Don’t Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle

It’s the most wonderful time of the year … tis also the season where you can find yourself frazzle dazzle!

There’s regular ongoing life and then you pile on ALL the holiday things ...

Decorating

Christmas Cards

Plays

Parties

Shopping

Wrapping

Baking (well for those gals better than myself)

Traveling

Let's just stop there and say etc... shall we

Here are some things that may help prevent getting your tinsel in a tangle!

Remember the reason for the season

I say ‘remember’ because we forget. The arrival of our Savior Jesus Christ is the reason we celebrate.

While I can’t create a post that brings peace, Jesus can!

Enjoy

Running through the tree lot

The whole purpose of gathering and gifting is to love one another in gratitude. 

Enjoying the time is what matters.  Hug, smile and laugh big! Have FUN!!! 

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Decapitated Joseph c/o darling Vivian Louise

Who cares if things aren’t just so (my Type A control freak self does), but in the grand scheme of things what we remember is the people and the memories. Don't let the details spoil your attitude. Just throw your hands up and go with it. I know, easier said than done but focus on your heart not the display.

Say No

Vivian is still terrified of Santa & is saying NO to seeing him again this year

Calendars are very full this season.  Consider saying no, or as my Mammas would advise, politely decline to some commitments so that you have room to spend quality time at home, with your family, and with your traditions. I know we are eager to make up for the gatherings missed last year but not at the sacrifice of the season's spirit. The hustle and bustle can rob us of appreciating the Christmas magic. 

Dress Beautifully Without

Getting Your Tinsel in a Tangle

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Black Friday Finds

 TGI - Black Friday. Do you get super jazzed for all the sales?? Or do you avoid it all and decorate your house for Christmas?? I'm somewhere in the middle.  I don't venture out with the crowds but I do browse my favorite retailers online for deals on items that are rarely discounted. 

Favorite Sales:

J Crew - 40% off everything 60% off sale

Tucker Nuck - 20-30% off

Shopbop - 15-30% off

Ann Taylor - 50% off

Anthropologie - 30% off

Here are some of my favorite finds on sale ...

Pink Coat

5 colors

Cropped Cable Cardigan

Floral Dress

Pink Dress

Tie Dye Top

Chambray Top

Fair Isle Cardigan

Favorite Jeans

Bow Tie Dress

Quilted Down Coat

Black Poplin Dress

Puff Sleeve Denim Jacket

Dress Beautifully in Black Friday Bargain Finds

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Warm & Western

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving! It's never been a holiday I get super excited about (I don't care for food or cooking) but I do value giving gratitude.  Each year our gatherings are different with our families.  More often than not, Ryan works ... in fact he is working Every. Single. Holiday. this year, sigh.  Talk about being grateful, his work schedule has been a big challenge! But we will enjoy him through lunch time before he heads to the hospital. 

When I think about outfits for fall gatherings I believe that all gals want to look cute but not over done, feel comfortable but not too casual. 

My Sweater | Jeans | Booties

A cozy sweater, jeans and a bootie is my advise. Rather than a simple solid sweater, choose one with some detail. A straight relaxed jeans is comfortable and classic. I like booties because they're more modern and in a western style, super chic. I love these booties so much - they just might be my best winter purchase.

If it's too hot in the kitchen, a fun printed blouse in fall colors will be perfect.

While what you wear is insignificant to the time spent with loved ones I do believe it's important to present yourself in a way that shows just how valuable the occasion is. It shows that you care about the day, event and people you're with. In other words, skip the lounge wear.

Dress Beautifully in a Warm Sweater & Western Boots

XOXO Sarah-Louise

A Thankful Heart

Happy Monday gals! It seems to me that a lot of us have skipped past Thanksgiving and jumped right into Christmas with decorating and shopping. This doesn't surprise me in the retail world but in our homes before we begin decking our halls, gifting and celebrating I believe it's important to give thanks for the blessing we already have.

Vivian brought home this paper heart from school and it made me pause and think about my own heart.  It is amazing what we learn through the world of a child. 

I want to have a heart that's thankful, humble, forgiving and loving.

Here are 3 things that can help to have a thankful heart:

1. Write it Down

I'm an old school paper & pen gal.  I make daily lists and still use an agenda every day! I find that writing things (or typing into your phone if you must) really helps solidify things to mind & heart.

You can simply make a list, keep a journal or even a wall board in your home.  I'm a morning bird (5am) and find that it's a great way to start my day but gratitude is a great way to end your day too. 

2. Stop Scrolling

Whether it's on your computer or phone, seeing ALL the influence of ALL the things can create a sense of inadequacy or want. The reality is we have so much to be appreciated. Enjoying what you already have can diminish seeking happiness in more things.

I like leaving my phone in a designated space in our home.  I can always go and check it but its not by my side.  I try not to use it the first hour I'm awake and the hour before bed. 

Mammas, airplane mode is great so you can use it to capture sweet moments with your kiddos but you're not distracted with alerts. Great for date nights and time with friends too.

3. Love Others

Focusing on others is not only humbling but also rewarding.  God commands us to love Him & love others.

Sharing your blessings with those in need is a great way to be generous. So is sharing encouragement, an act of service (use the wonderful talents you have) and my favorite, quality time.  Even if it can't be in person I love a good chit chat over the phone or FaceTime. 

Selflessness is the best form of soul care!

Let Our Lives Be Full of Both Thanks & Giving

Dress Beautifully with a Thankful Heart

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Statement Sweater

 

My Sweater in Green - Tan - Light Blue - Navy - Ivory

Note: the collar is removable

Happy Monday! It's a cold one here and I'm quite happy to bundle up in a cozy sweater and warm fuzzy slippers (life changing!).

Sweaters can often be 'basic' in solid colors, and simple designs. As beautiful, warm and versatile as a cable, turtle neck and cashmere knit is, it can lack the details and embellishments that a blouse offers. 

So I encourage you to consider a sweater that makes a statement with big balloon sleeves, oversized collar, beaded embroidery and/or exaggerated weave. 

Just in case mine is too #Extra for you here are some others that make a bold statement ...

Fringe

Braided

Embroidered Cardigan

Eyelet Lace

Navy Fringe

Marbled

Strong Shoulder

3 colors

Ivory Fringe

Pink Ruffle

I have this and Love!

Beaded Cardigan

Ruffled Cable

Hearts

Green Hearts

Dress Beautifully in a Bold Sweater

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Party Piece

 

Gals, I sure do hope you have several Christmas fetes to attend this year! I know I do and I'm ready to dress for it because that's almost as fun as the party itself.  I love seeing all the sparkle and shine on the racks (balances all the warm & cozy) but sometimes it can be a little extreme. 

Personally, I like my party pieces to go beyond just the season or event.  For example, I avoid Christmas plaids, red, and sequins as they don't translate as well beyond the holidays.  Instead, I look for pieces that can be mixed and matched, ones with embellishments and unique fabrics that can be worn throughout the year and even balanced with a pair of jeans. 

This top really struck my fancy for its organza fabric, moody florals, puff sleeves and bow tie back. It's not your 'typical' Christmasy top but still perfectly fitting. The colors are so unique and can be paired with dark hues like burgundy, plum, navy or with lavender and ivory. My favorite part was that the black cami/lining is sewn into the blouse as opposed to the clip in separate (key for easy on and off and concealing undergarments!) 

This top translates beautifully for a girls night out, date night, soiree or event where you need a little something special. I chose black skinny pants but a dark wash jean or faux leather pant would be fabulous.

Top | Pants | Heels - Designer Version | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in a Party Piece

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Present Over Perfect During the Holidays

 

Gracious we are entering into the 'busiest' time of year! I'm not sure if I've ever shared this but I absolutely despite the word 'busy'. It's become a form of salutation: "Hi, how are you ... oh you know busy". Well, I don't know anyone who is just sitting around bored in the house. Just sayin. 

I prefer to use the word, full. Our days are full of things we get to do, full of family & friends to love, full of laughter to share, full of strength to conquer, and yes, full of responsibilities to manage. But rather than view the fullness as 'have to's' why not embrace the fullness of life as a blessing.  

This time of year can be frantic and stressful but it can also be peaceful and simpler.

Here are some things I believe will help us be present this Holiday Season:

1. PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN

That's an easy one. Putting your phone down and placing your eyes up to see the beautiful people and surroundings you're blessed with is by far the best thing you can do of yourself and others. Being attentive is far more gratifying. Listen, share and love! 

I promise what's around you is far better than anything on your screen :)

Tip: I often use airplane mode so that I'm not alerted but can still sneak a picture of a precious moment.

2. PRIORITIZE

You can NOT do it all! Do you even want to? Choose what and who gets your time.  

Say yes to those that are the most important and no to what isn't.

Quality will always trump quantity.  Those that make the yes list will be blessed with your full attention.

3. INDULGE A LITTE

This is a very difficult for me. I am extremely rigid when it comes to maintaining a clean diet but having my darling Vivian has motivated me to soften my nutritional perimeters so that she doesn't inherit my aversion to food. I want her to see Mommy enjoying a piece of birthday cake, a scoop of ice cream and a Christmas cookie. 

I do hold firm that being healthy is important but not at the price of missing joy shared with others. 

Go to the party, have a piece ... just not several!

4. GO OUTSIDE

If your yard is anything like mine it's buried in leaves! Go rake. 

Go for a walk and admire the colors of the leaves.

Bundle up & sip your coffee watching the sunrise.

Being outside provides peace.

5. ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

It can be very stressful with all the emphasis on gifts, things, decor, activities etc...

But look around. Take it in. You have so very much to be grateful for. Your needs are met. Enjoy what you have, right where you are! 

6. HELP OTHERS WITH A FOCUS ON JESUS

There are others all around us that are in despair. They may be in physical need and/or emotional. Think of those less fortunate, those that are grieving and those that can be blessed by your resources. Use your time, talents and money to help others the way Jesus would.

7. PLAY

I took her teepee out of her play room and outside for pretend camping

 it's the only version I'm up for and it was the most fun afternoon

Don't let the list take over.  Sure there's lots to do, but playing is much more fun. Throw the ball around, dress the barbies, dance to a couple songs, or play one more round of a game.  The tasks will still be there but the memories & laughter don't keep!

8. REST

Be still & pray. Wake up a little earlier and/or skip watching a show at night and just talk to Him in the quiet. Find peace and comfort in the calm. 

Dress Beautifully Embracing 

Presence Over Perfection

XOXO Sarah-Louise