the latest from the blog
and there's plenty more where they came from
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Feeling left behind in life: Ask Suger
A couple of weeks ago, I received an Ask Suger talking about the changes they had been going through in their life and how they felt behind everyone else they knew. And it wasn't that they were not getting what they wanted, feeling as if they were taking giant...
How did I disappear from my life?
Where did I go? That's the question I've been asking myself lately. How did I manage to disappear from my life? Somewhere around late 2020, I stopped documenting my life, being in pictures and outside of the weekly Suger News emails sharing. Where did I go? I don't...
Taking Shape x Elverina Johnson collection
Taking Shape is thrilled to reveal the first-ever First Nations designs by the highly regarded artist Elverina Johnson. A highly respected Gungganji Gurugulu woman from Yarrabah in Far North Queensland, Elverina is one of the Nation’s most recognisable and...
Where to Buy a Plus Size Jacket Under $150
I started the hunt for a plus-size jacket because Vanessa, who reads this blog, asked if I'd spotted anything on my travels. And I had, but none that suited her needs or that she hadn't already seen and put aside. So, on Facebook, I reached out to you guys, and you...
The best ways to get your confidence back after a rough spot
Looking for ways to get your confidence back? Maybe you've had a rough time recently, a break-up, challenges with your mental health, or you've had a baby, and this is about body confidence. If you've read some of my recent posts, you know I've been struggling with my...
Are basics only stylish on thin women?
As I scrolled through the street style pictures from Australian Fashion Week and it got me thinking. And no, it wasn’t the lack of plus-size representation. I’ve talked about that before. Every damn year, I’m tired of waiting for this type of inclusion to catch up. What got me thinking was the actual street style fashion and how casual and laidback it was. Planned and executed, obviously, but think ill-fitting/oversized suits, denim and sneakers, flats and basic tees.
Classic Red Wine Sangria
We’re throwing things way back here with a Classic Red Wine Sangria from the #sugerDRINKS eBook. Yes, from 2017 and still available as a free download when you sign up for the Suger News. I received an email this week from a recent subscriber who was excited to get making some cocktails (same, what a week). And it reminded me, I haven’t done an update in a while. A long while.
Warm Up in a Knit Dress this Winter {she wore what}
You know the weather is getting chilly around here when I start wearing my knit dresses. As someone who hates feeling trapped in overly warm places, clothes or situations, I’ll only wear a knit dress when I KNOW it will be cold. And that I’ll definitely, without a doubt, need the warmth. It’s a whole thing. But I love this brief moment that my hometown turns on the winter, and we get to pretend all those winter clothes are actually useful to own.
23 Plus-Size Jumpers to Cosy Up in this Winter
The most clicks in the AW2021 trends report were to some beautiful jewel-coloured plus-size jumpers. Heading into the cooler months here, chunky, soft, cosy jumpers are in high demand; I get it. Defined as a knitted garment typically with long sleeves, worn over the upper body; jumper. You know the ones. With that in mind, I went looking a little further afield and found some GOLD.
You need a long cardigan in your wardrobe {she wore what}
Heading out into the world this week was interesting. It was cool enough for a coat, locally, but still warm enough that you could wear slides. Or, at least, I could. I know, don’t come for me, I’m warm-blooded, what can I say? I ran around doing a few errands, picking up groceries and reminding myself why I hate spending too much time at the shops. We spotted these doors, and despite a large amount of flora growing around it, I decided it was a perfect spot to grab some photos. Perfect may be a stretch, but we got them anyway – victory!
For the love of Docs {she wore what}
I mentioned on Instagram that I was breaking in some new Docs and didn’t know if I could take it. This old girl is so far past wearing anything that makes her uncomfortable; heck, most days I refuse to wear a bra. And those who know know breaking in a new pair of Dr Martens is some next level feet (ankle, heel) pain you can endure. Read the comments on the Instagram post; it’s not a “me thing”. But the other thing we know is that once you wear them in, once the leather gives and you’re through the worst, Docs are soft and wonderful, and you can live your life in them. So, you suffer. And you do it happily for the love of the Docs.
Why I’m all about living more and working less
When I say that I’m all about working less and living more, what does that mean to you? Books such as the 4-hour workweek springs to mind or every single clickbait online ad for making money while you sleep. There is a multitude of different things that could be coming to mind for you. But for me, it’s about buying back my time. For what, you might ask? For freedom, thanks.
I’ve been struggling to get in front of a camera {she wore what}
Recently I spoke about how my mojo feels like it packed up and left. Which, when you directly relate it to this blog, means taking photos of myself mostly. It’s what connects me to you and ultimately does well in the general search/Pinterest/SEO world. But I’ve been struggling to get in front of a camera. That’s the long and the short of it.
hey, i'm suger
I'm Melissa Walker Horn; around here, they call me Suger. I'm a photographer and business owner, a sneaker-wearing, wine-drinking, o.g. blogger. I love a casual ootd, my family, + the beach. I've got a thing for cheese, but there's no way you'll ever catch me eating apricot chicken. I'm here for the casual ootd and stripes, and I hate fussy, overly styled clothing and ruffles.
My story is about self-awareness and confidence, a gift I wish to offer every woman and girl out there. When it comes to this blog, that's all I hope to deliver – to you, your friend, daughter or a lady you met on the street. And as far as I'm concerned, you must keep showing up for people.