The Best Gifts

 Happy Monday Gals! I want to Kindly interrupt the overwhelming content of sales, gift guides, giveaways, and home decor because while those can be helpful, they can create feelings of discontentment, inadequacy, want and a big dent in your budget! 

I hope that we are all focusing on the REAL meaning of Christmas, the undeserved gift of our savior Jesus Christ, but still giving gifts is a big part of this season.  To say it is all about the kids is mostly true. We as adults still love to give and receive.  Gift giving is a way to show appreciation and love for someone.  It brings just as much joy to the recipient as it does the giver.

What can diminish that joy is if it was a detriment to your budget, or with intent of extravagance/competition or even just to check a box. 

Here are gifts you can give that will bless someone far greater than anything you can find on a store shelf! #guaranteed

Celebrated my sister's birthday with cupcakes in the car

1. Time - I know, I know, the calendar is already FULL despite the lack of gatherings. Let go of things that are stealing your time: Netflix, Hallmark Christmas movies (record them for later), house projects, online shopping, scrolling on your phone etc.. and replace them with a scheduled date to FaceTime, phone chat or a safe meet up for hot chocolate, errands, or walk in the park with a loved one. The fellowship with a friend is more valuable than the most precious of presents! 

Tip: Scheduling isn't just to satisfy the Type A gals, it solidifies the event.  Because we're all guilty of casual intentions 'let's get together' or 'we should grab coffee sometime'.

2. Handwritten Note - Ok this will cost you $0.55 for a stamp. Gracious! They've really gone up in price. Personally, I absolutely love mail to an extreme. I've shared before how I mail notes each week and have a ball checking our box each day with Vivian.  I even believe that your mailbox is one of the most important elements of your home ... another post. A handwritten note is far more sentimental than a text or email.  It's a meaningful way to share encouragement that can be held and cherished through time. 

Tip: Include a printed photo - I've found that Walgreens can do it for me through their app on my phone in less than an hour! 

3. Share Scripture - Now this can be done over text or email because timing is sensitive.  We need His word every hour and encouragement can't wait for 2 day service. Even a shared verse on an IG post will be a blessing.  If you're crafty paint scripture on a rock, canvas, tile, wood ... I'll leave it up to you creative gals. I dare say there is nothing that has brought me more peace and joy than Him! 

4. Baked Goods - Lord know's I'm a disaster in the kitchen but even I can follow instructions on a box mix and for someone I love, sigh, I may even go the extra mile and use a recipe.  Now, desserts are plentiful this time a year and they're not good for our bodies.  Consider making smoothies or I love these blender banana spinach muffins. Drop it off on their porch or better yet, enjoy a bite together.

5. Service - Offer to babysit, dog sit, help fold laundry, organize a closet, rake leaves ... Lend a helping hand. We all need it. It takes a village and many hands make light work. 

In a culture of buying, more and just so much #Extra, sometimes the simple things mean the most! 

Dress Beautifully Gifting Others

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Straight Jeans

TGIF! I hope that your Thanksgiving was one filled with love and gratitude alongside those you hold dear. Ryan was hard at work at the hospital (he thoroughly enjoyed the leftovers we brought him) but Vivian & I had a blast visiting my family.  It was such a joy watching Vivian play with her cousins :)

Note: Praise for Trader Joe's bag salads, box mix of corn bread and box mix of risotto.  I despise cooking and the farthest from a foodie and these fit me to a T and were tasty for all!

Jeans, they're the quintessential piece for American style.  Starting in my teens and early 20's it was the boot cut style that ruled the denim scene.  Then it was skinnies that took over.  Now, the classic straight cut has moved in and it's my favorite by far.

The straight cut is the most flattering! A mid-high rise has made these jeans a star in your wardrobe for holding you in and creating a long leg line.

Lord, I pray that you never let us see the days of ultra low rise hipster jeans again, Amen. 

A straight jean skims the lower body, and as with ALL garments I believe that a fit that's close but not second skin or too baggy, is the best fit for all shapes and sizes. 

Tips:

1. Purchase on sale - every single pair of these I purchased at 30-40% off.  I do not believe in paying full price for hardly anything. 

2. Low Stretch - I like a thicker, stiffer denim.  A high stretch tends to cling, slide down and loose shape. 

3. Button Fly - with a higher rise this tends to flatten the lower abdominal/hip area

4. Ankle Length - this gives you a better fit and allows for any shoe pairing.  Bunching at the ankles is sloppy and cuffing can look lazy. If you need too, take a pair of scissors and cut off the bottom. It's fashionable to have a raw hem!

5. No hanging crotch - it shortens your legs and is an improper fit. We are ladies we don't need room for anything there. Sorry but it's true! Also, your top should never hit below your crotch. You should always be able to see where your legs start otherwise you're making yourself and legs look shorter. 

6. Back pockets - they shouldn't be small or up high (it's not a good look - think back to what your Mamma wore in the 80's & 90's) but they also shouldn't be below your derriere. The bottom of the pocket should hit right at the base of your behind.

Here are my favorite straight jeans ...

Classic

These are the ones you buy first.  They're a medium wash with just a hint of fading. 

They're what I call the dressy jean. You could wear them to a casual work setting.

Vintage

These are a throwback to the 80's but without any of the trendy details. 

They do have a modern raw hem that I love for a subtle transition. 

A solid wash so more versatile.

Relaxed

These are as comfortable as it gets! They're looser on the leg but not too loose like a wide leg.

They have more severe color fading but still no rips or holes.

The wash is a medium but in a pretty blue color.

Loose Distressed & Here

These are so modern and even more comfortable. 

Great for a day or night out with a fun top.

They are a splurge but make such a distinct statement. 

High Rise Distressed

These are also super trendy and great to dress up or down with heels and a fun top.

Dress Beautifully in Straight Jeans

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Pretty Printed Silk Blouse

Happy almost Thanksgiving! No matter what plans you have this year I'm hoping they still include seeing those that are dear to you.  However you plan to feast, you're going to want a dinner outfit.  Now, I'm never going to pull out a pair of stretchy pants, the truth is I don't really own them, and believe even if your meal is just your immediate family that the occasion merits appropriate effort.  

We are quick to point out just how different, hard and strange this year is BUT still we have an abundance of undeserved blessings to give thanks for. Let's respect the occasion with a pretty presentation.  I'm not saying dress formal, you can wear a lovely outfit and still be comfortable.  

I love a printed silk blouse for it's feminine beauty and timeless style.

Pair it with a soft pair of jeans and you have a look that's practical and pretty.

Note:  While I may not support the wear of leggings (not pants) I do advocate a soft warm pair of slippers. 

This blouse caught my attention months ago and I've been waiting eagerly for it to go on sale.  I scooped it up immediately when it did.  I love the gorgeous print mimicking hand painted art.  While it is primarily pastel colors, I swoon over the soft pink, there are small amounts of darker saturated tones which make styling options endless.

You could go casual with jeans or pair with colored bottoms such as ivory, other pastels or since it's Winter burgundy, navy, black or dark green. I'm planning to pair it with this leather skirt & these leather pants!

P.S. These jeans are absolutely amazing! Soft, comfortable and great length for any shoe pairing. 

So many colors to pick from when it comes to styling.

This blouse is a piece you'll wear for many many years!

Silk Blouse | Jeans | Loafers & Similar | Handbag | Earrings | Ring

Dress Beautifully in Printed Silk

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Operation Christmas Child Spreading Joy to the World

 It's Thanksgiving week, a week of gathering and gratitude with loved ones.  It's also the start of the Christmas season with lots of decorating and shopping for gifts.  While I've enjoyed seeing the decked halls and helpful gifts guides ALL over social media, I want to share a way to bring joy outside your home and into the hearts of others.

Last week, my MOPS group had our annual meeting that included preparing gift boxes for Operation Christmas Child. And on Saturday I volunteered with some of the students from my Sunday school class at the OCC processing center, and let me just tell you how rewarding and fun it was! 

Gals, I never been one of those crazy Christmas ladies, although my affinity for it has grown since having Vivian Louise, but I do love blessing others.  

Sending the news of the Gospel to those that may not otherwise hear it and joy through gifts they may not otherwise receive is nothing short of amazing!

There are children that live in countries where it isn't safe to proclaim the Gospel, that go without basic needs and fear for their safety.  When we, who are overly blessed, share with them we are gifting more that toys and useful items.  We are gifting joy that can't be purchased. 

I encourage you to consider participating in Operation Christmas Child by packing a box for a child or building one online here.  

OCC sends out over 2 million boxes each year.  Just on Saturday, the processing center prepared over 100,000 boxes that will be sent to sensitive countries that couldn't be disclosed due to the sensitive circumstances. 

You can bless children with joy, hope and love!

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You can help share the good news of Jesus Christ! 

Dress Beautifully Giving to Others

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Cozy Jackets

 One of the best things about Winter's cold temperatures is bundling up in cozy clothes.

Now, let's be real, down here in the South anything below 50 and we're layered up like a snow bunnies. I'm not sure how many readers I have above the Mason-Dixon, but just know I pardon your eye roll.

Here are some cozy jackets that will keep you warm and in another time would attract a big hug ...

Floral Quilted

Fleece Blazer

Fleece Vest

Leopard Faux Fur

also in orange

Wild Faux Fur

LOVE this one!

Sweater Blazer

several color options

Sherpa Bomber Jacket

also in black

Short Faux Fur

Sherpa Peacoat

Sherpa Moto

Taupe Plush

Sherpa Snap Front

7 colors/prints

Puff Sleeve Sherpa

Fleece Cardigan

Asymmetrical Pullover

7 colors

Dress Beautifully in a Cozy Jacket

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Dark & Light

I'm loving a black top and light jeans look.  The juxtaposition of the two makes for a sharp yet relaxed look. Black tends to be a formal color and a light wash jean is nothing but casual so when paired together you get a balanced ensemble that can transend across occasions. 

Personally, I believe it's the atypical pairing of pieces that create the most interesting outfits. 

When styling contrasting garments together, you stretch outside the 'event' box by having both elements of dressy and carefree. This also optimizes your wardrobe by creating versatile outfits. 

I eyed this blouse for a while as I loved the ruffles, modern details and shape. I rarely wear black, so when I do it must make a statement!

Black Ruffled Blouse & Here | Jeans & Similar (love these) | Similar Pumps & Here | Earrings | Ring |

Dress Beautifully in a Dark Top & Light Jeans

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Gratitude is a Discipline

 Happy Monday dear friends! Every November there's a focus on being thankful and celebrating the blessings we've been given, but I believe we should live this way all of the time. 

We've all heard the quote, "Start each day with a grateful heart'.  And amen we really should! 

EVERYTHING we are and everything we have is a gift, an undeserved gift, from God that merits a grateful heart. 

But gratitude isn't just a blessing at the dinner table or a feel good mantra, it's a discipline. 

It's easy to be grateful in seasons of prosperity, when your bank account is growing, your home warm and family healthy. 

But when the storms come and the days look like impossible mountains, that is when we need to be thankful the most and yet it's the farthest from our minds. 

Rather than a response to our circumstances, let's practice gratitude as a discipline of the heart, one that requires attention and constant effort.

Here are some ways to help make gratitude a discipline ... 

1. Write it down

    Consider keeping a journal by your bedside to record in the mornings & at night and also at the dinner table for everyone to write in.

I find that writing things down solidifies them into my mind.  I created countless notecards in college and I still keep a paper agenda and gracious I create a ton of lists ... If you're more into technology you can record them into your phone/computer. 

2. Reflect

    Place a note by your vanity mirror, closet mirror or by your door so that you see a reminder to pause and be grateful.

I find that as we are working to get ready for the day we fail to see the beauty that's already there.  You're alive to start another day in the beautifully made body God gave you.  Make up and clothes can not match your inner beauty. 

3. Be in Nature

    Step outside and just look around.  Take a deep breath and marvel at the wonder of God's creation.  Even if it's stepping out of your office into a parking lot or backdoor at home,  look up at the sky, at the colorful leaves on the trees and flowers on the ground and know that there is goodness all around.

4. Share

    Participate in a group text, start a 'thankful Thursday' post on social media (I follow a gal who's done this for years and it's so encouraging) or just partner with someone special to share. For the entire month everyone in my MOPS group are sharing something we're grateful for on a Facebook post every day.  It's been so much fun!

5. Take Inventory

    Clean out your closets! I guarantee we all have more than we need and want. Donate or pass to others the items that you no longer use.  I promise not only will it bless another but it will be rewarding to yourself.  I also believe it will grow your appreciation for what you have. 

You can also find time in your calendar to serve others in your community by volunteering.  Every hour makes a big difference. 

Note: Some may say that I overshare my darling Vivian, but I say that children have a special way of adding joy to every day!

Dress Your Heart Beautifully with Gratitude

XOXO Sarah-Louise