Last week, I sent out an open call on Instagram for any questions you had for me. You asked about everything from whether I think accent walls are out of style (not if done the right way) to my favorite hymn (Great is Thy Faithfulness). Keep reading for more of “You Ask/I Answer”. . .
What’s your weekly dinner routine? This was the question I got the most. Feeding a family (big or small) is a never-ending task, and I wish I could give you a good solution. We’re in a busy season where we’re rarely all home the same night and when we are, there’s no one thing that everybody will eat. Poppyseed chicken casserole is a favorite and we usually do pizza, burgers or tacos at least once a week. Nothing crazy. I’m personally not that fond of meat (but will occasionally eat chicken) so I usually make my dinner on the side after everyone finishes. I like salads or roasted veggies or a soup that I can eat on all week.
If budget weren’t an issue, what would be your next home project? I have three big projects on my wish list right now. Our master bathroom and closet will get renovated at some point, and I’d love to do a pretty patio in our backyard. Eventually, we’d also like to convert part of our walk-up attic to an office/guest room.
Do you take the pictures of your home yourself? Camera or iPhone? I take my own pictures for the blog, and almost always use my iPhone. Since I just had my blog redesigned and the images are bigger now, it seemed like a good time to upgrade my phone to the iPhone 11 Pro Max. The camera is really good–as it should be–and I’m having fun playing around with it.
My husband insists on a ceiling fan in our living room. Do you recommend a white one that blends in with the ceiling or a wood tone? My first instinct would be to go with white so that it doesn’t draw the eye up. I’ve shared it before but if you’re looking for a stylish fan with a light, I really like this style. (The blades are reversible so you have a choice.)
How often do you rearrange the stuff in your house? I go through phases where I don’t care if I ever change a thing again and then other phases where I’ll not be able to sleep until I move some furniture around. (I’ve learned to ignore my husband’s eye rolls. . . ) I change up things probably more than necessary for blog or Instagram shots. But anytime I’m feeling restless with the house, I’ll always opt for rearranging over organizing something. . .
What is your skincare routine? Well this is embarrassing for an almost 43-year-old woman to say, but my skincare routine is pathetic. I often sleep in my makeup (gasp!) because I’m just too tired to take it off. I sometimes muster up the energy to use a face wipe at night. In the morning, I use Cetaphil cleanser and right now I’m using this oil and this moisturizer. I also wear this foundation which has a moisturizer and SPF 50+.
How did you meet your husband? This is timely since we just celebrated our 19th anniversary a couple of days ago. I had just started my junior year of college and he was working while in grad school. He started attending the church where I grew up and figured out that my dad was the music director and my mom was the church pianist. He decided to join the choir (for two whole weeks) before he asked me out and the rest is history. . . He hasn’t sung in a choir since, I might add.
Favorite song of the moment? My favorite new song is Rescue Story.
How do you balance working with mom duties? I don’t. Chances are, if things are going more smoothly around our house, I’m probably blogging a little less. If things are looking productive for me online, it’s almost certain that I’m stressed out, the house is a disaster and nobody has clean underwear. I’m in awe of those of you who actually get yourselves out the door each day to a job away from the house.
Have other questions you’d like to me to answer in an upcoming post? Leave them the comments.
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May I just say thank you for your honest answer to the ‘how do you balance everything’ question? I believe you also said at one point that a well kept secret about motherhood is that it doesn’t become any less demanding of your time as they get older. Thank you for speaking these truths! It helps so many of us to hear that from others :)
Thank you, Jennifer :)
Totally agree! Thank you Emily for the reminder. I am 35 y/o with 2 young children and I have been following your blog since before I was married. I have gleaned much encouragement from your honesty and the glimpses into your life/home. I wish more young moms could accept these truths a relax a little. Thank you for continuing to blog and share on insta. You’re awesome!
I lOVE THAT YOU ARE GIVING YOUR AUDIENCE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE qUESTIONS/ANSWER SESSION. i ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO READING YOUR BLOG. i AM SO IMPRESSED THAT YOU ARE BLOGGING, RAISING CHILDREN AND RUNNING A HOUSEHOLD. IT IS A FULL TIME JOB FOR ANY OF US! i HAVE MOVED PASS ALL THAT WITH 3 BEAUTIFUL GRANDCHILDREN OF MY OWN BUT I REMEMBER HOW EXTREMELY BUSY I WAS ALL THE TIME. THAT WAS BEFORE THE DAYS OF ALL THE SOCIAL MEDIA. MY HAT IS OFF TO ALL YOUNG MOTHERS TRYING TO DEAL WITH THAT AS WELL! MY PASSION HAS ALWAYS BEEN INTERIOR DESIGN. HOW DO YOU STAY TRUE TO YOUR STYLE WHEN YOU SEE ALL THESE BEAUTIFULLY APPOINTED ROOMS VIA PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK? aT MY AGE YOU WOULD THINK THAT i WOULD KNOW WHAT MY STYLE IS BUT I CONSTANTLY WANT TO CHANGE MY HOME BASED ON MY LOVE FOR ALL THE BEAUTIFUL PICTURES I SEE. hELP!
I am constantly astonished when my children come to me and say they have no clean underwear. are they wearing multiple pairs a day? I stay at home, too and appreciate your honesty…especially about the meal planning. Poppyseed chicken casserole sounds yummy, so you should share that recipe!
Are you planning a Christmas gift guide for the kids?
I need help with seven year old GS!
Yes, working on that now and will do one for both younger and older kids. Should be posting them in the next week or two.
Where did you get the animal print dress you’re wearing in your blog photo? It’s lovely and although I can find similar dresses they all have shorter sleeves. thanks!
I found it last year at H&M.
Thanks! It looks great on you!
I WOULD LOVE THAT CASSEROLE RECIPE, PLEASE!
Will do! So easy I can make it in my sleep by now :)
Do you think that the renewed interest in wallpaper is more popular in the South than in other parts of the country? My friends and I removed all traces of it in our Homes a while ago, and now it seems to be coming back!
(Hope this comment doesn’t show up all in caps!)
Hi Emily
i’ve read your blog for a long time and really appreciate how real you are. We have 4 adult children and the constant Message of the “perfect life” on social media is so harmful for young mothers. Thank you for sharing your “real” life. It may not be perfect but it’s the reflection of an active, happY normal family!
I just love You! The no clean Underwear made Me laugh and choke on my coffee. 😂
Could you tell me the name of your church? I enjoy watching your choir on youtube and can’t reMember the name. i was hoping the young man who came from brooklyn taBernacle had some solos. I love everything about you except i’m a university of memphis tiger fan and you like that other old school
I really appreciate your candor; your realness is why you are one of my read-every-time-she-posts blogs.! I have been obsessively searching for the perfect ornaments this year after being inspired by your Christmas tree last year–I love how you combined the family ornaments with the monochromatic ball ornaments to style it up a little bit. the colors in my house are very similar to yours, but I’m not in love with red. What other colors would you do on a real, non-flocked Christmas tree? I’ve been thinking about emerald green and chartreuse. Or maybe red could be the pop for Christmas? I can’t wait to see what you do this year!
Hi Emily,
I REALLY love reading YOUR blog. Could you share some ideas for a small bathroom remodel.
Thanks
Hi! Do You have a recommendation for lighting for End tables in thr middle of the living room? I don’t want kids tripping over chOrds but also need lighting. Ceiling lIghts are not an option. Thanks for your wisDom and for being such a role model!
What are your thoughts on transitioning from a playroom to a “hang out” room? My girls are getting older now and i want them to stay creative and use the space while wanting to have friends over. Thanks!
Can I just say how much i appreciate that you didn’t link a single item in this post’s photo? That is a breath of fresh air! Thank you, emily!
Enjoyed the post! I only have three kiddos and it seems i have more underwear in the baskeT than Shirts or Pants 🤔
Tree collars? Any suggeStions?
Quality of pottery barn items? It seems they do Not have reViews
I am catching up on all your bLOg posts! Glad you’re still blogging 10 years later! Today I listened to zach Williams oN Annie F. Downs That Sounds Fun podcast. Check it out! I didn’t know anything aBout him but such an amazing story of God’s faithfulness and grace. They mention the reScue song. Blessings! Sorry this is in all caps 🤪💁