Sunny & 75

TGIF! Gals, Spring weather is starting to appear. The skies are brighter and the afternoons are warmer.
Vivian Louise and I have been playing outside today and currently she's napping (she has a brand new molar and got her 15 months shots today so I'm hoping it's a long slumber) I'm going to share with you my favorite outside essentials. It's sunny and 75 here in Charlotte right now so here's what I've pulled out for this happy occasion.

1. Sunscreen

Sunscreen

Gals I can't scream about sunscreen enough!!!!! Your skin is your largest organ. Take care of it.  Protect it from disease. And preserve your beauty with the prevention of wrinkles. Pale is pretty and I'm not just saying that because I glow in the dark #truth

2. Sunglasses

Sunglasses

How cool is it that Polaroid is making polarized sunglasses. It makes sense though. And they're affordable.  I was ready to splurge on a designer pair but every time I try them on they all are just way too big for my face.  I literally feel and look like a clown.
PS We defiantly had a polaroid camera growing up :)

3. Sunhat

Sunhat

Look chic and cool while shading your face, neck and shoulders. I'm a baseball hat kind of gal when I'm hiding my dirty hair and make up free face but when I'm playing outside or out and about I prefer a sunhat. They're lady like, lightweight and just so pretty.

4. Sandals

Sandals

So I know these aren't designer or even pretty.  In fact my sister is constantly making fun of them but goodness gracious are they comfortable and perfect for playing outside when you don't want to wear sneakers. They're supportive so you can still chase your toddler if you have one.  I'm constantly thinking about those things now.
These sandals have come a long way in colors, patterns and styles. I had to find the snazziest style so I chose the metallic rose gold.
Sidenote: I remember splurging on a pair of these in high school.  That was sooooo much money for me those day.

5. Smiles

Smiles and Squeezes :)

Enjoy the sunshine with your sunshines.  Just being outside in God's creation brings me great joy, but sharing it with the ones I love, well it doesn't get better than that!
I can't wait for our landscaping to be complete so we can lay in our hammock on Sunday afternoons just soaking in our blessings.

Dress Beautifully in the Sunshine

XOXO Sarah Louise

Sweet Carolina Blue

This is it! This jumpsuit in it's Carolina blue gingham is the feel pretty piece for Spring.  I ordered it in February when the skies were sad grey and rainy but the sun is coming out and warming the air and I REALLY want to wear this in real life! 

Made of light cotton it's cool and comfortable.  The halter neck ties in a sweet bow and there's pockets! I won't avoid the truth, because it is a jumpsuit you will have to untie the bow unzip the back and be half naked when you go to the ladies room. Eh details.

The cut is the most flattering. Here's why, the halter neckline has angles that highlight your shoulders showing a little extra skin, elongating the arms and drawing the eye upwards to your face.  It also covers the décolletage which to me is always a good idea (cleavage is tacky!)

The waist band is at just the right spot creating a tiny waistline.  The wide leg pant balances the fitted bodice and creates lots of room for comfort. 

And because the pant is cropped you can wear what ever shoes you want.

I'm clearly in love.  I dressed it up with pumps and a pearl handbag but how cute would a pair of espadrilles or wedges be? Or even flat sandals for dinner and ice cream (at the beach would be best!)

Tip: Your hair is part of styling an outfit and you should always consider the neckline. If it's high put half or all of your hair up and if it's low/showing lots of skin wear it down. Balance. 

Gingham Jumpsuit | Pumps | Handbag | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in this Carolina Blue Gingham Jumpsuit

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mamma Monday: Baby Blessings

Remember when you were engaged and you went from girlfriend to fiancee.  It was such a short time and then you'd be wife forever.  It's a sweet chapter as you prepared to wed.  I find pregnancy to be similar (well instead of sweet mine was filled with puke but special nonetheless).  Those you love are in celebration for you and send blessings of happiness.

Well this past weekend I hosted a baby shower (I'm starting to loose count of just how many over the past 5 years - don't drink the water!) for a dear friend from our church.  She's my age and was just married a little over a year ago.  We bonded over her sickness during her first trimester ... so much PTSD!  I did my best to encourage her and lucky for her it passed.
I was silently hoping for her to have a girl so that I could share Vivian Louise's wardrobe and other girlie things but she's having a precious baby boy.

I immediately raised my hand to host her shower - Mr is constantly asking me why I'm always so eager to host showers. Because it brings me great joy to bless others.  We all love to be celebrated and to know that I've contributed is an amazing feeling.

I find that hosting showers can be intimidating to most ....
My home isn't big or nice enough
I don't have nice enough serving ware
I'm not creative

I'm here to tell you that you can host a very elegant and beautiful shower regardless if you live in a mansion or have crafting skills (UGH I think 'Pinterest' showers are incredibly tacky)

1. I believe a home is the best place to hold celebrations.  It's personal and comfortable. No one, and I mean no one cares about the size or how fancy your house is.  Open those doors wide! As for room, ladies will gather together chair or no chair.  But I find you can always slide the furniture around and squeeze in some chairs (even if they are from your patio set, I've done it).
I hosted a bridal shower and my sisters baby shower in my 1 bedroom apartment on the second floor with over 20 gals - and we all had a blessed and cozy time!

2. I didn't inherit any fancy crystal or silver.  My china was my Mamma's and it's not a high end brand but it's more special to me because it was hers.  My silver was all purchased at my favorite thrift store here in Charlotte. I have two sets so that I have plenty for large gatherings. I have a few sets of tea cups that I will mix and match and can select based on the occasion.  I also collect vintage linens from this same thrift shop and use whenever I host.
Gals, if possible please do not use paper/plastic products. I know it will be a lot of dishes to clean and laundry but these occasions are worth it!

3. As for creativity, a colored pen is as crafty as I get.  I don't even color code my spreadsheets. I find crafts and 'Pinterest' type decorations tacky. Some colored balloons and bouquets of flowers are all you need! Favors don't have to be expensive or crafty either.  On Sunday I handed out sachets of gladiolus bulbs for guests to take home and plant. I've gifted tiny plants, soaps, lavender sachets, and nice chocolates.

You gals know I avoid my kitchen at all costs, so I always delegate when it comes to the food.  Guests want to help so include them by letting a few bring a dish.  It saves you time and mess.

Yes those are Chick-fil-a nuggets on a silver platter. #classy

I believe the key to a wonderful shower is to remember the reason you're hosting/gathering - to bless another!

Maybe you don't have a shower to host, but you could have your gal pals over for a meal or keep it simple and serve coffee and dessert sprinkled with chit chat.

Dress Your Next Shower Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Lavender Lovelies

TGIF! Hope you gals have had a great week.  We have especially enjoyed welcoming Spring and all it's seasonal happiness.  This week flew by because we spent it having fun: Tuesday we played with Vivian's cousin and my sister, Wednesday with a day at Grandma's and her chickens and ducks (Vivian adored the animals) and yesterday with our most favorite Daddy.  He had a day off and since those only happen a few times a month we soaked him up!
He's on call today but gracious I'm hoping that phone doesn't ring because we have plans for a date night!!
For the weekend I'm hosting a baby shower for a sweet gal at church and her baby boy. So tickled to bless her.  It brings back all the joy I had waiting for baby girl :)

Speaking of baby girl, when I was pregnant with her I chose lavender as the color for her nursery and then it carried on through her clothes and mine! While I adore pink more than anything but lavender is just as pretty, sweet and a color that's not overused.

So here are my lavender favorites that I promise you'll feel pretty in this Spring:

Jumpsuit
Gracious, I love jumpsuits and I may have to pull the trigger on this one!

Dress
If you have a wedding or special occasion coming up this dress would be fabulous.
It also comes in several other colors.

Sweater
Ideal for this time of year when it can still be chilly.

Pants
I already have trousers or else I'd buy these!
They would definitely add some light and prettiness to your work wear.

Slides
Love the subtle bow.  They are just the right blend of dressy and casual.
And not to mention a low heel is practical and comfortable.

Sneakers
I know they're a splurge but gracious I wear these almost every. single. day. #truth

Purse

This purse designer has been trending hot for several years now.  I Amy have to jump on the band wagon late.  I love the unique styles and colors.

Earrings
I love this brand and have several pairs of earrings. This style looks light and just a hint of color.

Eyeshadow

I recently added this palette to my make up drawer and LOVE it! I have green eyes and man do they pop with these purples.  I've been using this one for 4 year and love it's pinkish purple shades too.

Nail Polish
One of my favorite!

Dress Beautifully in Lavender

XOXO Sarah Louise

Hello Spring!

It's here! It's here! Spring is here! I'm so excited for flowers, sunshine and warmer weather.  Now according to my weather app the actual conditions aren't quite falling into line but it's ok I'll be patient.  I am going to start dressing the part.  That means lighter colors and floral prints.

This outfit is perfect to transition between the seasons.  This top with its tiny floral print, delicate ruffle detail and smocking to create a pretty shape is so much fun for week day or weekend.  It pairs nicely with jeans or trousers/pencil skirt. And because it's sleeveless layer a blazer for added sophistication. Or denim jacket for a more casual look. I love how the darker shades balance the bright flowers to ease you into Spring.

I paired it with a medium wash jean but I really want to pull out my white jeans.  Pretty sure I'm not going to be able to wait until Easter.

Now these booties are amazing! They're a little bit edgy, a little bit cool weather and a little bit warm weather. In a nut shell wear them all year.  I tend to wear very classic pieces but I also love to add touches of modern. When you add in current trends with your classics you create a very modern look without being too trendy. These booties are comfortable and are even great with dresses.
I'm obsessed.

Smocked Floral Top | Jeans | Booties | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in Tiny Florals & Booties for Spring

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mamma Monday: More Compassion - Less Comparison

Hello Mammas!  I hope that you all had a sweet weekend with your littles.  Ours was one for the books. Baby Vivian Louise started to walk!!! She had been standing for a few seconds and even trying to move her feet but nothing significant.  Saturday she decided to go for it and now she's off on her own two feet.  I'm a very proud Mamma!

Milestones are sweet and special.  You cheer them on with each and every new thing and beam with joy at their successes.  They can also cause you to compare, compete and feel left behind when you see other children doing things before or better than yours (thanks social media for putting it in our faces from a million different angles).
I couldn't wait to post the video of Vivian Louise walking across our living room to me! To share such an awesome moment with friends and family who love her and us brought lots of happiness.

Now, she did this at 14 1/2 months.  We see a lot kiddos that are walking before their first birthday.  And I feel like she's surrounded by giants because she's so tiny.  Not to mention she's not a good eater.

And gracious the comparison among us Mammas! Some work, some have husbands home every night, some have family support nearby, some have nannies, and some have multiples.
God has a purposeful plan for each of us full of blessings. #truth
I encourage us all to be grateful in ALL things. I promise we all have more than we deserve.

Mammas I'm here to tell you I struggle with this every. single. day.
Mr works over 200 hours a month in the ER, most of which are night shifts. I haven't been in the corporate world for over a year and I'm constantly a domestic failure.
But I give thanks for his service heart and his hard work to provide. I cherish the time I do have with him.  I often stare at my suits hanging in the closet but that salary can't compete with her sweet smile. And cooking and cleaning don't define a good wife or mother. So I put the negativity in a box and enjoy the life I've been given.  There will be new chapters, lots of change and I'm positive I'll be shocked by how it all turns out.

Listen here. We all have a plate full of challenges.

BUT...

Your baby is made perfect, in the image of God.  We are all created uniquely with our own talents. And will do things in His perfect timing.

Vivian Louise's Dress

They say it takes a village.  I couldn't agree more! It's the love, encouragement and grace from others that has made this Mamma life more beautiful.

So let's be a village that encourages.  Cheer on other Mammas and their children's successes because you have your own successes just around the corner.

Your family is yours and you protect it, love it and nurture it.  Don't go looking into other houses.

Comparison is the thief of joy while compassion gives kindness.

Dress Beautifully in Compassion

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Vaca Vibes

TGIF! Gals, it was warm and rain free this week (except for today) but honestly I welcome today's rain. I know I know, I've been so sad about the rain this year but I've been working so hard in our yard this week that I need a break. I'm sore all over! Vivian Louise absolutely loved playing outside this week.  The fresh air and sunshine truly did us good :)

I have vacation on my mind 24/7.  We have another 2 1/2 months until we are toes in the sand but I'm mentally packing now! I am beyond giddy about showing baby girl the ocean for the first time!

So here are some of my favorite vaca finds for the week for you & your mini:

Ruffle Dress

Love the light and airy feel of this dress! And the unique lavender with pinstripe.

Gingham Jumpsuit

Obsessed with this baby blue! It's in my closet and coming to a post asap!

Hopefully that will give me a little fix since I can't wear it yet in real life.

Stripe Sweater Blazer

Nautical, yes please!

Shorts

So much yes for the 5" leg!

Beach Cover Up Dress

How easy breezy to put this on over your swimsuit and move around with ease (and with a babe on your hip #reality)

Baby Swimsuit

I love the long sleeves on this to cover her precious skin from the sun.

Eyelet Floppy Hat

Pretty and practical to shade her.

 Dress Beautifully for Spring & Vacation

XOXO Sarah Louise

Hint of Spring

I dare say that Spring is in the air! More like it hasn't rained in 3 days so I'm celebrating the sunshine and outside as much as possible.
Florals for Spring -  revolutionary right?!!

Sprinkling in pretty printed blooms surely does give your outfits that Springy look. Rather than mix the brighter, lighter flowers with lighter brighter neutrals, stick to the deep dark neutrals for the transition from winter to spring. Like navy, black Burgundy and plum for example.

And once Easter finally gets here (so late this year!) you can go ahead and slip into those white jeans. Or just skirt the rules and wear them whenever you want.

This blouse is one of my best additions this year. It's comfortable and the collar is absolutely gorgeous and feminine.
The paper bag pant is a must! It whittles your waist and if that wasn't enough they're super comfortable.

Also, I'm a big advocate of the ankle length pant.  It allows for any type of shoe creating a variety of looks & styles.

Top | Paper Bag Pants | Similar Pumps | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully with a Touch a Spring

XOXO Sarah Louise