41 Things

On Thursday I turn 41! It's a privilege to be granted these years and I want to steward them well.

Here are 41 things I believe in for living my life beautifully ...

Life is too short to wear boring clothes 

Put on the amour of Christ

Pretty is as pretty does 

Classy girls wear pearls

Better to be overdressed

Share your talents

Let your words be as sweet as honey

Leave a little bit of sparkle where ever you go

Show up

Greet them & leave them with a hug

Pursue Peace

People over projects 

Friends are the most precious gifts

Others above yourself

Hold Hands

Pray first

You can have a lot but you can not have it all

Something is better than nothing 

Say I love you as much as you can

What’s true isn’t new and what’s new isn’t true

Be still

Ordinary yet significant

Vertical over horizontal viewpoint

Your portion is sufficient 

Gratitude creates contentment 

Dance party often

Hold them a little longer 

Say yes

Present over perfection

Have more fun

Play outside 

Do the hard for the good 

Strong is healthy 

Cleanliness is next to Godliness

Send handwritten notes

Store up treasures in heaven

Use the nice stuff - each day is a special occasion

Make Lemonade 

Eat the Cake

Cheers with Champagne

EVERY DAY IS A GIFT

Dress Your Life Beautifully 

XOXO Sarah Louise 

Making 38 Great!

Yesterday I celebrated my 38th birthday! I did it with the loves of my life, Ryan & our darling Vivian. 

I spent the prior 3 days vacationing with dear gal pals.  What an absolute treat to get away to somewhere warm, sunny and fun! 

While enjoying the sand between my toes, sound of the ocean waves and beautiful blue sky against the never ending clear water I reflected on this amazing life of mine.

Another year is truly an undeserved blessing. My heart feels like it's going to just burst with gratitude for my family, friends, health, home and most of all, God's grace! 

Here's what I plan to do to make 38 Great ....

1. Do ALL things with Love - from the daily chores to time with others I want to do it ALL with gratitude and kindness. 

2. Be Present - focus on people over projects & perfection. There's always things to do and an idea of how we think it all should go but putting the expectations aside and giving attention to those around us is most valuable.

3. Have fun - skirt the rules and jump into doing the silly things, messy things and fun things. Vivian is such an encouragement for me to do just that. A little adventure and the laughter shared is better than anything else in the world. 

4. Give Generously - blessings are meant to be shared. I want to use my talents, resources and time to encourage others.

5. Take More Trips - I want to throw the schedule & routine out the window, pack a bag and enjoy weekends away visiting friends and family. I get anxious about traveling with a toddler, my to-do lists etc... But I know the memories made are worth every mile in the car!

Cheers to another fun trip around the sun!

What are you doing to make your years great?

Dress Your Years Beautifully 

XOXO Sarah-Louise

37th Edition

Happy Monday! It's the first week of my 37th year and I literally hit the ground running.

THANK YOU so very much for all the lovely birthday wishes, it was a very blessed day.

I celebrated at home with lots of hugs and kisses from these two and later a parking lot party with my sisters and some gal pals :)

Party but keep it 6ft apart

It was pure torture not squeezing each and every gal!

Confession: I hugged the necks of my sisters real tight and I'm not sorry about it!

I have to tell you that one of the sweetest gifts I received was a surprise video with the students of my Sunday school class where they each shared what they loved about me and there was no stopping tears of pure joy! They also dropped off handmade gifts for me. We don't get to decide how God uses us and we don't know what blessings he has in store but I sure am grateful for the opportunity to grow alongside these young people.

For me, Birthdays are like New Year’s, a time to reflect on the blessing of another year and set intentions for the next year. Every day is a gift and I want to live like it! 

Thank You God!

Here are my intentions for the 37th year of my life ...

1. Grow as a disciple - the Bible commands us to go and make disciples. I want to grow in my faith, trust and knowledge of His Word. But I don't want to hold it in for myself.  I want to share it with others, as others have shared with me. News this Good is meant to be had by all.

2. Fellowship Face to Face - I feel that as a society our days are fuller than ever and there never seems to be enough time.  I miss seeing my family and friends so badly during these weeks of quarantine and yet looking back I kept my days so planned out that I rarely made the effort to interrupt those plans to have quality time with those I love most. It's one of the many lessons I've learned lately.  I also want to host our loved ones in our home more frequently.  I rarely open our doors mostly due to my insecurities in cooking and in that our home isn't decorated to my liking just yet. As I typed that I know how ridiculous it is - or at least that's what I'd say to someone else who felt that way. I'm squashing those feelings!  The fellowship with my friends is far more important and valuable that my need for schedule and it doesn't require 5 star accommodations. I want make face to face time with others a priority!

3. Serve in the workplace - I miss my career every day. While I'm proud of my decision and grateful for the circumstances to be home with Vivian, if it's God's will, I hope to find a position where I can use my skills to make a contribution. The past pace of my career isn't a wise fit for our family so I'm praying for discernment on where I am best suited.

4. Compete Physically -  I love exercise and challenging myself! I want to stretch myself and participate in a physical competition.  I'm not sure what that will look like but I want it to be something I've never done before.  I've ran half marathons, so I'm thinking something that involves obstacles and/or lifting. 

5. Learn New Skills - I have so many projects I'd like to complete. Many of them require constant upkeep such as Vivian's pictures and this blog.  I'd like to learn how to better organize/upload all of her captured memories, utilize my fancy camera to actually capture the moments and use technology programs to enhance this platform. Wish me luck!

You don't need an occasion to set goals.  Each day is a new opportunity for good and growth.

I encourage you to treat every moment you have as a chance to create joy!

Dress Each Year Beautifully

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Go Big

Gals, in a mere 3 days I will be celebrating my 37th anniversary on this earth! It's a true testament to the phrase 'time flies when you're having fun'. When it comes to special occasions I go big with my ensembles.

I loved this dress when I saw it for 3 primary reasons, cotton poplin fabric (most favorite for it's crisp coolness), straight midi length (most longer dresses are a-line and for a petite gal that's often overwhelming) and the oh so fabulous balloon sleeves.  I mean let's not be basic.

I also found the colors of the tiny floral print cheery and fitting for the season.

Now, I'm all ready with a dress and nowhere to go. If you're are optimistic like me, you're holding on to attending Summer soirees and this dress will be perfect for them. Weddings, showers, gals' night out and hopefully vacations are times when a little something with pizazz is what you need.

I added a white belt to break up the long line of print but because this dress has a slim silhouette it's not necessary for shape.

Tip:  When wearing an outfit with ample sass, no need for competing accessories such as jewelry. Keep it simple. 

Balloon Sleeve Dress | Pumps | Belt | Sunglasses | 

Dress Beautifully in Balloon Sleeves

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Party Piece

While having a party might not be how we'd describe our days of late, this month does hold a lot to celebrate, including my birthday (37!) And my most favorite day of the entire year, Easter Sunday.
That's a whole lot of blessings!

Personally, I don't feel a day over 27 - is it delusional to say I look just as young??

I want to have fun and party a little, or a lot, this month - even on this blog. I've added sharing our home updates on Tuesdays and for the fashion segments its all about party pieces!

I fill a majority of my closet with classic pieces but I believe you should sprinkle fun ones in too.
Isn't this party top so much fun?!! I mean, it's hard not to smile just looking at it.
Wearing it on the other hand equals so much sass.

With Winter behind me I was wanting some happy looks but as I was searching I found that a lot of party pieces were so unique they'd be a one time wear, showed too much skin and just plain unrealistic.

I loved this one because it's uniqueness wasn't too outrageous and pairing options were versatile to carry it through multiple occasions. Think shorts or jeans for a night out and a skirt for church.

Note: It has a very low neckline but I was easily able to pin it.

I encourage you to add some fun to your closet this season, even if you have to wear it on a backyard date night.

Polka Dot Bow Top | Black Pants | Pumps & Here | Sunglasses |

Dress Beautifully in a Party Piece

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Trending: Hair Accessories, Smocking & Clear Bags

TGIF! Gals, what a wonderful week! I celebrated my 36th birthday yesterday, actually I celebrated last weekend too with a double date with my best friend Saturday night and birthday cake with my family on Easter Sunday. I met up with my sister at the park yesterday so that our girls could play.  Vivian's cousin is only 9 weeks younger so they're bffs. She took me out to lunch and then some Target time because that's what Mammas do #truth.  Naturally we bought stuff for the kids.
Then my other sister came over in the afternoon with more lemon cake #yolo and babysat Vivian so that Mr could take me out on a date.  He actually left the hospital on time!!!
Birthdays are one of those times for extra gratitude. Life is a precious gift, one that I cherish every day. Cheers to 36 years!

She did NOT want us to leave but date nights are a MUST and they don't include her!

AND Taylor Swift released a new song at midnight!!!!! I'm a HUGE fan and have been anxiously awaiting this big news for weeks. I consider it my birthday gift :) Vivian and I had a dance party this morning and I've been jamming out to it all day. It's one of my favorites.

"I'm the only one of me ... that's the fun of me" Mr confirmed there are no truer words haha

Let's chat fashion shall we.  There are 3 things trending big right now that I wanted to share.
Hair accessories, smocking and clear bags.

Hair Accessories:
I've been wearing barrettes, clips, pins, headbands, etc. in my large mane for years! My Mamma does too.  It's like jewelry for you hair and with as much as I have it needs to be contained with something strong and be pretty.

I also don't like wearing my hair plain and in the same way everyday.  Give me accessories, braids, and twists. Hair styles shouldn't be boring.

So here are some popular and pretty hair accessories sure to make any outfit complete from head to toe!

Pearl Clips -they add bold & classy touch. I ordered these and they hold great.

Headbands - I'm ALL about this brand out of India for headbands.  It was hard to pick just one. They are intricate and beautiful.  And not too big.  I ordered this one because it's neutral and it's named 'Vivian' #meanttobe
You must check all of the unique styles out!

Tortoise Clips - I've been wearing these for over 10 years. They blend with your hair and are perfect for ALL occasions.

You can also use silk scarves tie around your ponytails.  I have a large vintage collection that I need to wear more of.

Smocking:

I'm obsessed with smocking clothes for baby Vivian but it's everywhere in women's fashion too.  Keep in mind it is super stretchy making it very fitted where it's placed on the garment. Meaning it will accentuate curves! In my opinion it's either cute or it's not. So try it on and regardless of how pretty the piece is if it's not flattering don't wear it!

Here's some that I think are pretty...

Cherry Blossom Peplum Top
I ordered this and it should arrive any day now.  My only hesitation is having to wear a strapless bra UGH more options HERE

I love the puff sleeves on this one! It may be a bit on the shorter side but not a problem with a higher waisted pant or skirt.

This peplum top is classic and would be perfect with a pair of white jeans.


Clear Bags:

Now this trend is a challenge for me. Plastic handbags ekkkk But designers are putting them out there in mass quantities and styles. So if you like them my suggestion is to limit your investment.  I don't believe this trend will last and you'll find yourself putting it in the donate pile in a couple of seasons.
I do think they are practical for public events where they check your bag or if you work in retail where your bags are checked when leaving or even at the beach.

Personally, I like my pile concealed!

I did see some at Marshalls & TJ Maxx for around $30. Similar to this one.

I love the handle on this one.

This tote has nice trim.

And this clutch is chic.

Sooooo many options HERE!

Have a FUN weekend!

Dress Beautifully in Hair Accessories, Smocking & Maybe a Clear Bag 

XOXO Sarah Louise