Although Houston is only a two-and-a-half hour drive from Austin, sometimes it feels like there’s an ocean between us and the stylish gals in H-Town. Texas is a big place, so even though social media tricks us into thinking we really know our fellow bloggers a few cities over, it’s seldom that we actually get to cross paths with them.
That being said, any time we’re able to put a personality to the Instagram profile, it feels like an extra special treat. And when that personality is sweet, bubbly and friendly — like Caroline Knapp of House of Harper — well, it just might be enough to make you consider making road trips to Houston a little more regularly. We had a blast finally meeting Caroline at a conference last year, and today, we’re thrilled to get a sneak peak at how the lovable blogger and mother-of-two starts her day. Without further ado…
*photography by Kate Robinson
So, what’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
My two sons are my alarm clock these days, so first on the agenda is breakfast (for them) and coffee (for me). I need coffee and a shower before I am ready for breakfast!
How long does it take you to get ready from start to finish?
I have two getting ready routines; a working-from-home routine may just require a shower and air-dried hair with some mascara and lip gloss, but on days I have meetings and photoshoots it takes me about an hour.
I shower on most mornings and let my hair air dry while putting on make-up. I put cartoons on for my two-year-old, Knox, and the baby, Andrew, is usually playing with toys (or my make-up brushes) at my feet. I can put on make-up, blow dry and curl my hair, and then get dressed in an hour (tops!)
Do you stick to the same makeup and hair routine, or do you like to experiment?
I usually stick to what I know works, but I apply more eye make-up in the evenings.
Do you have a signature scent?
Jo Malone Mimosa and Cardamom
What’s the shower product you can’t live without?
Kiehl’s Ultimate Face Wash
If you could only put on one makeup item, what would it be?
IT Cosmetics Super Hero Mascara
Your favorite getting-ready soundtrack:
I wish I had something cooler to say, but honestly all I listen to in the morning is Knox’s cartoons playing in the background!
What does your breakfast typically look like?
Breakfast at our house is usually pretty basic. We stick to honey nut cheerios and fruit, blue berry muffins, or bagels and cream cheese on most mornings.
Do you work out in the morning?
I wish I could say I do this every morning, but I’m trying to be better about working-out from home. I’m currently liking 22 Minute Hard Corps because it is fast and efficient (and I don’t have to leave the house)!
What’s your daily uniform?
A striped t-shirt and denim.
Your healthiest morning habit:
Fruit for breakfast.
Your worst morning habit:
Bagels for breakfast.
What’s one word that describes your mornings
Full.
