School's Out for Summer

Gals, school's out for Summer!!! 

Last Carpool Ride

Yesterday was Vivian's last day of preschool in the 2's class for the year.

The first response to this past year seems to be along the lines of, it was a doozy. And while it was indeed, it was also full of fun, learning and growing.  I'm so grateful and blessed for her school and teachers. She attends at a local church less than a mile from our home and beyond the colors, numbers, animals etc ... they are teaching her about God and His character and His wants for us.

Gracious she's grown!

We celebrate the end of the school year with a popsicle party on the playground. Parents were invited and gifted a memory book of art work and pictures from throughout the year. I cherish these books!

so many girls!

Seeing Vivian sharing joy with her friends just arms my heart.

It really is an example of loving one another.

This morning we are packing up and headed to the beach!!!

Our last family vacation was exactly 2 years ago & Vivian's 1st time seeing the ocean.

To say I am BURSTING WITH EXCITEMENT is an understatement!!!

First time her toes were in the sand '19

I plan to soak up every moment of the water splashing her little piggies, building sand castles, hunting for treasures (seashells) and all the laughter of being together!

I'm also lookin forward to morning runs watching the sunrise and evening strolls with Ryan watching the sunsets.  There's nothing more beautiful than seeing God's art in the sky!

With that, I'll be taking time away from this space to be present with my family.

I will be back next week for my regularly scheduled pretty outfits!

In the mean time I will be sharing some memories we are making on my Instagram.

I'm not sure how I will navigate it yet, but in the past I've just used my phone for pictures and shared them in the evenings once Vivian is asleep.  I found that to be very refreshing and fun to sit back and view all that was captured at the end of day and not be disturbed and distracted while we are together.

Happy Summer!

Dress Beautifully Welcoming Summer

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Mamma Monday: Cheer Squad

They say it takes a village to raise a child, I say it takes one to raise a mother. 

Friends are important. Call them a tribe, gang, village, posse, homies, or what I use, cheer squad! We aren't made to journey alone but rather God gave us one another to bear each others burdens, celebrate the blessings and to love as He loved us!

When Vivian started preschool at just 21 months old I heard about a group called 'MOPS', Mothers of Preschoolers. It's national so if you're a mother of young children, I encourage you to look to see if there's one that meets near you. I was hesitant but knew deep down I had to try. I was LONELY! I was LOST! I had decided to take a break from my career to be with Vivian and had no clue how to navigate this new season.

I remember picking out my outfit to meet these new gals for our first meeting, being nervous about what I'd say and what they'd think of me. Turns out they're all Mammas doing their best just like me.  We are all so unique that it makes for well rounded perspectives and lots of laughs! 

It's been 2 years now with this group of Mammas and despite the circumstances we've stuck together meeting virtually, in backyards and even in a parking lot. 

I want to share with you just a few pieces of encouragement I've received from my MOPS cheer squad ...

1. Have Fun 

Life is to be enjoyed. Make sure despite the responsibilities and to-do's you have fun. Children are a lot of work but they're also a lot of fun. Do the things that make you smile and laugh. 

2. You're Doing God's Work

Raising children is challenging. Give it ALL to Him for strength, patience, endurance and guidance through it!

3. Chose Joy Over Perfection

Let's be real, I'm a type A person that thrives in control and within my perfectly defined schedule. I'm literally giggling because life just doesn't go they way I plan it to. It's not picture perfect, but it is perfectly & purposefully designed for me. A happy Mamma who chooses to do things that bring joy over an expectation of how & what things should be shares that joy with her family. 

4. Give Grace

Give grace to yourself, your children and to others! 

5. Do it ALL in Love

Whether it is the chores, errands, playtime, or fellowship, fill your words and actions with love and gratitude. Think about it with the perspective that you 'get to' rather than 'have to'. Be a blessing to those around you. Share God's love!

Dress Beautifully with Your Cheer Squad

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Colorful Handbags

Gals, carry a little color this Summer! Sure, a neutral handbag in brown, black or navy will go with everything but a pop of color really adds style, interest and elevates your look. I also believe complimenting colors create a pretty palette that's not so expected.

No matter your personality, everyone has colors they're drawn to that make them happy and represent who they are. They don't have to be bright like a rainbow. Subtle muted colors pack just as much of a statement.

Here are some colorful handbags to add cheer to your Summer outfits ...

Small Nylon Shoulder Bag

Medium Satchel

Mini Satchel

Multi Colored Mini Satchel

Large Hobo

Gingham Small Bucket Bag

Lavender Small Bag

Light Pink Quilted Bag

Red Quilted Bag

Blue Ladylike Bag

Golden Snake Bag

on my wish list!

Dress Beautifully Carrying Color

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Summer Dress

 

The long and short of it is that maxi dresses are just pretty and comfortable for Summer!

In a crisp cotton & pretty print (key for hiding popsicle stains!) you'll stay cool under the sun and feel feminine.  It can be easy to just wear a tank and shorts but maybe you're like me and shorts aren't your favorite. Dresses make me feel girlie and I really like that :)

This dress debuted last year in several prints and is back again in 4 because it's that good.

Dressed down in sneakers or up in a wedge it can take you from backyard to shindig in the swap of a shoe.

Maxi Dress | Sandals & Here | Bracelet

Dress Beautifully in a Crisp Maxi Dress

XOXO Sarah-Louise

5 Things to Give Your Home a Great First Impression

First impressions are very impactful and important. It says a lot about what's on the inside!

Vivian's pink swing adds the perfect happy touch!

Our traditional Georgian Colonial home is me to a T! I have a very traditional style and prefer older homes (they just don't make them like they used to). She's a custom brick house built in 1963 by a well renowned builder in Charlotte, NC. We are only the 3rd owner and the 1st was a Methodist church that used the home to house its ministers (It makes me feel like our home was meant to be used for God's glory from the start!) 

When decorating your home it's easy to focus on the interior: paint colors, light fixtures, flooring and my favorite, wallpaper! BUT the exterior is actually most important. Not only is it the first impression of your home but from a practical standpoint making sure your home is in solid, safe and in sound condition (you know all those things on the inspection report) is vital. We've spent the first 2 years of ownership in this house focusing on lots of repairs and at the end of last year we finally made some cosmetic renovations that include 5 rooms I'm eager to share with you this Summer!

But lets start at the beginning!

Here are 5 important things I believe are key to making a great first impression for your home ... 

1. Mailbox

It is the VERY FIRST thing you come to on your property, therefore it's very important that it be stylish, sturdy, and spic & span. This copper mailbox was a Christmas gift a few months after we bought our home. I'm not sold on a flower bed at the base (it's more work than I'm up for) but I do go out and scrub the post every so often. I mean think about it this way, your neighbors walk by it and your mailman or woman visits it every day! I highly consider leave treats in there for them :)

2. Hardware

Hardware makes such a statement. It reflects style in a functional way. It's the tool to open your door in welcoming others into your home. The 'key' if you will to hospitality. My personal favorites are by Baldwin (particularly fond of shiny brass), it's what we have and plan to keep.  Invest in your door handle, a knocker and house numbers.

3. Light Fixture

Think of lighting as the jewelry of your home. Ryan's dying to have gas lanterns at our front door but that's an expense that's low on the list. For now, I've decided to keep our front fixture because it's original and I love the character. 

4. Planters

I think these Chippendale Planters are great.

I've become such a plant lady.  I have small vintage square planters that sit on our rounded steps with a small pink geranium in each for the Spring & Summer. I do not decorate our entry seasonally or for holidays because I don't like clutter and like to keep our exterior simple and classic. It allows for the front door and moldings to shine. We do proudly hang the American flag!!!

5. Power washing

It is amazing what a little soap and high pressured water can do for a home. It blasts off any grime and mold that collects over time. It really makes your brick, trim and windows sparkle. One of the prettiest features is our dental molding around our exterior and on the inside! That craftsmanship just isn't something you can find in today's time. 

It is my dream to add this rounded portico to our front one day!

Dress Your Home Beautifully for a Great First Impression

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Dip Dye

TGIF! Fun fact, I never made a tie dye shirt as a kid. I feel like I missed out on an important childhood craft.  I Mamma, I stick it to Summer camp and my friends for not hosting the activity.

While a psychedelic t-shirt isn't my jam, I do enjoy the beauty of a smeared color palette in a more sophisticated design. I look at it as abstract art, reminding me of a sunset at beach. 

Here are some pretty dip dyed pieces I'm loving ....

This gauzy maxi dress is coming with me to the beach in just a matter of days!

Blue Maxi

Pastel Ombre Maxi

Bubble Sleeve Top

Open Back Vaca Dress

Mini Skirt

Embroidered Blouse

Sweatshirt Tank

Babydoll Dress

Puff Sleeve

also in pink

Long Sleeve Tiered Dress

2 more color options

Dress Beautifully in Dip Dyed Colors

XOXO Sarah-Louise