A Life of Giving

Two years ago I left my home, career, friends and family to join Mr as he fulfilled a commitment to practice medicine in the US Navy.  I sit in amazement at the incredible journey it has been.  In the beginning I was a fish out of water, but I made a decision to bloom where I am planted and today I can say that I am a better person for this experience! I took the opportunity to impact the lives of others and embrace my world.  I served as the fundraising chairperson and now president for a non-profit that supports military families.

Two weeks ago my non-profit co-hosted, with a sister non-profit, a luncheon for military spouses.  This luncheon brings together spouses across multiple military bases in the spirit of camaraderie and service.  It involved months of planning for the committee to bring this event to fruition but it was well worth all the hard work. We graciously hosted 150 ladies for a lovely time in sharing special memories.

Our focus was on inspiring our guests to make a life of giving regardless of the circumstances. See, for military spouses we often come second to the job, we move a lot, and we are often separated for long periods of time.  These things can be very discouraging, but they can also be an opportunity.

No matter your situation and responsibilities you are a special and valuable person that has a lot to share.  Each and every one of us has gifts and talents that can be used to give to our family and community. Whether it's at home or to a broader audience, I encourage you to find your passion and use it to give.  There is no gift too small.  As we grow and travel on the journey of life things change and your giving will too, so do what you can when you can!

"We Make a Life By What We Give, Not By Where We Live"

This quote was the focus of our luncheon.  We had four speakers that each had a turning point that brought them to a life of giving.  Each giving in different ways, they were able to provide insight and inspiration for others to find their own way to give.  Rather than stand at a podium, we set up a stage resembling a front porch - they spoke to each other as if we were looking in on a conversation among friends.

Our theme was lemons, linen & lace.  We wanted a fresh, light and simple feel and yellow is the color for friendship. The femininity of vintage linens and a touch of lavender was added for a soft & lovely detail.

Here are some photos from the luncheon

Handmade Keepsakes for Each Guest: Lavender Sachets & Wooden Lemon Coasters 

Centerpieces

 Love these Navy Gals

Dress Beautifully with a Life of Giving

XOXO Sarah Louise

Belgian Waffle Brunch

Host Gracefully - It's a Part of my Lifestyle.  Southern Hospitality is in my Genes.  

It goes Beyond Your Home, Meal and Tablescape.  It's Welcoming Others with Open Arms Giving Service and Love.  I'll be Honest Sometimes I Fret Over my Home not being Grand or Fancy Enough and My Lack of Culinary Skills Gives me Heart Palpitations, but Love Doesn't Care about Such Things. 

Regardless, Nothing gets me more Giddy than Hosting Friends & Family.

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

Hebrews 13:1-2

One of Mr & I's Favorite to Host is Brunch.  Not just Any Brunch but a Belgian Waffle Brunch.
Why?  It's Mid-Morning & Casual, Inexpensive and Easy to Prepare, and Guests Leave Full and Sassy with their Weekend Days Still Free :)

Image via Pinterest

Our Next Brunch Inspiration will be a Waffle Bar with a Brown Paper Tablescape

Image via Pinterest

Image via Pinterest

We were Gifted this Kitchen Aid Waffle Maker & it was Love at First Waffle!

Amazingness:

- No Cleaning!
- Non-Stick (no need for sprays)
- Cooks Two Waffles Simultaneously 
- Timer (3:30 mins I've Found is Perfect for Light & Crispy Waffles)


As Much as I Love to Indulge in Shopping, I Detest Grocery Shopping 
Confession:  I used to order online and pick up without ever leaving my car! That's not an option where we live now and Mr finds it embarrassing and completely unnecessary 
(I for one Believe Convenience is a Beautiful Thing!)

For this Meal Your Shopping List is Short (you may even have most in your pantry/fridge):

Krusteaz Belgian Waffle Mix - We've tried them all Gluten free, wheat etc... This One's the Best!
Pure Maple Syrup Grade A - Avoid the Chemical Syrup!
Fruit - Choose what's in Season it will be Extra Sweet :)
Meat - Optional - Sausage or For Bacon (My Preference) choose Nitrate Free; Keep it easy by baking or microwave 
Mimosas - I Believe in Cheers and Champagne Always! - use with low cal not from concentrate O.J. or with a blended fruit juice 
Coffee - Essential in Our Home! We prefer French Press on the Weekend but if you're severing a crowd compromise and brew a pot but still use fresh ground beans
Extras - Powdered Sugar, Butter, Whipped Cream, Nutella, Jelly etc...

I Love this One from Williams-Sonoma

Image via Pinterest

Serving a Belgian Waffle Brunch isn't Formal.  That's what makes is so Relaxed.  It doesn't have to be a sit down affair.  Use the time to Mingle with Guests and Catch up on Life's Happenings.  Serve the Waffles as they are Ready - Best Enjoyed Hot! 
Others can Sip on Mimosas or Coffee until Served 

You can Have the Accouterments on the Dining Table or Buffet Style in the Kitchen. 
I Always Try and Use Linens (From my Vintage Collection) but No Shame in Using Paper Products They are Often a Fitting Choice & Easy Clean Up!

P.S. Kids Love this Meal just as Much - Especially Served with Cartoons :)

Just Recently I Helped Host a Sprinkle for a Sweet Mamma-to-Be and my Waffle Maker was a Hit! 

Flavored Syrup and My Vintage Gold Fruit Serving Spoon - It's All in the Details

The Host Chose Mason Jars and Pastel Hues for the Tablescape

The Guest of Honor & Her Baby Girl Were Tickled Pink in Belgian Waffle Delight

Ivana - SL - Ellen - Brook

Surrounded by Mammas-to-Be!

Be a Graceful Host with a 

Belgian Waffle Brunch!

XOXO Sarah Louise

Très Chic Parisienne Luncheon

2 Big Dreams of Mine - Paris & A Graceful Host....

It may be a Long while before I Strut the Streets of Paris, but I can Most Certainly be a Graceful Host!

Last Thursday I Hosted a French Themed Luncheon for Some of my Fantastic Fellow Military Wives.

Opening Up My Home and Inviting Others to Share in Making Great Memories is the Ultimate form of Southern Hospitality.   

My Desire is for Friends to Feel Comfortable, Full and Loved.  

It's not about the Fancy Decor, Fancy Silver & China or about the Fancy Clothes.

It's about the Warm Hugs, Big Smiles, and Attentive & Caring Attitudes.

Since my Culinary Skills are lacking to say the Least, I was not Involved in Making the Parisienne Yumminess......

        Gourmet Menu:
Hors D'oeuvres
    Bacon, Gruyere & Spinach Quiche
    French Onion Toasts
    Leek Fritters with Garlic & Lemon Cream
1st Course
    Golden winter Soup with Thyme Croutons
2nd Course
    Wintergreens with Warm Goat Cheese & Champagne Vinaigrette
Main Course
    Roasted Cornish Game Hens with Tangerine-Herb Butter
    Haricots Verts & Wild Mushrooms with Hazelnuts
Dessert
    Pots de Creme a L'Orange

I was Fittingly Responsible for the Fabulous Champagne Cocktail :)

The Cocktail - Champagne & Chambord 

** I prefer French Bubbles but in Serving 16 it wasn't economical

 

Chambord Made for Perfect Pink Bubbles

This Mrs Leaves Her Mark with Red Lipstick

 Fabulous Mademoiselles 

After Party in the Sunny Waterfront Backyard

Avec Mes Amies 

Be A Très Chic Graceful Host

XOXO Sarah Louise

Wednesday Words ... I'd Rather Dance

I'd Rather be Anywhere than in my Kitchen!

However, my Aspirations to be a Graceful Host make it an Impossible room to avoid.

I'm not a foodie.  Mr is.  Opposites do Attract.
Nutrition is the primary focus for all my meals (non-processed, lots of fruits & veggies)

My Mamma was an Amazing Southern Cook... Sadly this Gal did not Inherit her Skills.  

Over the Past Few Months I've Hosted several Coffees, Teas, and Luncheons. 
Exuding Southern Hospitality is a Way of Life for me.
(posts coming soon)

I've decided a way to make the kitchen a little less terrible 
is to add some music and dancing while I make a mess.

Have a Dance Party!

XOXO Sarah Louise

1st Day on the Job

Greetings!!!

As a Southern Gal with a love of all things pretty, I've enjoyed creating my own style over the years and am so excited to inspire others to Dress Beautifully, Host Gracefully & Celebrate Cheerfully!!!

Since I'm the new fashion blog gal on the web I simply ask that you...

~ Be patient ... I'm new and can guarantee some hiccups
~ Stick with me! ... There are fabulous posts coming
~ Tell all your Gal Pals to follow :)
~ Please send me comments, questions and suggestions

So Follow Along 

XOXO Sarah Louise