Hi, I'm Suger.
My name is Melissa Walker Horn, and somewhere along the way, I became Suger. I'm a writer, photographer, business owner, and an OG blogger. I love a casual ootd, my family, and the beach. I've got a thing for cheese, but there's no way you'll ever catch me eating apricot chicken. I'm not sure why you need to know that, but there it is.
My story is about creating a life I love, a gift I wish to offer every woman and girl out there. On this blog, I hope to deliver that to you, your friend, daughter or a lady you met on the street. So settle in, grab your beverage of choice and let's get started, shall we?
the latest from the blog
Here’s hoping fashion can boost my self-esteem and confidence
If you've read anything I've posted on the blog in the last two years, the very few and far-between snippets from my life, you would know it was struggle-town over here. Population me! Anxiety was at an all-time high, sending confidence and self-esteem flying out the window and running for the hills. And if you didn't, now you're caught up. A genuine crisis of confidence makes it very difficult to show up a blog with a literal (e)book on the matter. But when I started to plan to clean out my closet, deciding what could stay and what could go,...
Hank & Hera Premium Sleep & Loungewear
In my inbox this week are Hank & Hera and their thoughtfully designed sleep and loungewear available in sizes 4 - 34. Yes, you heard that right. It's a generous size range, and I've found them to have plenty of room to move within that range. But I'm getting ahead of myself. In my inbox might be the series, but Hank & Hera isn't new news to me; I've been working with Philippa on their website and emails for a while now. From the start, I had a draft here waiting for me to share the story of this brand with you. What is 'In My Inbox'...
It’s been a while since I had my heart broken
It's hard to believe that my first post about our new puppy, Fetch, is probably my last. No sugarcoating it here, this past few weeks have sucked. Big time. Skip this one if you're not in the mood, folks. I just wanted to make sure he was documented here, where all the things I love are documented. I'd always joked about getting a dog and naming them Fetch. Something that I never thought Kel would let me get away with. But when we picked him up on June 18th, he was never going to be anything else. Welcome to the family, Fetchy boy. A male...
Where to begin…
I've sat down to write this update post multiple times now. It's been a while, and there is a lot to catch up on. Stuff with me, the business, the house, finding my feet after the year that was 2020 and everything in between. But then the sheer volume overwhelms me, and I delete the draft and run for the hills. But not today. No sir. Today, it's happening even if I don't cover everything (like, the house probably needs its own post. Actually, maybe so do the changes with my business). It happened; if you're reading this, I did it....
I stopped writing about confidence when anxiety took over
Writing a blog about confidence is pretty tough when you feel like a fraud. I should know; that's exactly how I felt. Looking back, I knew things were really out of control when I attended an event in Brisbane, pre-Covid. In a room full of people, most I'd known for years, I couldn't breathe. Nothing could distract or settle me. The walls were closing in, and the only thing I could do was get outside, sit and try to gather myself. Maybe some of you were there or heard an account of it. Some people got back to me, said I was rude, stand-offish...
New to me plus-size brands giving big summer energy
A beach baby since before birth, I'm team summer, even if it leaves me a frizzy, sweaty mess more often than not. Thankfully, after a little exploring online, some new to me plus-size brands with big summer energy popped into my feed. Everything you need for a Queensland summer, from swimwear to activewear (or as I like to call them, clothes), as well as lightweight sets and dresses. What constitutes 'big summer vibes'? No compromise on style or trendiness, no mention of flattering (gag). Fun, exciting shapes and designs in a range of sizes....
What I learned when I gave up drinking
I'm serious when I tell you when I gave up drinking, I hadn't intended to. One day I was changing how I ate, looking to achieve a whole host of things, and I decided alcohol wouldn't fit in with those changes. So, I stopped drinking. Now, It's been three months since I gave up drinking, and I don't miss it. Thinking about it now, I can count on one hand the number of times I've even given it a second thought. Very strange for someone who enjoyed a good drink or two but here we are. Most people who have heard about this recent development are...
Make something, even if it sucks: Ask Suger
Considering I was in my office this morning before 6 am, you'd think I'd be ready to roll with this email early, right? Apparently not. I got caught up making a few changes to the blog branding I had a dream about last night. Saying it came to me in a dream seems a little out there, but that's kind of how it went. I've been bringing the look of the blog and socials into 2022 and generally tinkering around behind the scenes for a while now. But I feel like I have found the final piece to the puzzle (along with some stuff I have happening...
How much I made on Fiverr in my first year
It all started with a simple question, can I earn money on Fiverr as a photographer? Keen to get into doing more product photography, I was looking for a way to find clients and generate more work for myself. A YouTube video about a freelance copywriter on CNBC's Millennial Money convinced me to turn to Fiverr. And after the first month, I received my first order. After the first six months on the platform, I was on a roll that didn't stop. Soon I was a Level One (I wrote about that), then Level Two Seller. I don't plan to break things down...
Create a life you love.
When I say "create a life," I mean take control of your life and shape it into what you desire. Don't just go along with the status quo. Instead, discover what you want for yourself, what you enjoy, and how you spend your time. It could start with small steps, like tidying up a messy space in your home, wearing clothes that reflect your style, or carving out time for yourself. Ultimately, it can grow into something as substantial as you can imagine. Sounds good, right? Let's make it happen!
what's trending on the blog
not sure where to start? here are the posts people keep on coming back for
can i make money as a photographer on fiverr?
where to buy plus size swimwear
how to turn your summer dress into a top!
dying my hair blue and maintaining the colour
looking for my style tips?
here are some of our favourite looks, biggest gripes and things i love about style
where to buy on trend women’s shoes for large feet
are basics only stylish on thin women?
no one cares if you’re an outfit repeater!
how to look ‘dressed up’ wearing sneakers
looking for a confidence boost?
check out these must-read posts to get you started building your self-esteem, confidence and body image
my body confidence story plus video
your body image is not your partners job
i’ve been struggling to get in front of a camera
books to improve your body image
ready to make money online?
sharing what I've learned in the last decade of earning a living online through blogging, content creation and more
blogging resources + other useful stuff!
can i make money as a photographer on fiverr?
how to start a blog; according to me
