Boldly Go

Some trends are fun and easy to embrace while others are bold and harder to incorporate.

Personally, I embrace exaggerated designs. Here's the deal, if you like it then you wear it! Hold your head up, walk tall and own it!

I know the horseshoe and barrel cut jeans are a statement design but gals, I like them! 

HORSESHOE JEANS

available in several washes 

This pair is a splurge but the fit and finish is fabulous!!!

HORSESHOE JEANS

TOP

This pair is an identical wash but without the distressing and a fraction of the cost. Shipping did take a while but worth it. 

Both of these are high waisted, fitted on the hips and roomy on the legs when fits my shape perfectly!

I found they both ran true to size. 

I styled them with a cropped linen shell and heels for a dressy look but a tee and sneakers work too. That's the beauty of jeans - they go with everything! 

If you are looking to try the horseshoe jean trend, join me! I'm sure I'll receive looks & opinions but I don't care. 

Dress Beautifully in Bold Designs

XOXO Sarah Louise

Here to Tell Ya ... About Things You'll Buy & Love

Gals, I'm here to tell ya about things you'll buy, love and one day thank me for recommending. And if not it's because you already own them and know their greatness!

Think of this list as 'Sarah Louise's Favorite Things', except I can't give them away like Oprah does. #sorrynotabillionaire

Note: the Bible is my greatest possession!

Yeti Coffee Mug

I'm a Mamma, so I need something to keep my black coffee piping hot!

Sonicare Toothbrush

Keeping my smile shiny & healthy is of upmost importance!

Rowenta Iron

I can't stand wrinkled garments!

This brand of irons is by far the best!

Tanner

The days of panty hose are over!

this takes the edge off of my blinding legs

Planner

I'm a list maker! And clearly old school but I just love writing things down.

Earphones

These are essential to my everyday. They wrap around my tiny ears and the only things that don't hurt and stay in place while I'm running and jumping up and down during my workouts.

I also use them for phone calls with my gal pals so that I'm handsfree and productive while I chit chat.

Sound Machine

We've been sleeping with this for 15 years! Vivian does too. 

I even travel with it. 

Dyson Vacuum 

Worth every single penny!

Cleanliness is next to Godliness and this keeps our home spic and span.

Hanky Panky Panties

I've been wearing these for 11 years.

They are the only thing I wear. I wash them on delicate cycle and air dry.

Your undergarments are just as important as your outer. They're comfortable and do not give VPL.

Bosu Ball

One of my favorite pieces of workout equipment.

Crisp White Shirt

Classic & in non-iron a staple in my wardrobe.

I suggest buying several.

Red Lipstick

Feminine and bold. This lipstick is soft and lasts all day.

Earrings

You'll see these delicate hoops with almost every outfit I share.

They are my absolute favorite & I've had them for about 5 years.

Each and every one of these products gets a two thumbs up and I would buy (and often do) over and over again. They've impacted my life in such a way that they'd be on my list of things to take if I was ever stranded on a desert island.

Dress Beautifully with These 

Life Changing Products

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Friday Favorites: Home Decor

TGIF! What a sweet week this has been.  It's the last week of Summer before Vivian Louise starts preschool.  It hasn't hit me yet that our days of splashing, sliding and story times are going to be fewer.  I believe it's because I'm so stinkin excited for her to learn and make new friends.  It's going to be a change for me too, I'm ready to get back into working but that's a whole other topic!

I realized that we've been in our home now for close to a year!  Wow, I can't believe it's been that long.  I also realized that I've never shared a home tour, probably because there's SO MUCH we want to do to each room but is one's home ever really done?? I'm going to work on sharing some of where our home is now and a peek at what we'd like to change.  In the end it's the time shared in these rooms that make them great.

When it comes to decor and furniture I'm a traditionalist with a tad of modern sprinkled throughout.  I believe that furniture can be lifetime investment, such as your bed, dressers, rugs, buffets, consoles, end tables and dining tables.  The filler decorative pieces can be a bit more fashionable and replaced over the years.

Here are several pieces that are stylish, add function and are fairly inexpensive...

Metal Shelves
I love these shelves! Because they are glass they don't weigh down a room like heavy wood bookcases do.  The metal adds a modern touch to your room.  I'm thinking of adding these to our formal living room but since we have a mirrored console already in there I hesitate to add more metallic.
Another great thing about these shelves is that you could move them from room to room.

China Cabinet
This cabinet is the most expensive thing on this post but I'm considering it for our den, one on each side of the fireplace so I had to share it.  The other option is custom built ins. I love that this one looks like an expensive piece but for a much lower price. 

Spindle Chair

I think spindle chairs are so beautiful! And I'm amazed to have found one for under 1k!

Settee
We have a settee in our house and they are so versatile! It's served as seating in our prior breakfast room and now in Ryan's office.  I'm thinking of moving it into our master bedroom.

Chest

Chests are expensive especially if you are buying multiples but they serve multiple purposes in bedrooms and living spaces. I prefer solid hardwood but if you need something more affordable these are the ticket. 

Glass Lamps
These lamps look so designer and come in multiple colors.

End Table
Another piece that's easy to fill your space and add quick function next to your seating.

Boxwood Topiary

I believe that every room needs plants but not every room has the lighting needed and not every owner has a green thumb. Silk plants save the day!

Gold Drapery Rods
We have gold rods throughout our home and I feel it adds glamour and looks expensive.

Garden Stool
Porcelain garden stools are so handy. They add function beside accent chairs and are easy to move around.

This pink swing hanging on our grand magnolia tree is our home's cutest decor!

Just like your wardrobe, I believe you should invest on foundation/classic pieces but can opt for more inexpensive pieces when it comes to adding modern style.

Dress Your Home Beautifully

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Mamma Monday: Baby Registry Must Haves

Monday = Back to the Grind.

After a long Thanksgiving break I'm back in the office hustling away missing my couch and those sweet Hallmark movies!

I haven't been as good as I'd like with these Mamma Monday posts but I'm trying gals.  Becoming a Mamma is a first for me but I am blessed to have received so much wisdom to share as well as findings from my own personal journey tackling project baby.

A couple weeks ago I was showered with amazing gifts at two celebrations for me and baby girl so I wanted to share with you my personal registry must haves.

When it comes to your registry you have to make your selections personal to you.  Pick stores that fit your needs as well as your style. For me I knew we would be purchasing all the nursery design/decor pieces, although my Mamma did gift us her crib.
I chose Buy Buy Baby (they have 20% off coupons! & a store here in Charlotte) as well as Amazon.  Who doesn't have Prime?!!! And with so many of those dear to us being out of state, I found this to be the best options.

I primarily registered for 'needed' things but did include some clothes, fun items and blankets because as much as I want to receive boxes of diapers, gals want to gift cute and pretty things so be sure to add some so that they meet your style likes.
Also register for items with a variety of price points.

I'm learning that when it comes to babies there isn't enough!

I have all but 2 of these items and plan to purchase if we don't receive them.

So here they are my Must Haves .....

Bottles - Word on the street is that these are the best for baby's tummy & gals even though 'breast is best' pumping is too and you'll need these for others to help feed baby and if you're back at work.

Sound Machine - NEED!  Mr and I have had this for over 5 years now and it truly makes for peaceful slumber. Sleep is the key to surviving parenthood so get one! Vivian has her own! 

Ultimate Blanket - This was not on my registry but my sweet sister gifted it to me.  I had gifted her one when her son was born.  In fact I've gifted it 5 times this year and who knows how many times since discovering it's greatness many moons ago.  It's soft thick and must have a name embroidered on it! 

Nursing Pillow - I've been told this is a lifesaver when nursing your baby. It helps keep you both comfortable and in a great position. Here's hoping!

Diaper Pail - do I need to explain?  You have to contain the ick! (I say Mr does the outtake and I do the intake - we will see how that goes)  

Stroller - I knew I wanted this before I was pregnant because all my Mamma friends swear by it.  It's pricey but you must must have a good stroller - think of it as having that awful grocery buggy squeaking and frustrating to turn. Nobody has time for that! This one also has lots of cargo space down below.  Now, I specifically registered for this version because it does not come with the bassinet nor does it convert to a double stroller.  This kept the price a bit lower. I don't believe we will use the bassinet often enough to justify (the car seat attaches) and I have friends that have it if I needed to borrow. 

Car Seat & Extra Base - Well it's the only car seat that attaches to our stroller so that was easy.  The extra base is nonnegotiable.  We both need to be able to transport her. 

  

Bassinet - I was lucky and got this from a gal who's baby was older and no longer needed it or else I would have registered for it. It's also another pricey piece but our bed is so very high that I needed one that could adjust. This is going to be a life saver having her sleep beside me for ease of feeding and attempts at sleeping.  The side bends down to easily lift her.

Swaddle - I plan to bind her up like a mummy in these. It mimics how snug she is in my belly and helps keep her asleep by preventing her from moving her arms and legs.

Play Yard - Still need to get this one.  I liked it because it didn't come with attachments that we don't need. It will be essential when visiting friends for her to play and sleep.

Rocker - I wasn't going to register for one but then I heard how many Mammas loved it that I figured why argue with experience. Another item we still need to get.

Diaper Bag - You need something to haul all the baby stuff in! Two ladies from church gifted me this and they didn't understand why I chose black. Well, it hides dirt, matches everything, more discrete, and bottom line, I need Mr to carry it. Ahhh they now understood. 

Swing Seat - I was lucky with this one too - got this from a gal who was done with it! score! It's pricey but again I hear it's a life saver.  

Mammas, when it comes to the expensive things try and find them from other Mammas who are done.  You never know what your baby will like, and who wants to drop tons of money on temporary contraptions you'll use short term?

My Full Registries are here at BUYBUY BABY & AMAZON

Help Others Dress Your Baby's Needs Beautifully with Your Registry

XOXO Sarah Louise