Friday Favorites: T & T

 TGIF! This week we are spending time together, just us 3, at the beach. We've done this for 3 years now in mid August so that we end Summer in a way that's meaningful and fun! Our worlds are so full but this week we focus on us! We have played, laughed and down right enjoyed being together. 

What you wear matters. It can hopefully give you confidence to shine your light to others but it cannot give you time nor togetherness.

TIME

There's never enough and it always goes by too quickly. 

Cherish the gift of each day by practicing contentment and being present. Slow down, look around and give thanks. 

TOGETHER

People are your greatest blessings. Schedule the date, make the call and be attentive. Enjoy your loved ones by sharing your talents, helping hands and as much laughter as you possibly can! 

Best friends are the best when you give them your best!

Children will grow up way too fast. Slow down and soak them up!

Dress Beautifully Spending Time Together 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Waves on Waves

Last week at the beach I squealed with joy at Vivian surfing the waves of the ocean. I have to share that our darling Vivian has become so bold in the water this Summer! 

As I watched her float in the calm ripples, surf in fast on the high waves and even tumble on the ones that were just too much I realized that it was quite the representation of life.

Sometimes we are smooth surfing in the everyday and then we get something big and exciting to surf and then there's the waves that throw us off balance and take us down. 

The thing about the ocean is that it's constant. The tide & waves are always coming but there's also salt that helps us float along despite the conditions. 

The thing about life is that it's constant. If we're lucky we get day after day, there's always to-do's & interruptions but there's also blessings that help us stay afloat despite the unexpected.

As you think about the ocean and how majestic its vastness, beauty and countless wonders are, reflect on the same in your life. Celebrate the big surfs, resurface quickly and float gratefully in the every day.

Tip: Like finding seashells and shark teeth, look for the beautiful treasures in your day amongst people & your surroundings!  

Dress Beautifully Surfing

the Waves of Life

XOXO Sarah Louise

TOGETHER

 Happy Weekend! I missed yesterday's Friday Favorites post and while I did have cheerful content planned it can wait while I spend time together with my family.

Note: We don't get family time often due to Ryan's job in emergency medicine so we cherish all moments we have together. 

We've splashed in the pool

Rode bikes around the island & on the beach

And enjoyed evening with each other

No matter where you are or what's on your list, 

make together time with those you love #1!

Dress Beautifully Being Together

XOXO Sarah Louise

SUMMER 2024

 I. LOVE. SUMMER!!! I give Vivian most of the credit as she makes it so much FUN! (Add her to the top of the #582 reasons I'm content with my choice to leave my corporate career) 

I still work part time, and it's going to be a challenge to do so with Vivian out of school but with a little planning and prioritization (and an awesome boss) this 3rd summer at my job should go swimmingly! 

Note: I know that Summer is different for everyone - no matter your circumstances, this season can be sweet and memorable.

Growing up my Mama made a Summer List with us of all the things we wanted to do, goals to reach and fun adventures to go on. I've continued this tradition my entire life.

This season is often a break from routine and has room to add things that you love.

Here are 10 things on my Summer list ...

BEACH

I want to stand with my toes in the sand at the ocean as much as I possibly can.

I'm starting this Wednesday on Kiawah Island!

SPLASH

When we are not at the beach, I want to splash at the pool as much as I possibly can.

LEARN

Pickle Ball! I've had my first lesson last week and am excited to learn to play the sport.

PLAY

Mah Jong. I received a game set for Christmas and want to learn and host Mah Jong game nights with my gal pals at least 3 times this Summer.

MEMORIZE

Vivian and I together are going to memorize 1 bible verse each week.

These are going to be short (she's 6) and I want to set us up for success to continue this practice all year long.

  This is a great resource for verses. 

READ

I want to read 10 books and Vivian is signing up to read 40 hours that aligns with a program at her school.

Send me your recommendations! 

ORGANIZE

I have this daunting project of organizing my photos in to books.

It's A LOT but I've been putting it off for 6 years and need to just start!

HOST

I have plans to have my niece stay with us for 'Cousin Camp'. The girls will attend VBS together and I have so many activities planned for them.

CHEERS

I'm jazzed to cheers with popsicles & lemonade with our friends big and small.

But with Ryan and my gal pals - make it bubbles and palomas on the patio!

COLLECT

Along with seashells & sharks' teeth, I want to collect memories with my family and my friends! 

I encourage you to make a list of things you want to do, place to go and memories to make.

Place it on your fridge (that's what my Mama did) and enjoy making that list a reality!

Dress Beautifully Making Summer Memories

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Maxi Skirts

 TGIF! When you look at your style and in your closet you'll probably notice a predominant piece, color or design that you gravitate towards. For me it's white tops & maxi skirts.  I have quite the collection of maxi skirts because they're versatile all year long. 

I can style them with sweaters & boots in the winter, fun tops and sandals in the Summer, dressy with a blouse & heels or casual with a tank and sneakers. 

There's also the benefit of coverage (I'm not keen on showcasing my legs) and I find that they elongate making me feel and look taller (hard to do when you're 5'2"!).

FISH SMOCKED SKIRT - LINEN CROPPED SHELL

SHELL NECKLACE

When I'm shopping for maxi skirts I like a higher waist to create a long look, a crisp cotton poplin fabric, prints with lots of colors to pair with and minimal volume.

Here are some pretty maxi skirts to wear this Summer ...

SOLID SMOCKED POPLIN

also in navy

NAVY PRINT

DIP-DYED

BROWN DIP-DYED

BROWN PRINT

also 3 solid colors

ONE SIZE WRAP

PINK FLORAL

RED SHELL

YELLOW FLORAL

BLOCK PRINT

Dress Beautifully in a Maxi Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Cover Ups

 TGIF! Today I'm headed to the pool because being in water is the only way to survive the scorching heat outside!! Splashing with friends is also a fun way to spend a Friday.

My Pareo

Swimsuits are a key part of a Summer wardrobe and that means so are cover-ups. I don't know about you but I don't parade around, overexposed, in just my swimsuit and given that I'm a mother I'm in and out of places to and from the water.

Cover ups need to be easy to slip on and off, light weight (not just to keep cool but for minimal space while packing for travel and pool/beach bag). 

Here are some cute cover ups for your days at the water ...

Printed Pareo

prints are flattering and allow for matching multiple colors

15 options - fast shipping - great price

Button Up

Slit Pants

Maxi Dress

Long Beach Shirt

several color options

Embroidered Lace

3 color options

Yellow Star Kaftan

Button Up Dress

several colors

Convertible Sarong

more colors

Crinkle Mini Skirt

easy pull on - in black & colorful print

Suit up and cover up for comfort, protection from the sun and of course style!!!

Note: don't worry about 'matching' - everything goes at the water

Dress Beautifully Covering Up at the Water

XOXO Sarah Louise