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

Summer List

As a kid my Mamma would sit us down and we would make a Summer list of things we wanted to do/accomplish over the break. There was always books to read, art to make, projects to complete, places to go and even a trip or two to take. She made her own too and still asks me each year what's on my list!

As a grown up, I've continued this tradition each Summer and find it just as fun.

PS I even did this with my Sunday School students - they really enjoyed it!

Here's what's on my list ...

SPLASH

Whether it's at the pool, in the ocean or right on the back patio running through the sprinkler like we did on Friday I want to splash with my darling as much as possible!

There's so much magic in her giggles as the water tickles her each time that I want to cherish. It's also super fun for me too! 

FIND BIG TREASURES

I value collecting treasures from the earth. Growing up our souvenirs from vacations was unique rocks, feathers or leaves we had found. In addition to seashells, this Summer I want to go on a fossil hunt down in SC in hopes of finding megalodon shark teeth! I've got quite the collection of teeth I've found on local beaches but none as great in magnitude. 

DECORATE

This one is the biggest undertaking! I already have the designs solidified for our powder room, my office space, all new lighting throughout our home, our guest room and some big girl modifications to Vivian's room. I take my time decorating as I want to be very intentional and confident in my choices. These spaces  are going to be infused with color in new paint & wallpaper, furniture and personal touches so that they better reflect us and spark more joy when we're in them.

READ

I'm constantly craving less screen time for myself. I find it's rarely edifying and a big distraction. My goal is to have my phone down and eyes up on what's around me and/or in a book. Reading is such an exciting escape that I prefer to do outside amongst the sunshine & birdsongs. I'm hoping to finish at least 2 books a month and even complete a short bible study alongside a dear friend.

BEACH

Having my toes in the sand as much as possible is a priority. I have a trip planned with just Ryan this week, with my gal pals, with just Vivian and we will finish the summer with a week of us 3 at the sea.

Amongst these goals I also want to enjoy slow time together with my family, some shindigs with hotdogs & hamburgers (hopefully some fireworks) and cheers on some girls nights out with my friends. 

Most importantly I want to strive to do all of these things with gratitude and a cheerful spirit! 

Dress Beautifully Having Summer Fun

XOXO Sarah Louise