are also listening to Matthew Perry’s memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, and it’s the most beautifully raw and honest biography I’ve ever read. We started it before he died (we’re both huge “Friends” fans), so it’s even more poignant to hear his words now. If you’re a fan of the show, or someone who’s been part of substance abuse, I highly recommend it!
Honey We’re Happy //
Sloan and I went south to Houston a few weeks ago for a concert, and the highlight was seeing my darling friend Megan of Honey We’re Home! We met online through our blogs over 13 years ago, and formed a true and genuine friendship, and I just adore her. You’ll never meet a sweeter soul.
On me: AirEssentials Crewneck & Wide Leg Pants (code CASSIEXSPANX)
Depuffing Trifecta //
The older I get, the more you can see the remnants of last night’s tacos on my face! On days I have an event or photos, I always use this trifecta of products to remove puffiness and give me back my jawline.
Lifting Chin Mask | Clarins V-Facial Intensive Mask | Under-Eye Patches
DRD Jackpot //
My latest Dressing Room Diaries was hands-down my biggest style jackpot in months! Find it all HERE.
Amazing Amazon //
Amazon Hauls continue to be the most popular posts each month, and my latest was no exception! But hello… look how cute all these styles are!! See my latest finds HERE.
Monday Mail Day //
Speaking of popular series, Monday Mail Day is the repeating request on Instagram Stories! I’m thrilled you like my random, QVC-style finds I share each week! Here’s a peek of what arrived the last few weeks…
Sling Bag (code SUGARPLUM10) | Reversible Belt | Strain Remover Spray | Under-Eye Patches | Fleece Zip-Up Jacket
Striped Cardigan | Body Wash | Apple Watch Band | Indoor Fly Trap | Snack Tackle Box
Insulated Plastic Tumblers | Academic Calendar | Argan Oil Hair Mask | Designer-Inspired Sandals | Holiday Garland
Gift Guides //
Apparently many of you are overachievers and have already started your holiday shopping, because the requests for Gift Guides are rolling in! I’m working on fun new ones, but these for men and teens are still great finds. Shop all of my Gift Guides HERE.
1. Head Lamp // 2. Joggers (Also HERE)
3. Packable Puffer Vest // 4. Drill Set
5. Personalized Golf Tees // 6. Le Labo Beard Oil
7. Treager Grill // 8. Slim Can Koozie
9. Neck and Back Massager // 10. NightBall
11. Golf Practice Net // 12. Wireless Headphones
13. Solo Stove // 14. Cold Weather Golf Gloves
15. Bluetooth Speaker // 16. Personalized Poker Set
1. Puffer Jacket // 2. Wall Hanging Tapestry
3. Personalized Name Necklace // 4. Instant Photo Printer
5. tarte Eyeshadow Palette // 6. Fujifilm Instant Camera
7. Pavé Huggie Hoops // 8. Spa Set Gift Box
9. Shoe Crease Protectors // 10. Nike Air Force Ones
11. Crocs Slip-Ons // 12. LED Strip Lights
13. Heated Slippers
1. Joggers (Also HERE) // 2. Wall Hanging Tapestry
3. Hydro Flask Water Bottle // 4. UGG Throw Blanket
5. Air Purifier // 6. Curved Gaming Monitor
7. Massager Gun // 8. Amazon Fire Stick
9. Birkenstock Slide Sandals // 10. Beanie
11. Wireless Ear Buds // 12. Projector & Screen
13. Hoodie Sweatshirt
How’s that for a random round-up? But that’s the This & That of life around here lately! Happy Wednesday, lovebugs! Be sure to check in on Instagram later for peeks of our latest adventure!
Wow! Sloan taller then you now? What a cute, sweet, smart idea to trade Homecoming dresses-fun!
Nothing tops you in that Barbie ball gown that filled up the whole hallway!!!!!! Still laughing up here! : )
It was a really fun costume!!! And Mr. SP didn’t mind wearing a suit! xo, C
Congrats to your daughter for getting into her top schools! We’re in the same boat over here and waiting on the big one … the one she really wants. Fingers crossed. Those Joyspun PJs are heaven. I’m wearing those plaid ones right now, ha! Happy holidays – thanks for all the great inspo. PS Where do you store all your shoes?! I loved the peek into your organized closet.
Hi Lisa! Fingers crossed for your daughter!! We have “shoe shelves” on a different walL! xoxo, C
Made a special trip to Walmart to grab those striped jammies at lunch yesterday! They are so soft and cozy.. thinking of grabbing the dots too! Thanks for the recommendation!
Love it!!!! You will not regret another pair, ha!! xoxo, C