Cheers to That!

Gals, there is so much to celebrate in life! (Maybe not that I am a day late on this post) but why I am late is certainly worthy. It's Summer, I'm traveling every. single. weekend. I have a 'real' job, a home to manage, a husband to care for oh and I'm a Mamma to my darling ... basically I've been slammed so pass me some grace and read on ...

When this happens, my schedule being disrupted or a turn of events throws me upset, I work really hard to remember all that I have to cheers. Maybe it's silly and been said too often but it really is important to focus on the good blessings with gratitude!

Here's what I'm cheering to ...

My Husband

He's my #1 and I don't celebrate him nearly enough.

Ryan is my very very best friend and I adore his service heart, tireless work ethic and love he pours out on our family. He supports and encourages me above and beyond.

Cheers to being married to him!

Beach Days with Our Darling Vivian Louise

Gracious I love her through and through! 

But beach days, those are my most favorite.

The magic and wonder she has with the ocean, sand and seashells nearly makes my heart burst.

I will run up and down the beach, lift her up for every wave over and over again as long as life allows.

Cheers to playing by the sea!

My Gal Pals

We are called to be in community (it's biblical) and I couldn't love and need mine more.

I fall short so often and it's my loved ones around me that pick me up, hold me accountable and help me grow to better. They endure my over-the-top with laughter and proudly praise me.

Cheers to great friends!

The Little Things

All the bright and sunny hours, birds chirping, backyard splashes and fruity popsicles to beat the heat are some of the things that make Summer so sweet.

I find myself actually relaxing (just a teeny tiny bit) on productivity and schedule to just have fun and enjoy this season. I'll always be #nochill but I've embraced some moments of slow down!

Sundresses

The easy breezy prettiness of a sundress in the summer breeze (and heat) makes me happy.

Life may not always be pretty and I may not always feel pretty but I can dress pretty and that helps!

I encourage you to find things to Cheers each & every day!

Dress Beautifully & Celebrate

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: Vacation To-Do

TGI-Summer! 2021 is the year of vacations for me. Honestly, I believe it is for a lot of us.  Last year made me realize just how much quality time and experiences mean to me and I'm going to make every effort to get as much as I can. 

Running to the ocean for the first time in 2 years with my darling May '21

Here are some of my favorite things to do on vacation ...

Bike Ride

This has jumped to the #1 spot this year of things I love to do on vacation.  Last year my gal pals and I went bike riding after dinner along the beach as the sun was setting and I absolutely LOVED it! Then this year I traveled to Longboat Key, FL with the same gal pals and we biked all over, along the water & even into a nearby town. 

And last month, Ryan & I took a trip to Kiawah Island, SC just us two and biked every day all over the island and to top it off, we even biked ON the beach.  That is something I’ve never done and let me tell you it was amazing! The island is quiet and you feel peaceful and secluded. The sand was hard, water calm and the breeze on your face was magical. 

It’s also great way to see a new place and somewhere coastal is alway scenic.

Read

How relaxing to sit with your toes in the sand and a good book in your hand.  Not only have you escaped to somewhere nice, you can also escape in your mind into the story of new characters and adventures. 

I read so much more in the Summer while sitting on the beach, laying in my hammock or out on our patio once Vivian’s in bed. The longer days and getaways give more time to have my nose stuck in a book.

Watch the Sunrise & Sunset

The most beautiful way to start and end your day is with a grateful heart. To see God’s colorful masterpiece across the sky is a reminder of his presence, provision and power over our lives. No camera can truly capture the majestic beauty of a cotton candy sky.  

Most days I wake up before everyone else and sneak out to watch the sunrise.  I enjoy the quiet time before all the fun.

When it comes to sunsets I enjoy those best with Ryan. An evening stroll hand in hand or snuggled up on the porch appreciating the day we had.

Cruising on a boat will give you some breathtaking views!

Explore Nature

I love the outdoors. If you truly stop to take in the wonder of His creation it will blow your mind. From the pattern of leaves on the tress, rainbow of colors in a wild flower patch, the rolling waves crashing into the shore, luscious carpet of moss growing on the ground, to the sweet songs of the birds in the air you are surrounded by majestic beauty.

I always bring home natural souvenirs, rocks, pressed leaves or flowers and seashells.

When planning a trip add going on a walk, run or hike and explore the native terrain.

Sip & Share 

Cheers! It’s important to celebrate and give thanks for the blessing of getting away with the ones you love. Whether it’s with a morning cup of coffee out on the deck or cocktails out on the town, enjoy! Let your cares go and just be present in the happy.

Sitting down to share and listen to each other is what loving each other is all about.  Laughter is the icing on top!

Wherever you go, whoever you're with, laugh!

There is nothing better to do on vacation than that!

Dress Beautifully on Vacation

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Bar Cart: Service with Style

Gals, our bar cart has been empty for over 2 years because of our darling Vivian Louise & her inability to resist tampering with it. She's now at a place where Mamma's shiny things don't intrigue her so much so I can start using it again! 

A bar cart is not only for styling. Do you gals remember 5+ years ago when it was ALL the rage?! For holidays, shindigs and everyday decor IG was covered in #barcartstyling. 

Fun Fact:  A bar cart's purpose is actually for serving. 

Bar carts allow a host to serve guests in rooms away from the kitchen. It has wheels so that the host can outfit the cart with the necessities and easily transport it to the appropriate room. It was the lifestyle midcentury. 

Now, you can use it for serving or decor. I use it for both.  Whether it's a dinner party, birthday party, tea party, coffee & cake, a shower or even outdoor soiree the bar cart makes for festive fun!

Currently entertaining is on hold so I've filled the shelves with some of my favorite pretty things.

It's in a corner of our formal dining room and fills the space quite nicely. 

It's a great piece for showcasing seasonal decor.

I have a picture of Ryan & I, because he's my favorite to cheers with and the colors go with our wallpaper :)

A stack of monogrammed cocktail napkins - necessary with every spirit.

A glass keepsake box with the place cards from our wedding rehearsal dinner (Ryan saved them unbeknownst to me and had them on the table at our 1 year anniversary - my heart nearly burst) and a couple brass candle sticks. I love tapered candles for the dining table.

On the second shelf I have a Christmas cactus, one of my favorite house plants and some gold lowball glasses & matching shaker. 

On the bottom shelve I have books, one being Emily Post's Etiquette, as a polite reminder to always have good manners. Now the marble wine cooler is fitting and chic but the Staffordshire dog figurine is more of a humorous addition.

I bought it at an antique store as his peculiar appearance spoke to me.  And I love midcentury chinoiserie style.  Ryan however was appalled by it and finds it to be absolutely hideous. I laugh just thinking about his offended sensibilities.  So over the years I tease him by placing it in his office or around our house as a joke.  He continues his threats to destroy it but I think he secretly enjoys the banter. :)

I encourage you to enjoy your bar cart whether it's for entertaining or decor.

 

Bar Cart Options Here - Here & Here 

Dress Your Bar Cart Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise

Soiree: SL in the QC

Invitations designed/created by Moi

I've cropped the bottom of the invitation for privacy - No creepers/stalkers welcome

This past Saturday I hosted my first soiree in our new home.

It was a time to gather with my gal pals and a welcoming of my return to the Queen City. 

I also wanted to debut our house and it's interiors as I've been keeping it somewhat a secret.
(Posts to come)

Decorating is an ongoing process and there's always tweaking.  I find myself never quite ready or satisfied with a room but my Mamma reminded me that 'Rome wasn't built in a day'.  You can't do it all.  It takes time.  Sadly, my house didn't come with a money tree in the backyard and decorating isn't cheap!

There's no perfect house nor life, but it's ours and it's perfectly filled with Love! 

I was tickled pink to use these family heirloom crystal glasses and to serve from my antique buffet

My goal for this shindig was not only to celebrate our new home but to also show gratitude for the welcoming our friends and family have shown us.  They are our support and encouragement through our day-to-day and our milestones.  Cheers all around! 

These pink bubbles were a gift and I've been saving it just for this occasion

POP FIZZ CLINK

 And for those driving or expecting a baby some sparkling lemonade & water
Fancy Another Tray: Kate Spade || Ice Bucket: Lenox ||
Zebra Cocktail Napkins: Here ||

Bar carts are essential for serving in the formal room or away from the kitchen

I served heavy hors d'oeuvres and sweet treats

barbecue chicken sliders, orzo pasta salad, bacon wrapped dates, roasted sweet potatoes, 

hummus & veggies, pepper jelly over cream cheese & crackers

Strawberry cupcakes with cream cheese icing & sugar cookies with lemon curd

My co-host all gussied up 

Our moving announcements by Shutterfly 

I have a thing for snail mail :) 

When throwing a soiree remember, it's not all about the decor, food and how fancy the presentation is; rather the company and fellowship that fills the room!

Stay tuned for a peek into my home and design next week!

Dress Your Next Soiree Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise

32 & Dancin Like I'm 22

My 32nd birthday was this past Saturday and was such a blessing that I just have to share.

Mr's been away for a month :( he's coming home on Thursday and I can hardly stand it!!! I plan on squeezing the stuffins out of him and basically kissing his face off!! I only have him for 3 days then he's back out but I'm going to cherish each moment.

But I wasn't worried, just as Mr's missed almost all my birthdays for the past 9 years - result of long distance love, my gal pals swoop in every year to celebrate!

It started Friday night with dinner and a sleepover - We watched movies and painted nails - Perfect TGIF!

Lemon Cake with Pink Frosting and Little White Candied Pearls #Perfection

Make a Wish!!!

Check out that candle we had to borrow from the neighbor's kid :) 

I can't tell you how grateful I was not to have to wake up by myself (sorry Scragley but you lack thumbs and ability to respond with words - meow doesn't count) 

I got a surprise FaceTime in bed - BESTEST present!  I hadn't seen his handsome face this month and barely have spoken.  

Then there was the delicious birthday breakfast - belgian waffles, fruit, and black coffee.  If you don't have a waffle maker, go get this one! It's amazing and perfect for hosting brunch as it makes 2 at a time - ultimate crowd pleaser for adults & kiddos. 

I was spoiled rotten with pretty pretty presents!  Even my gal pals from far away sent me love xoxo

Yes I FINALLY got a lemon tree - I've been asking for one for years but my history for killing plants has Mr refusing.  So a gal pal stepped in ...

Last year I spent 31 with my fellow Navy wife gal pals on a trip to Charleston and this year I got to celebrate with them again but this time we were feeling sporty and adventured to try Curling!!

Confession: I've never ever played a sport - unless you count dancing or the marching band and no one ever does. 

I LOVED IT!!!!!

It was so much fun!  And learning together, cheering each other on was the best part.  We even got to play each other in a game once we mastered the basics.  

Yes my birthday #ootd was neon athletic wear!  

We finished the night with pizza and a birthday song! 

When I got home I found my front lawn decorated with a fleet of ships & balloons from the Naval Hospital

Thanks to all my friends near and far for the cards, messages and wishes!  

April 25th really is the perfect date!! - one of my all time favorites! 

Birthdays are special as they are a celebration of the blessing of another year of life.

God still has a purpose and plan for me and I'm looking forward to the adventures 32 has in store! 

Dress Beautifully - Like it's Your Birthday! 

XOXO Sarah Louise