My top 5 gifts to give

 Fun Fact: When taking the love language test, I do not have any answers that align with gifts. And neither does Ryan!  When it comes gifting others, it can be overwhelming.

Here are 5 things I've found that I enjoy gifting others ...

PRESENCE

Time spent with undivided attention, to me is the best gift ever! Time is of high value and something that we never seem to have enough of. So put your phone away (unless you're on video) and take a walk, share a meal, and set a date to be present. I promise the quality time is priceless.

FRAMED PHOTO

There are so many fun memories captured on our phones and on display online but I like to see them in my home so that when I walk by I smile remembering the moment. Like a handwritten note, printed & framed photos are tangible and beautiful. 

TREASURES

I love finding old and unique objects when I'm antique and thrift shopping. Things like trinket dishes, brass figurines and decor make for one of a kind gifts. 

Bonus, they're usually a bargain!

PAPER

Journals, stationary and books are timeless gifts that are always beloved. For books coffee table ones or ones that relate to the recipients interests are pretty and resourceful.

Be sure to write a note on the inside cover!

GAMES/PUZZLES

I love to play games and put together puzzles! In fact we play card and board games several nights a week. There are even party games for adults and question games to really get to know a crowd. It brings people together and they're just as fun the 10th time playing as they are the 1st. 

Dress Beautifully Gifting

XOXO Sarah Louise

Gifts of Appreciation

This week is Teacher Appreciation week and I believe with confidence that all mothers burst with gratitude for those that work in education. The reason being is that it's not just a job to them, it's a service that comes from the heart. While they put forth lots of effort in teaching them academics they most importantly pour into building their character and caring for them with love. 

My sister and I say all the time they are Angels!

Showing appreciation outside of a simple 'thanks' really does make an impact. Gift giving isn't my love language (in fact when taking the quiz I never answer a single question that aligns with gifts) but it is an appropriate gesture in showing appreciation to others particularly when they are outside your close knit friends.

Tip: Keep some of these on hand in a closet and always include a handwritten note!

Here are some gifts I enjoy gifting in appreciation ...

Mani/Pedi Gift Set with Polish

this is especially nice in the Spring

I gifted this to Vivian's school teachers & staff.

Inspirational Bracelets

I've given so many of these and my sweet friend gave me one of my own for my birthday!

They're beautiful reminders and encouragements.

Beauty Basket

My sister gifted one to her neighbor.

The basket can be used for home organizations while the products being consumables aren't just clutter.

She included face masks, nail polish, lotion, soap, lip balm, hair clips etc ...

Tip: use the dollar store!

Kitchen Set

a tea towel & utensil ... perhaps add nice loaf of bread, wine, coffee ...

simple yet so enjoyable & useful

You could also add a cookbook

Potted Plant

I prefer this over flowers! 

The recipient can care for it and enjoy watching it grow over time.

Consider herbs as they can be incorporated into cooking.

This lily was gifted to me at a time of loss over 6 years ago

Bird Feeder

this is lovely to add to someone's home. 

Watching and listening to birds sing adds wonder to the yard

Devotional Books - Journals

I know I need daily encouragement and reminders

These books will be a blessing

Pictures 

We tend to keep photos on our phone & posted online but I find that rarely do we print them for display.

Seeing them in your space brings a smile at the memory.

Print a photo of your time together and enclose in a card or even frame!

Meal

This one is outside my comfort zone but I'm slowly but surely getting better.

Bringing a family a meal is the ultimate gift of hospitality. 

Especially to elderly and those with little children.

Tip: Explore your local grocery store deli for simple heat and serve packages

Keepsake Box

I'm super sentimental. A decorative box is not only beautiful to display but can 

serve as a special place to store thoughtful treasures.

Dress Others in Appreciation Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise

Decorating with Monograms

 Here in the South we have a saying ... more like a belief:

In my 20's I put my personal touch on just about anything with my initials (clothes, jewelry, bags etc.) Then, when Ryan and I were engaged came our married monogram on things for our home.

Fun Fact: my monogram didn't change after I was married as both my maiden and married last name begin with an 'H'! Thank goodness b/c I had quite the investment. 

I've shifted over the recent years to monograming less for myself and more for gifts, home decor and darling Vivian. 

I believe, like in most things, that moderation is key. The way to do that is with intention.  Rather than having everything stamped, choose a few special pieces so that it's more personal rather than 'branding'. You're a person, not a business.

Here are my favorite ways to add a monogram in your home ...

MASTER BEDROOM PILLOW SHAMS

Our Shams

These were the first thing we purchased for our first home. The appliqué monogram makes a formal and bespoke statement on our grand four poster bed. It's our room together and where we as husband and wife end our days (even if Ryan climbs in most nights just a couple of hours before I'm up). We both love Carolina blue and it can be found throughout our home.  It also is a great color to compliment a variety of bedding. I like to change out our duvet cover.

NURSERY

When designing Vivian's nursery, I went with the colors lavender, pink and a pop of orange. A unique palette only found in her special room. Her name is significant as it is passed down from me, my mother, my grandmother and my great grandmother all of whom are first born and have the middle name 'Louise'. Having the baby's monogram displayed is a sweet & specific way of making it special. 

I chose a linen down filled pillow for her rocking chair.  It will transition perfectly to her big girl bed. 

Note: She's 3 1/2 and still happily cozy in her crib. I can NOT imagine my darling girl out of it or not rocking her twice a day in this chair. #tears

ACCENT PILLOWS

I had these silk pillows embroidered with our joint monogram when we were engaged.  I was just sooo excited to be together (still am!).  They've lived in 4 different homes and reflect us, the family that lives here. I'm not typically a 'brown' person but they are neutral and compliment nicely. I love that they can and have moved from our couches to accent chairs throughout. 

Note: A married monogram is the wife's first initial, the last name initial followed by the husband's first initial. 

COCKTAIL NAPKINS

These add a special touch when hosting guests.  They aren't just something you pick up at the party store and can be utilized all year long for any occasion.  I'm not one to purchase decor for each and every celebration.  They also convey a sophisticated touch without being a true linen. 

These make a great wedding gift!

BATH TOWELS

 

Pictured: These Towels

Ryan & I received monogramed bath towels as a wedding gift and have loved them but after 12 years they've been retired.  I love the ones above and often gift them at bridal showers. They add an elegant touch to your bathroom and also a potential pop of color.

Engraving is another way to personalize and create sentimental treasures.  That's another post :)

Dress Your Home Beautifully with Monograms

XOXO Sarah-Louise

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

Charlotte's in Charlotte

It's here!!! Finally a Charlotte's in Charlotte!  I've been waiting all summer to say that :)

Charlotte's is a boutique that I discovered during undergrad in Wilmington, NC.  Since then, they have moved that store and have 2 locations in Raleigh at North Hills & Cameron Village.  Charlotte's is where I purchased my first pair of gold Jack Rodgers over 10 years ago (before anyone was really wearing them), where Mr purchased my first Valentine's Day gift, a strand of baroque pearls, and where I got beautiful gifts and accessories both for myself and my home.
It's one of my absolute favorites!!!

The store's inventory has certainly grown to carry even more of my favorite things.  From apparel, jewelry, gifts, home decor, baby, even things for your beau and so much more.

Beyond the fabulous collections you'll find, the staff is over the top!  You're always greeted with a smile and they are graciously helpful in finding just what you're looking for, and sometimes what you didn't know you were looking for but must have :).

My in-laws were in town visiting to see our new home and after breakfast at one of my favorite spots, I insisted we visit Charlotte's for their grand opening.  We arrived just a few minutes after they opened their doors for the first time in the Queen City and I was immediately impressed.
I had an idea of what it would look like as I frequent the other locations and I've been following on Instagram & Facebook.

Charlotte's is celebrating 25 years this Friday!  Cheers to you!!

What gorgeous and shiny decor for your home! Including art by Anne Neilson, glassware, and frames

Candles, books and frames that make great gifts

A mix of modern and classic home decor and even fine leather boots

I've added many pieces fine pieces to my wardrobe over the years from Charlotte's that include designers Elizabeth McKay, Sail to Sable, Trina Turk, Annie Griffin, and so many more

The jewelry is sure to sparkle and be noticed!  Baubles from Julie Vos, Kate Spade, Moon & Lola, Sylvia Benson, Boho Beads and even fine pieces such as Michele Watches and designer vintage. 

The menfolk can be hard to shop for, here you'll find classic gifts your beau will love

How precious are these?!!  I have a feeling I'll be gifting a lot of these as all my gal pals seem to have baby fever 

And for us Southern gals and our love to monogram Everything 

Confession: I refuse to count the monograms throughout my home 

I came home with this framed mirror and have it displayed on my antique secretary in my formal living room.  

If you're a NC gal you must visit Charlotte's here in Charlotte or in Raleigh!!

Or shop online

Dress Beautifully in Gifts from Charlotte's

XOXO Sarah Louise