Crazy Plant Lady

I believe in having plants in as many rooms as you can.  Living plants literally bring life to a room, add an element of natural decor and provide healthier cleaner air! Most of all they're pretty and a reminder of God's creation.

Here's the thing, you see all these pretty plants placed in rooms online (Pinterest, IG etc ..) and you go buy one stick it in a similar corner of your room and it dies.  Those plants are either silk, or staged for the photo.  I've learned the hard way that you can't place a plant for decorative purposes. They have to be strategically housed near a window for ample sunlight. Hence why I have plants in almost every room. 

I have also discovered which plants I actually have the ability to sustain ... 

Fiddle Fig
Christmas Cactus
Lilly

I know that succulents are also easy to maintain and thrive in low light which is fitting for a home but I just don't like their look.  As with dressing yourself, dressing your home should resonate with your style and be pretty to you.

Pots add beauty!

I don't do bouquets of fresh flowers because they die.  At least a potted plant has a chance of bringing me joy for more than a few days and doesn't leave a mess on my table.  

Several of my plants were gifts and have sentimental value to me as I'm reminded of the giver and occasion.

I have tried orchids and gracious do I love them but have failed ... repeatedly! Sigh as I'm writing this I feel compelled to try again but will focus on placing near light which was probably the problem.  

Who am I kidding I'll just try and find a good fake at Homegoods. 

Fun Fact: Trader Joes is a great place to buy plants and bouquets. 

My Mamma gifted this palm plant to me. It's over 30 years old; no pressure! 

I'm finishing this post on a proud note! This fiddle fig is 5 years old and just look at her! I'm not sure what I'm going to do with her as she's clearly reached the ceiling. I'm thinking I'll gift her to someone who has vaulted ceilings with a sunny spot!

Dress Your Home Beautifully with Plants

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Cardigans

TGI-Summer! I'm now the proud owner of 2 cardigans. Gals are taken back by this because it's a piece worn often and housed in multiples in most closets.

I've always just preferred the structure of a blazer or jacket.

Recently, I've discovered that I don't mind a cardigan sweater that has the following:

very thick knit

natural fabric, cotton or wool 

detail like a collar or puff sleeve

cropped length

These design elements give a structured, warm and pretty fit.

Personally, I don't care for thin knits because the quality doesn't tend to last and long lengths because they overwhelm, cling and shorten my stature.

Here are some cute cardigans perfect for the upcoming collar temperatures ...

Orange Flower

Green V-Neck

Puff Sleeve

4 colors

Cropped Puff Sleeve

7 colors

Spacedye

Cable with Lace Collar

splurge but so pretty

Bow Tie Puff Sleeve

So pretty ... and pricey!

Shawl Collar

Trimmed

Plaid

Dress Beautifully in a Cardigan

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Pretty & Fun in Pink

Is there a color prettier than pink? I have yet to find one. It's the girliest one there is which suits me to a T.

Sometimes you have to take the typical you and shake it up a bit.  Like this mini dress.  It's shorter than I prefer, with longer billowy sleeves and a flirty skirt which is outside my standard of classic & polished dressing. But every gal's got to have a party dress in her closet!

This dress looks fun, moves with a fun shimmy, shines in a fun color, and it's all wrapped in a fun tasseled tie belt. Given all these fun elements I bet you're going to have fun wearing it!

In a high heel you're all set for a date, girls night out or special celebration. But you can easily tone it down for casual occasions with a flat wrap sandal in the Summer months and a cute bootie come Fall. A fur vest would warm it up nicely :) 

Wear a color that makes you happy & a dress that feels fun!

Pink Dress | Shoes | Necklaces | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully Full of Pretty Fun

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Summer Sips

 A refreshing cold beverage really hits the spot on a hot Summer day! #ahhh

Vivian loves the lemonade & cookies after church on Summer Sundays

Ryan always says 'hydrate or die' during a workout or outside in the heat.  I'm pretty sure he picked it up during his military days or at work in the hospital ... for all I know all the cool kids are saying it. Either way it's true. 

Every. Single. New Year's I add the same little goal, drink more water.  I never do. My sister is always nagging me about it. I'm at a place of acceptance that my intake of black coffee will outweigh that of H2O.

Take me on a date, girls' night or somewhere on a beach and I'll happily sip with a smile. But beverages aren't just for fun, they're also a way to extend hospitality. Upon greeting your guests one of the first questions I believe you should ask is, "May I bring you something to drink?"

It makes guests feel welcome, comfortable (having something in your hands is calming and prevents fidgeting) and avoids parching while having conversation. The beverage itself can actually spark chit chat. 

I'm the farthest thing from a foodie ... I don't even think there's an antonym for foodie but if there was it would accurately describe me.  So this post is the closest thing you'll see to anything on consumption. 

Here are my favorite Summer Sips ...

1. Paloma - I discovered the deliciousness that is this tequila cocktail in Kiawah Island with Ryan.

2. Slightly Sweetened Iced Tea - possibly spiked :)

Tip: Sip and sit for a spell on the front porch or out back ... whereever you can catch a breeze!

4.  Bubbles - especially to cheers with!

And for when it's mid-day and your toddler's bedtime is far away ...

I imagine I'm sipping it here, alone!

5. Black Coffee - French press is best!

6. Flavored sparkling water ... I don't discriminate between La Croix, Bubbly, AHA or store brand.  I find them all to be light, refreshing and a sweet tasting treat. I typically have one in the evening.

Whatever your flavor, clink a glass together with cheer!

I thought this post would offer more than this but as I was writing, it turns out I'm pretty simple with my sips. But I was committed so you basically learned I like Palomas, sparkling wine and black coffee. I suggest you redirect to other food bloggers, Pinterest and my favorite, Southern Living for all things tasty!

Dress Beautifully While You Sip

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Clogs

TGI-Summer! Only a few weeks left.  I find it bittersweet as it's been full of sunshiny fun but I have to admit I miss the routine that school being in session brings.  Sure it's more productivity and less spontaneity but my Type-A self is craving the structure! 

Fall apparel is out in full swing for retailers and while I wouldn't mind a cozy top and jeans it's still hotter than the devil's kitchen here! Boots & booties are the forever cold weather shoe but clogs are the next hottest trend.  I saw them beginning to make a come back over the past few years. I even purchased a pair of clog sandals 3 years ago for something comfortable to chase my girl around in.  This year their presence is everywhere in the traditional slip on style.

Loved these the moment I tried them on

Probably a lot to do with the new view from up so high!

Clogs have a very specific look due to their wooden platform and leather slip on style.  While typically I'd say they're have more of a boho natural look to them, paired with ladylike pieces I believe they can be very cute and comfortable.

Bonus: they give you so much height! 

Here are some of my favorite clogs ...

My Clogs

also in powder blue

Both on major sale!!

Convertible Clog

4 colors and optional back strap

Buckle Clogs

2 colors

Gold Clogs

Shearling-Lined Clogs

2 colors

Leopard Clogs 

Classic

3 colors

So pretty but so pricey!

Old School Clog

several colors & heel heights

Traditional Swedish

also in black

Traditional Swedish Low Heel

5 colors/prints

Dress Beautifully in Clogs

XOXO Sarah Louise

A Hint of Fall

While the weather surely still feels like Summer, schools are beginning to be back in session (T-20 days for Vivian) and with Labor Day weekend around the corner we all have cravings for Fall. 

Personally, I'm a Spring gal all the way (pastels, flowers and Easter over cozy, pumpkins and Thanksgiving). Despite having the BEST MOST FUNNEST Summer EVER, I'm ready for a cool down and to get back to business. 

It's going to be a while, at least down here in the South, before the temperatures are cool enough for 'Fall' clothing like sweaters, jackets and boots. But, we can embrace the season and still stay cool in neutral pallets and rich textures. 

Fun Fact: Snakes are one of my biggest fears - but favorite animal print.

This maxi dress says Fall in the warm neutral shades and heavier print but feels cool in its crisp fabric and light in a sleeveless design. I added a belt for a touch of texture and shine but still in sandals.  In a couple of months you best bet I'm going to layer this number up!

Snake Print Maxi Dress | Horse-bit Belt | Wrap Sandal | Sunglasses | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully Waiting for Fall

XOXO Sarah-Louise