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January Q&A: BEAUTY, FASHION, HOME & HEALTH

Well, good morning! It’s been a while since I’ve done a Q&A, so I asked for questions on Instagram, and I got a lot more than I expected!

I can’t fit them all in this post, so I chose the ones I felt were better suited to the blog, and I can answer the rest on Stories.

If you like this, I can try to it once a month.

Skincare/Makeup/Beauty Questions

Q // A while ago, you mentioned teeth whitening. How did you find it? Would you recommend?

A // Yes, I did the Zoom whitening at my dentist’s office last spring, but I didn’t love the results.

They tried to do 3 rounds, but I had major pain towards the end of the 2nd round, and I couldn’t do the 3rd. They sent me home with the at-home kit, and I continued to use that — I actually used it up.

I guess my teeth got a little whiter, but they’re pretty much back to “normal” now. For the cost and in-office experience, I expected dramatic results, and I didn’t get that. Next time, I’ll just use Crest Whitestrips. I’ve had better results with those, and they’re a heckuvalot cheaper.

Q // Thoughts on facials, like peels for example? 

A // I think facials are beneficial and every woman should get them regularly from a trusted aesthetician.

For the past few years, I’ve been getting facials a few times a year at the spa where I go for my mani/pedis. I often purchase their package deals, so sometimes I’ll get 3 or 4 in a short period of time. I enjoy them, and they also seem to help my skin’s texture and radiance. I’ve tried different kinds, but nothing harsh. Any “peels” or “acids” are fairly mild.

In the past year, I’ve started seeing a cosmetic dermatologist, where I get monthly glycolic peels. I can definitely tell a difference in the texture and radiance in my skin. They aren’t as relaxing as the ones I get at the spa, but the results are more noticeable. If you go that route, do your research and find someone REALLY good.

Q // Did you find a good product for chapped lips?

A // Yes, I use Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask every night, and my lips have never been in better shape.

Q // Can you recommend a tinted moisturizer?

A // Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturizer is a cult-favorite, and for good reason. It’s one of the best I’ve tried and actually gives you some coverage, while keeping your skin looking natural and dewy-soft. Bonus, it has SPF 30.

Fashion Questions

Q // I’m going to Florida next week from cold Toronto… unsure what to wear on the plane. Help?

A // I would wear jeans with a short-sleeve tee or tank or sleeveless blouse under a cozy cardigan. Wear that to stay warm on the plane, and then when you get to your destination, you can toss your cardigan in your tote.

Put your coat on top of that. If you have someone drop you at the door at the airport, and picking you up when you get back, you can leave your coat in the car. Otherwise, wear to airport and carry it on the plane — or leave room in your luggage and stash it before checking your bags.

For shoes, I usually wear ballet flats or loafers in the airport for easy on and off, or sneakers if you will need them at your destination. I have TSA Precheck, so sneakers aren’t too much of a hassle anymore.

Bring flip flops in your carry-on to swap out once you get to Florida. Roll up your jeans for a cropped look, ditch the cardigan, and you’re ready to go!

You might also like: What I Packed for my Disney Vacation + My Travel Outfit and What I Packed for Florida + My Travel Outfit

Q // What trends are you seeing for spring?

A // I definitely think we’re seeing the crop straight denim trend hit the mainstream. I don’t think skinnies will be “out” entirely, but they’ll be taking backseat to this more current silhouette.

Q // How do we create our own rough hem on jeans?

A // This is a good tutorial: How to DIY a Raw Hem, According to Madewell’s Denim Expert

Q // What do you think are the most common fashion mistakes at the moment?

A // I would say buying clothes that do not fit properly (i.e. too big or too small) and wearing styles that aren’t designed to complement your individual body.

Q // Transitional pieces that work in winter but you want something springtime?

A // Pick up a few lighter/brighter color sweaters, and pair them with white jeans or lighter bottoms.

Q // Which fashion trends do you wish came back “in”? Which do you wish would go away?

A // I’ll start with what I wish would go away — leggings as pants. UGGGHHHHHHHHH…..

Also, oversized tops and sweaters with drop shoulders, and the front tuck, which is a necessity when wearing the former.

I still do it sometimes because it looks modern, and it’s often necessary with current styles, but I think it looks silly and we will eventually look back on it and laugh at ourselves.

As far as fashion trends I wish would come back… traditional styles that fit and flatter a woman’s body. Like full length pants and jeans.

Also, tops with on-shoulder seams that skim the body and are shaped to flatter a womanly figure, and at a length that you can wear untucked and maintain proper balance.

Q // Did you keep those “New Years” heels, and if so, will you use them for a piece?

A // Yes, I did, and I will try! I think they would look best with a dress or skirt.

Q // How do you know if skinny jeans are too big or too tight? And do I need to take shrinkage into account?

A // I would say, the biggest mistake women make with skinny jeans is buying them too big. Mine hardly ever shrink, they’re more likely to stretch out some with wear.

I also recommend wearing them around the house for an hour or so, with tags on, to see how they are going to hold up. Some lower-end brands really bag out.

If in doubt, size down.

Q // Where is a good place to buy clothes for 50-year-old husband? Help!

A // Nordstrom! Their men’s department has a wide variety of styles and brands at various price points, and their sales associates are usually excellent. My husband is a convert.

HOME

Q // Closet organization? Help… do you switch clothes out seasonally?

A // Yes, most definitely. I can’t stand to have clothes in my closet that aren’t a viable option at the moment. I move out of season clothes to the basement in labeled plastic bins, probably 3 or 4 times a year.

You might also like: How I Transition My Closet For Fall

As far as organization goes, the best thing I ever did was install a custom closet organization system. I had one in my last house, and it was one of the first things I scheduled when we moved into this house.

Q // How do you fold or hang sweaters without getting creases or bumps in the shoulders?

A // I fold my sweaters like this, and store them on shelves — see above picture of my closet. (I’ve also started stacking like colors together, unlike the picture above.)

Health

Q // More info on IF…. I bought the book after I saw you reading it and would like help.

A // I really recommend reading the entire book, and Gin’s story at the end, before starting. A lot will become clear.

But even with that, I’ve already learned a lot more from listening to just one of her podcasts. Even if you aren’t a “podcast person” — I’m not — it’s worth your time to listen to a few.

Q // Healthy lunch ideas?

A // I’m a big fan of leftover dinner or soup. Or I will have tuna salad or egg salad, and follow it up with berries or other fruit.

Personal/Life

Q // How long have you been a Christian?

A // I don’t remember ever not being a believer, but I made a decision to accept Christ and live for the Lord when I was about 7 years old. It’s been a very sloooooow growth process ever since. (Emphasis on slow, lol!)

I’m a work in progress, like we all are, but my faith has always been an important part of my life, and I’m thankful for parents who raised me in a Christian home.

Q // Do you ever get bored with your wardrobe?

A // This one made me laugh. Either this person thinks I should be bored (because I wear grey sweaters and mid-wash skinny jeans every day, lol!) or she doesn’t see how many clothes I cycle through my closet.

No, I do not get bored with my wardrobe. In fact, I wish I could wear my favorites more, but that wouldn’t make for very interesting What I Wore posts every other week… or a very attractive Instagram grid.

Yes, those are the things I think about when getting dressed each day.

Q // What is a normal weekday or even week like for you? (What’s your schedule?)

A // I’ve been wanting to do a whole post on this, but I never seem to get around to it. Here it is in a nutshell:

I always get up between 5 and 6AM. I go right downstairs, make coffee, have my devotion, and start working. I take a break to get my daughter on the bus around 6:45, and then I’m back at work until it’s time to exercise or I need to go somewhere.

I try to run (these days, it’s more of a walk/run) or work out every day, but that doesn’t always happen. (I work out with a trainer 2X a week.)

During the day, I sometimes have doctor or spa/beauty appointments, but I try keep my mornings somewhat open for work, as that’s when I’m most efficient and energetic. If I don’t have an appointment or a photo shoot or a reason to run to the mall, I’m at home working at the computer.

In the afternoons, I sometimes I have to pick my daughter up from band practice, and there are other things that crop up, of course, but otherwise, I pretty much work every weekday from when I wake up until when I go to the kitchen to make dinner. This job never sleeps, and there’s always something I could be doing.

Dinnertime is when I shut it down. I hardly ever come back to my office after dinner. We have dinner as a family, and we usually hang out in the family room and watch TV afterwards. I am in bed by 9PM most nights. I know, I’m a grannie!

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51 Responses

  1. We went to Mexico over Christmas. Flights each way left at 6 am so I definitely needed to be comfortable. I wore my Splendid cardigan with the waterfall opening and both times I had to be patted down by TSA because of the extra volume when being screened. It’s something to keep in mind when dressing for the plane. The first time I thought it was just my “good luck”, but the 2nd time, the attendant told me that was why. 

  2. I swear by using Sensodyne Extra Whitening toothpaste daily. If I feel like I need a little boost I use the Crest White Strips every other day and it seems to do the trick, though I think using toothpaste is what really helps. I get asked all the time if I whiten my teeth–even by my dental hygenist–people think I’m lying when I tell them I do not get them professionally whitened lol! But with the sensitivity I couldn’t even if I wanted to!! And I only use the strips 1-2 times a year:)

  3. I think this would be a perfect post to do once a month or once every other month if you don’t have anything to share.  I like seeing what others are asking (and that Im not always the only one wondering those things).  Ha ha.  And I always learn something from the questions/answers.  😊

    A Christians life is always a work in progress.  That’s what sanctification is all about.  ❤️  We should always strive to draw closer to the Lord every day.  But I’m SO thankful for His grace when I fall short.  🙏🏻  Have a blessed day!  

  4. I really liked this post! It’s fun to learn more details about the bloggers we follow. I have to say, though, as a woman with broad shoulders too, I love dropped shoulders in my tops & sweaters! A lot of times I have trouble with set-in sleeves (with the seams on the shoulders) bunching up weirdly across my back because they are cut just a smidge too small for me. I’m always surprised when you say you don’t like dropped shoulders in tops but you have broad shoulders.  Maybe it’s a height thing too – I’m 6 feet tall so perhaps that’s what balances the dropped shoulder look for me. Not sure!

  5. Wow this was a nice surprise. I don’t do Instagram except to view your pics through your blog. It’s nice to learn more about you and I appreciate you openly sharing. I too am so thankful for having Christian parents and was saved when I was 8.. it’s so nice now to see our grown children living for the Lord as well..  and it’s for sure a process where we never stop learning or growing. 
    Have a great day❤️

    1. Thanks for the closet tips. I just hung up all my jeans and folded my sweaters. I had it all backwards…

      1. I have read the advice that one should not hang jeans – but I do like mine hung, so much easier to see them. Plus, as you can see, I have a lot more hanging space in my closet than folding space.

  6. I love this post! You are just like all of us! Thank you so much for sharing your life with us and I wish you a most blessed year!!

  7. I think you should continue doing this type of post. I learn something new or get ideas like now I want to make that white bean soup on this rainy day. Looks yummy.

  8. Is the beige sweater you are wearing above with white jeans from Bloomingdales (also in the Insta Lately section)? Can you give me the link please. You look amazing in that outfit.

  9. Love this post – you are so “normal” – just like the rest of us I presume ;-). Thanks again for your candor. With the approval of my dentist I rinse with hydrogen peroxide and also use it to clean our toothbrushes. For me it has really helped maintain a brighter smile and it doesn’t bother my sensitive teeth (Crest strips irritate me too).

      1. HAHA! I should have used “relatable” but it just didn’t come to me. I enjoy your posts – fashion, home, kids, etc.

  10. I enjoy this type of post as I always learn something new or helpful. Today’s lesson learned was how to fold and store sweaters. Thanks, Jo-Lynne!

  11. Great post JoLynne! Thanks for all your insight and knowledge. I had to laugh about your comment on the front tuck. I was wondering if that was here to stay or going to be a thing of the past. I still think it feels awkward and agree it can look silly haha! Keep up the great work, good stuff here. Have a great day!! 🙂

  12. Looks like someone got the gorgeous YSL tote !!!! THE BEST $$$$ I have EVER spent on a super luxury bag !!! Bought the black 3 years ago; adored it so much I went back last year and bought the blush !!!! They are awesome, used EVERY DAY for work, and look as beautiful today as the day I bought them !!!!  😁

  13. I love this post, JoLynne. Your posts are always so informative, and you put so much thought and detail in each one. I think I’ll try that lip treatment!

  14. I love this post and so appreciate your candor and willingness to put yourself out there. The white jeans and oatmeal sweater is gorgeous and I don’t wear that color by my face…maybe I should try. My coloring is similar to yours. Also, because of you, I have started the IF program and am about 8 days in. It really is pretty easy and I have always been a breakfast eater. The other thing you have me thinking about is facials. My sisters and I treated ourselves to a spa day for Christmas and now I’m thinking a facial might be something to continue on a regular basis. this is a great start to the new year. Thank you for being part of my morning.

  15. I’m really curious about the glycolic acid peels. Is there any down time or can you go right back to “life” (wearing makeup, going out, etc). I’m older than you are. Do they help with lines and wrinkles? Thanks!

    1. Absolutely no down time. They don’t even “peel” — and she can adjust the strength depending on your skin.

      I like that my doctor administers them herself. She told me on my first visit – not that her assistant can’t do it, but she wants to see how my skin reacts, and spend that time with me each time assessing how things are going.

  16. I enjoyed reading this post. It was a nice change from fashion even though I follow you for that reason. 🤔 It gives us an insight into life of a blogger. 
    I have a question but hesitate to ask. Have you had or ever considered Botox?  Have this line developing between my eyes from squinting and am considering it. 

    1. You can ask me anything! 🙂 I have considered it, but I haven’t done it. The cosmetic dermatologist I’m seeing doesn’t think I need it yet… her words, lol. I may never want it, I am TERRIFIED of needles.

  17. Thanks for sharing a peek into your personal life and keeping it real as always! We all can relate.
    It has been a week of -20 here 😝 Bone chilling cold!! Supposed to warm up Monday thankfully or else I will either lose my mind, my patience or book a trip to Mexico breaking my budget! Hibernating in the mean time……….

  18. I loved this post. I didn’t see or didn’t remember you asking for questions. The ones you chose are great! Keep up the good work!

  19. I loved the question and answer session! It would be great if you could have them at least once a month.

  20. I really liked this post! Especially the part about the fashion trends you’d like to see go away and those you’d like to see come back. Those front tuck oversized drop shoulder sweaters-just NO. I have a very similar shape to yours. I’m just a little shorter at 5’4″. You’re my personal fit model. If it looks good you, there’s a good chance it might work on me. 

  21. Can’t wait until drop shoulders and front tucks are gone.  The young, thin bloggers tucking in their chunky knit sweaters always amuses me.  
    Not going to be sad when we get past the cropped straight pants either.  

    1. Wonderful post!!!! Please do more of these. I love your fashion style and that you teach, inform, and make me laugh along the way. Last nite was first time I used the overnight lip peel product. Yay! I liked it.

      I would like to see a segment “In or Out?” where readers could submit accessory photos for your expert help on should they stay or should they go now.

  22. I really enjoyed the Q & A in yesterday’s post. I’m looking for premium jeans in petite sizes, but am having a hard time finding them. Can you recommend a couple of brands that might carry petites?
    Thanks!

    1. They don’t usually offer in petite, per se. I guess the petite bloggers look for shorter inseams or tailor them? You can always cut them off yourself, as long as any other distressing in the jeans lines up (like knee area, especially.)

  23. I agree with you on the oversized drop shoulder sweater–especially since I have narrow shoulders, large bust, small waist–it just hides the smallest part of me. I also have larger hips, though, and the front tuck has been so helpful for me with certain blousy tops (especially with a nice belt) to draw the eye in as an hourglass; otherwise I’m blocky looking or all hips. I am moving towards more tailored tops, though, to just go back to tucking in, especially since rises are higher.

  24. I am interested in how you found out about this intermittent fasting. You mentioned in one blog that you wouldn’t have liked the dress ( think it was the stripe midi one). I couldn’t find the exact quote. I Would like more personal experience on how you got interested, how you think you body has changed and what a typical day is like with the program. I think I have the name of the book somewhere but would like the name of it again. I may have put the book in my cart on amazon. 

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