May 29, 2019

Over the Rainbow


Gals, I'm so giddy I can't even stand it! We leave for our 1st family vacation to the beach TOMORROW! Tomorrow baby Vivian will have her tiny toes in the sand! I'm literally squealing with excitement!! Mr couldn't even sleep last night he's so excited but he has one more shift at the hospital today then he's hanging up his stethoscope for 8 days!  He's NEVER had that much time off. #blessourhearts

With all this happy comes happy outfits. What's more happy than bright colors and rainbows?!  Maybe that's why I hate the color gray and rarely wear black. I like to dress my attitude with brightness.

I shared my love of incorporating orange pieces and accessories in this post and lots of rainbow striped pieces last Friday on this post. Here's the outfit that brings it all together.

This is definitely a weekend/vacation look but this orange bag and slides are great weeklong.  It brightens up even the most simple of outfits (think white t-shirt & jeans). I've been wearing this handbag for a week straight. I believe orange to be an under loved color so I'm happy when I see designers showcasing the sweet shade.







Lots of Rainbow Pieces Here | Orange Handbag | Slides | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in Rainbows & Oranges

XOXO Sarah Louise

May 27, 2019

All American

Happy Memorial Day!!!

While you are probably enjoying this Monday with your family at the pool, grilling out or just spending quality time at home take a time out to give gratitude to those that gave it all for this freedom we enjoy every day!

It's just Vivian and I today. Mr's been working nonstop at the hospital since we will be taking a week long vacation at the beach starting Thursday!!!! Oh if you could just see the excitement on my face :)
We visited friends this morning and will visit more friends this afternoon after nap and hopefully Mr will be home in time to grill some dinner and love on us.


We always dress in red white and blue for Memorial Day, the 4th of July and Veterans Day!


How sweet is it that Vivian can still wear her flag smocked dress from last year and gracious it still has plenty of room to last through this year. Our darling petite princess 💜

Here's what we wore yesterday to church ...


She's so precious in the pews 





Today we're keeping it casual in our all American Style!

Dress Beautifully in Red White & Blue

XOXO Sarah Louise

May 24, 2019

Colors of the Rainbow

If you have a little girl you know that rainbows and unicorns are EVERYWHERE!  You will also find  rainbow colors hot on the racks for womenswear this season too.  And I'm not opposed to a youthful vibe (just not the crop top & cut off short shorts type). Tis the season for all the bright colors.

I have to giggle a little, every time I see rainbow striped pieces it makes me think of the 'coat of many colors' from the Bible.



So here are some rainbow pieces I've found to be perfectly pretty for Summer ...























Dress Beautifully in Rainbow Stripes

XOXO Sarah-Louise

May 22, 2019

Kaleidoscope


Gals, Summer is a month away and it feels like it's already here! It's been so stinkin humid and hot these past couple of weeks. When it comes to my Summer wardrobe white jeans and bright colors are the foundation.  First of all I LOVE white! It's my most favorite to wear and it makes me feel light and bright.  As for bright colors, well the truth is I wear them all year round but I take it up a notch in the Summer.

I saw this top online the day it launched and ordered it.  Everything about it spoke to me.  The bold colors, the print, the halter neckline, the peplum waist and ALL the style options!  A top like this can be paired with all the neutrals (white, navy, olive, tan) and even colors (yellow, pink, blue & even red).  Wear it with a pencil skirt, jeans, shorts, or wide leg pants.

This halter style is particularly flattering because it highlights the shoulders and covers the chest area.  I'm not a fan of exposed cleavage. The peplum creates balance and a tiny waist line.

In a nut shell this top is FABULOUS!!!

We are going on our first family beach vacation since having baby Vivian Louise next week and this top will be in my suitcase.


Let's take a moment to appreciate the prettiest bubble gum pink handbag I ever did see!  You gals know I have a love of all things Kate Spade and this handbag is one that I will carry for decades and even pass down to Vivian.  It is truly the perfect shade of pink in a classic design.  The size is just right and the femininity is over the top.





Your hair is an important element of style. It should compliment the lines of your garments and the occasion.  Since the neckline is high I coiffed my mane in a high pony tail to show it off.  I kept it a bit loose because this look is far from serious.  It becomes necessary for survival of the Summer heat to have my mane pulled up.


I believe it's sassy and perfectly fitting to show a little skin in the warmer months. But just a little, always keep it classy.



Dress Beautifully in a Bold Bright Halter Top

XOXO Sarah Louise

May 20, 2019

Mamma Monday: Strong as a Mother

Hey Mammas! Confession, I've had epic writers block when it comes to these Mamma Monday posts, so please send me some suggestions of what you'd like to read, learn or need suggestions for.
I had a dear Mamma friend message me yesterday asking me what my secret was to being fit.

So thanks to Christina I have something to write to you about :)


Here are some guidelines to which I live a healthy and fit mom life:

1. Earthly Eating
This means I don't eat things that are prepackaged or processed. If it comes from the earth I eat it.  ALL fruits, vegetables and yes I eat meat with lunch and dinner.  I bake or grill everything. Nothing fried. I also don't eat dairy not that I necessary think it's bad (well sorta) but luckily I just don't like it.
Tip: Salads are great but dressings can ruin their nutrition so choose wisely.

2. Balance Your Intake
If you indulge on date night or at an event you must do damage control.  There's only so many calories, sugars and fats allowed per week. #balance

3. One and done
I manage portions by using smaller plates and never going back for more.

4. Homebody
I rarely eat out! I reserve it for date nights and social events. And when I am out I refrain from eating chips, bread and other tempting items.

5. Sweat ALL 7
I exercise daily! I LOVE to move. I don't have a set routine but when the weather's nice you'll find me running pushing my sidekick.  I make sure to have at minimum 3 intense cardio sessions a week. I run and take group classes.
I do wear a Fitbit so I can monitor my activity.
Side note: I'm seriously thinking of moving over to the Apple Watch for it's unique features but the fear of additional 'plugged in connections' has me hesitating.

Tip: choose exercises that you like. I'm not a fan of cycling or rowing so I don't do them very often but I will push myself to take a class to give my body variety. Don't do something because you think you should or because everyone else is doing it.  Sweat sessions should be enjoyed! 

6. Lift
Weight lifting is epically important when it comes to being fit.  I pump iron just as much if not more than I do cardio.  Weight bearing exercise is extremely vital for women to strengthen us as we are vulnerable to osteoporosis. I also think muscles are soooo HOT! I feel empowered when I finish lifting weights.  And then the next day I feel like a feeble old woman with my sore limbs. haha
Body weight exercises are fantastic too! Think burpees, jump squats, push ups, pull ups etc ....



I don't believe in striving for perfection!  In fact I was reminded yesterday when trying to take a picture with baby Vivian Louise of our Sunday best and she was a complete wiggle worm, that the best is in the laughter and happiness of life. That IS perfect. (This is now one of my favorite pictures) Aim for healthy and strong not a dress size!

Tip: Work days make it challenging to fit in exercising so focus on just 2 week days and hitting it hard Saturday and Sunday.

I encourage you to take care of your body by feeding it healthy fuel and to strengthen it with regular sweat sessions.

Dress Beautifully with Healthy Eating and Exercise

XOXO Sarah Louise

May 17, 2019

how does your garden grow?


Welcome to our little garden!  When we bought our home one of the neat things about the property was this area behind a brick wall off to the right side between the house and driveway that the previous owners had used for a garden.  While my Grandma and Mamma have always grown fresh vegetables every summer I have not had the opportunity and quite honestly no desire to invest the energy.  But since the frame work was already here I'm excited to continue the legacy and to teach baby Vivian Louise about plants and watch them grow together.

Also, there is nothing more delicious than eating a fresh mater sandwich outside. eh maybe a slice of cold watermelon on a July/August afternoon!


She's become my little helper every day!

Here is what it looked like before ...



And Now ....


Here you can see our little secret tucked away behind this wall.


We had to do some work to this garden as the years had put some wear on it.  We took down the rotting wood fence than encased it and put up this metal one. Vivian loves to open and close the gate.

I also kept the cement bunny and large pot the previous owners had left in the yard and the silly cat that I found buried in the yard at our old house. Vivian loves them :)

I'm eager to remove the walkway and replace with some stone.


I removed all of the red mulch and replaced it with pea gravel.  It looks much nicer and helps with water retention, prevents erosion and keeps us a little less dirty.

As for the plants I purchased them at this size rather than starting from seeds due to timing and I wanted to set myself up for success.
I also was conservative to the number I planted, just 3 per bed.

I planted heirloom tomatoes, small sweet peppers, cherry tomatoes and in the left corner some herbs (cilantro, rosemary and basil).


I also had to pull up some of the smaller beds because the wood was in poor shape.  These 5 large beds will do for now but we are thinking next year we will replace them with new materials and raise them a bit higher.


I often say Vivian is growing like a weed and now I know the truth behind that phrase.  Weeds grow so fast and sneak up on you.  It seems like we are pulling them out almost every day but we are having fun doing it.

Tip from my Mamma: Save your coffee grounds and egg shells. They are great for the dirt around your plants.


Vivian and I have made it part of our day-to-day to spend time in the garden.  It has become so much more fun that I ever thought it would be.

Even if you don't have the space or time to plant a garden try a simple pot or two in a sunny spot in your home for some herbs or even a pretty flower.
Plants are something I love and have them throughout my home.  I prefer them to cut bouquets because I can keep them over time and help them grow. They also keep the air in your home healthier.


Her favorite part is playing with the rocks!!!  I have to make sure she doesn't actually eat one.  She scatters them and I enjoy watching her laugh and make a mess.


Dress Your Summer Beautifully with a Garden

XOXO Sarah Louise

May 15, 2019

Summer Special Occasion Dress


When I think of a special occasion dress, I imagine a knee length cocktail dress made of heavier fabric with perhaps beading, shine and typically a unique neckline that shows a little skin. In the Summer, special occasions can often be outdoors like weddings, showers and evenings on vacation. In this case I love lighter fabrics, longer lengths and brighter accessories that keep you situationally appreciate while also pretty and comfortable.

So for your upcoming events in this Summer try a midi or maxi dress like this one that's made with light fabric, maybe some ruffles and a unique print.  Bring the 'fancy' with your shoes and accessories.  I also encourage you to select a dress this isn't such a statement that it's a one-time wear. That's not a good investment of your money or in your wardrobe.  What I mean is, make sure it's not so unique or embellished it can't be won't to several types of occasions whether they be day or night.

This dress I've had for a few years now and it's been to a wedding, a gals night out and on vacation.
Anthropolgie is a go-to for unique pieces!

I like this dress for the soft snake print, airy fabric and the silhouette. It shows a little skin but not too much. And it highlights the waist with the attached belt making it very feminine.
While the grey-blue hues are cool I added shine and warmth with these rose gold slides.
Gals, I adore these sandals. They're shiny and comfortable with the block heel.  Pretty with casual or dressy outfits.

You could add any color with your shoes or jewelry to this dress.







Dress Beautifully in a Summer Special Occasion Dress

XOXO Sarah Louise