Mamma Monday: Bubble of Happiness

Happy Monday! I hope you are facing this new week at home with a smile and plans to create joy.

I remember when I was first dating Ryan during those blissful moments wishing we could stay in 'our bubble' of just us two without having to return to the world.  We were long distance for the 4 years we dated, first 3 years of marriage by a plane flight and later by a nearly year long deployment overseas.  To say we value time together is an understatement! And now he works insane hours in the hospital with a majority of his shifts nights and weekends. Truly it is a challenge.

Time is something you can't buy, something we are all wishing we had more of and something that always flies by in the blink of an eye.

The world can trap us into an idea that happiness is having, going and doing all the things.
Lies!

Time spent with the ones you love right where you are is a priceless gift. I encourage you to put it all down, preferably go outside and be in a bubble of happiness.

Our state is lifting its stay at home order at the end of this week and while we won't be jumping back into the hustle I find myself in a bittersweet state.  It has been wonderful slowing down and despite loosing over half of our income (many tears shed and prayers said) it has been the greatest blessing in the world to have my whole family home.  That is my bubble of happiness.

Don't let things of this world pop your bubble, protect it with His loving arms.

Tips:  Put down your phone (with the exception of a must have photo op but share it later), hold hands, be outside for playing, reading, exercising and dining, talk, turn off electronics, and give thanks throughout the day for all you can do and all that you have!

Dress Beautifully in Your Bubble of Happiness 

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Soiree: SL in the QC

Invitations designed/created by Moi

I've cropped the bottom of the invitation for privacy - No creepers/stalkers welcome

This past Saturday I hosted my first soiree in our new home.

It was a time to gather with my gal pals and a welcoming of my return to the Queen City. 

I also wanted to debut our house and it's interiors as I've been keeping it somewhat a secret.
(Posts to come)

Decorating is an ongoing process and there's always tweaking.  I find myself never quite ready or satisfied with a room but my Mamma reminded me that 'Rome wasn't built in a day'.  You can't do it all.  It takes time.  Sadly, my house didn't come with a money tree in the backyard and decorating isn't cheap!

There's no perfect house nor life, but it's ours and it's perfectly filled with Love! 

I was tickled pink to use these family heirloom crystal glasses and to serve from my antique buffet

My goal for this shindig was not only to celebrate our new home but to also show gratitude for the welcoming our friends and family have shown us.  They are our support and encouragement through our day-to-day and our milestones.  Cheers all around! 

These pink bubbles were a gift and I've been saving it just for this occasion

POP FIZZ CLINK

 And for those driving or expecting a baby some sparkling lemonade & water
Fancy Another Tray: Kate Spade || Ice Bucket: Lenox ||
Zebra Cocktail Napkins: Here ||

Bar carts are essential for serving in the formal room or away from the kitchen

I served heavy hors d'oeuvres and sweet treats

barbecue chicken sliders, orzo pasta salad, bacon wrapped dates, roasted sweet potatoes, 

hummus & veggies, pepper jelly over cream cheese & crackers

Strawberry cupcakes with cream cheese icing & sugar cookies with lemon curd

My co-host all gussied up 

Our moving announcements by Shutterfly 

I have a thing for snail mail :) 

When throwing a soiree remember, it's not all about the decor, food and how fancy the presentation is; rather the company and fellowship that fills the room!

Stay tuned for a peek into my home and design next week!

Dress Your Next Soiree Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise