A Mary Heart

 2 Days til Christmas!!!!! I'm so looking forward to having Ryan home this year (it's rare working in Emergency Medicine!) I have plans to have fun, to relax, to unplug, to read, to puzzle and to be present! 

It sounds great doesn't it?! The reality is I'm not in control of it all, especially other people. 

What I can control is my heart. 

I want to have a heart like Mary.

She was humble, willing, trusting, joyful and embraced the hard.

When upset occurs this holiday season or year round rest in these truths!

Dress Beautifully with a Mary Heart

XOXO Sarah Louise

Christmasy

 There are so many 'holiday' outfits out there with sparkle and plaid and vibrant reds. While I find them to be very festive they're often a one time wear. Red is a color I rarely wear, but I do have a few pieces. 

When I style red I believe it makes any outfit look Christmasy! 

Here are some ways to style red for all your holiday fetes ...

LEOPARD JACKET - PUMPS

This dress I found at target a while back and is easy to layer over.

Jacket & Shoes Vintage - JEANS

Blazers are always chic and this one in leather adds a lot!

Accessories do a lot for an outfit. Go all out in monochromatic.

MESH TOP  - BOOTS

A vest adds a warm layer

and allows for additional layering and easy movement.

Dress Beautifully in Red for Christmas

XOXO Sarah Louise

Tinsel in a Tangle

It’s the most wonderful time of the year … tis also the time where you can find yourself frazzle dazzle! There’s regular ongoing life and then you pile on ALL the holiday things ...

Me and my sidekick running around town 

Here are some things that may help prevent you from getting your tinsel in a tangle ...

REMEMBER THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

We have a headless Joseph - but the message still conveys 

that it's not about perfection but the presence of Him

I say ‘remember’ because we forget. The arrival of our Savior Jesus Christ is the reason we celebrate.

While I can’t create a post that brings peace, Jesus can!

DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF

Gracious Trixie! Her hair and inability to stay off of my furniture drives me up the wall ...

BUT she brings joy to Ryan & Vivian

The whole purpose of gathering and gifting is to love one another in gratitude. 

Enjoying the time is what matters not all the 'things'.  Hug, smile and laugh big! Have FUN!!! 

CHECK THE LIST

Prioritize your to-do's by time and necessity. The reality is a lot of 'wants' just don't get done. Make the magic for your immediate family come first.

SOFT TRADITIONS

I am having to loosen the reigns on traditions. It means a lot to me to have things 'like we always do' but in reality some years things don't happen the same. Ryan often works on Christmas so we have to adjust, friends aren't available every year so we have to skip a celebration or 2 and it's perfectly fine to miss fun things.

You can have a lot but not all.

Who cares if things aren’t just so (my Type A control freak self does), but in the grand scheme of things what we remember is the people and the memories. Don't let the details spoil your attitude. Just throw your hands up and go with it. I know, easier said than done but focus on your heart not the display.

Dress Beautifully Enjoying Christmas

XOXO Sarah Louise

My top 5 gifts to give

 Fun Fact: When taking the love language test, I do not have any answers that align with gifts. And neither does Ryan!  When it comes gifting others, it can be overwhelming.

Here are 5 things I've found that I enjoy gifting others ...

PRESENCE

Time spent with undivided attention, to me is the best gift ever! Time is of high value and something that we never seem to have enough of. So put your phone away (unless you're on video) and take a walk, share a meal, and set a date to be present. I promise the quality time is priceless.

FRAMED PHOTO

There are so many fun memories captured on our phones and on display online but I like to see them in my home so that when I walk by I smile remembering the moment. Like a handwritten note, printed & framed photos are tangible and beautiful. 

TREASURES

I love finding old and unique objects when I'm antique and thrift shopping. Things like trinket dishes, brass figurines and decor make for one of a kind gifts. 

Bonus, they're usually a bargain!

PAPER

Journals, stationary and books are timeless gifts that are always beloved. For books coffee table ones or ones that relate to the recipients interests are pretty and resourceful.

Be sure to write a note on the inside cover!

GAMES/PUZZLES

I love to play games and put together puzzles! In fact we play card and board games several nights a week. There are even party games for adults and question games to really get to know a crowd. It brings people together and they're just as fun the 10th time playing as they are the 1st. 

Dress Beautifully Gifting

XOXO Sarah Louise

The Who's of Christmas

Christmas is filled with bright lights, sweet songs, fun parties and yes presents.  

This picture is Ryan's Christmas wish come true!

Vivian, Trixie & me (behind the scenes)

WHAT REALLY MATTERS, I'VE FOUND, IS WHO'S AROUND YOUR TREE!

It's our loved ones that are the greatest gifts.

While I love getting dressed for day to day and special occasions it's the most beautiful to dress yourself and others with as many smiles, acts of kindness, hugs, laughs and love as possible this Christmas and every day!

Our family can not all be together this Christmas as Ryan is working very long hours in the hospital 27 days this month. It is hard!!! 

We will cherish and be grateful for the moments we do have and fill them with joy!

Dress Your Christmas Beautifully with Love for Each Other

XOXO Sarah Louise

Dark & Sharp

 There's soooo much red, green, plaid and sparkles for holiday wear and while fun and festive it's often so specific making it a one time wear.

I find that an all black outfit in rich lustrous textures is a sharp way to dress for the holiday and any dressy occasion throughout the year.

I added a satin heel (the pants hide their beauty) that has a gorgeous rhinestone chain across the top - new favorite shoes! They're so so comfortable and very designer looking! 

TOP & SIMILAR - PANTS - SIMILAR BAG - HEELS

THIS JUMPSUIT is a sleek option!

I wanted to keep the monochromatic look sleek so but not too plain so a little sparkle goes a long way. A vintage broach, stud earrings and party purse were just enough. 

Note: when wearing neutrals a red lip really pops!

Style Tip: Don't buy anything new for a one time occasion. All black is forever chic!

Dress Beautifully in a Sharp Black Outfit

XOXO Sarah Louise

Trousers for a Good Time

 Tis the season for dressing festive! In a world that's gone oh so causal I believe occasions that take us out of the cozy and into the glam does us well! As I create this post I'm sitting in a sweatshirt, jeans and sneakers (they do sparkle!) and while this is great for day-to-day I stand taller, walk more confident and have more fun when I'm all gussied up. 

A wide leg trouser is a great option! Especially in a bold color.

Note: You don't have to don sequins, a gown or opulent pieces to be dressy. I find the more sleek and sophisticated an outfit the nicer the look.

Trousers paired with fun tops are comfortable, elongate the body, and aren't a one time wear like a lot of holiday pieces. 

I paired this hot pink pair with a faux fur leopard jacket (found it at a thrift shop for $5!) and clutch for a look that's bold but not overly specific to the holidays. I can opt for a sweater, blouse or button up with boots for day time or less formal occasion.

PINK TROUSERS - 3 colors | SATIN TROUSERS - 4 colors |

IVORY FLANNEL

Try a pair of wide leg trousers for your next soiree styled with heels and a sassy top and I guarantee you'll look and feel beautiful!

Dress Beautifully in Trousers

XOXO Sarah Louise

Deck the Halls

Every year I find more and more joy in decorating our home for Christmas.  It's not about the grander or perfectly staged arrangements but the beauty in the sentiment! 

The happiness of the season is sprinkled throughout each room with reminders of the blessings that Christmas brings.

This year I tied red velvet bows on our tree

Ryan insists we get a real tree every year 

Every single item displayed was either handmade, gifted, passed down in my family or purchased at a thrift/antique shop. I'm traditional when it comes to decorating and love beautiful things. I hope by sharing them it inspires you to create Christmas beauty in your own home. 

I hope you enjoy our decked halls!

Vivian's friend gifted her this Olaf blow up - dreams come true!

Our live wreath was purchased from her classmate's boy scout troop

We place our nativity front and center in the entryway 

Our banister might be my favorite!

I love the big red velvet bows & live garland (Trader Joe's) 

I added a plaid runner this year and little gold trees

The lace tablecloth & placemats I've had for years

One thing that's missing is my Christmas dishes!

I use them all month long

I decided to incorporate my silver tea set this year.

Vivian picked out these two porcelain angels.

I find red poinsettias so bold and pretty.

I've been placing them in champagne/ice buckets as vases for years

I also love hanging wreaths with more red velvet on all the windows in our sunroom.

I don't have a lot of Santa decor but I find this to be so nice!

I have lots and lots of Christmas linens! I hang the tea towels everywhere I can 

and use these cocktail napkins when hosting.

PS Frasier fur candles are the best smell of the season

I went around and tied red velvet ribbon on just about anything that wasn't moving.

We have two matching couches that face each other with matching pink pillows but

the one Vivian made us in preschool is the sweetest!

Along with a wreath hanging in the window & towels, 

I display old Christmas cookbooks and a platter that matches our dishes.

In Vivian's bathroom I hang embroidered towels.

What an absolute gift it is to have 3 stockings hung on our chimney!!!

Dress Your Home Beautifully for Christmas

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Fleece

 TGIF! It's the 1st day of December and I couldn't be more energized. Our home is almost complete with Christmas decorations (I'm hoping to finish today), we've seen a Flotilla, a garden of Christmas lights, finally have a blow up outside and my dear friend is visiting this weekend for my first Christmas soiree.

PARK SLOPE TURTLENECK

hits at the hips - true to size I'm XS

In years past Christmas was not the most wonderful time for me but I've grown to adore it by embracing the joy and magic.

PS gifting is not my love language (in fact when taking the quiz neither Ryan nor I have 1 answer that matches) so I don't share a lot on it but rather focus on the meaning of the season and loving others with sentiment and time.

It's an obvious fact that my fashion style is far from casual but I do love warmth and cozy in the winter.

my 1st fleece

I found small business Dudley Stephens (which has grown so much!) who designs these fleece turtlenecks several years ago and fell in love! They're made from recycled materials and have a chic design with the structured funnel neck. What started with their signature tops has now expanded to a diverse line of apparel.

PALMER PUFF SLEEVE

I added this style under the tree this year

I ask for a new fleece every year for Christmas and wear them so so much whether with jeans or dressy with a skirt or layered over a dress.

Bonus: Now is a great time to purchase for yourself or others during holiday sales!

Dress Beautifully in Fleece

XOXO Sarah Louise

Presence over Presents

The past 7 days have been full of sales and promotions for buying ALL the things and while beneficial it can also be overwhelming.

The things is, I believe people are the best presents. When we went around the thanksgiving table sharing what we are grateful for each and every person has people first on their list. 

People make the biggest impacts, they teach you, encourage you, stand by you, and share in memories that you just can’t buy!

Your presence is the best present you can give to those you love.

Here are 3 ways to SHOW appreciation for the priceless gift of people:

A HANDWRITTEN NOTE 

Bonus if you mail it!

Taking the time to write how grateful you are for another person, the contributions they’ve made to your life and hopes you have for your future together has a way of loving someone they can be reminded of and cherish over and over.

SHARING A MEAL

This can be as simple as a spaghetti dinner on a weeknight at home. There’s something about sitting around a table sharing a meal that bonds us. Maybe it’s a lunch or coffee after school drop off - get creative but most importantly have your attention and eyes up on your company (phones are best put away!)

VIDEO DATE

So many of my dearest are long distance. Schedule a video date, it can even be in your Christmas pajamas around the tree. When you can’t see each other - make the time to ‘see’ each other.

Cheers to the people that make life beautiful!

Dress Beautifully Being Present with People

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pointing to Jesus

The Christmas season is FULL (I don't have to tell you that!). I've had a few moments looking at my calendar and to-do lists and felt like my head was on a swivel. And the thing is, it's all fun, joyful things. But those events require prep, the gifts require purchasing and the decorations aren't going to hang themselves. 

My Sweater - Slip Skirt

We are magic makers Mammas! 

How do we do it and still enjoy and remember the reason for the season?

Here is some encouragement I received last week that will help point our families to Jesus ....

 IT STARTS WITH OUR HEARTS

When we have our hearts right with God, He will grant us the patience, strength and grace!

It's a daily/hourly practice. 

Take a few minutes each morning and maybe afternoon & dinner too to read His word / a devotional.

I promise it will make all the difference in your day and will set the tone for your family.

   

ALIGN WITH YOUR HUSBAND

We are the magic makers but they are our partner and best friend in it all.

Take time to talk and be intentional about what your family is doing this season. 

The joy starts with us!

ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS

There is an overwhelming amount to activities in Charlotte to participate in but we can't do them all. Quite honestly, I don't want to. It is important to say no to some things and remove what isn't fitting for your family. 

  

WAYS WE CAN POINT OUR CHILDREN TO JESUS 

  

1.Daily/Weekly Activity - advent calendars

2. Nativity Set - one they can play with, displayed low for access 

3. Book Collection - reading & learning helps establish the season 

My friends and I came up with these great activities:

-Including your kids in the gift giving experience (picking out teacher, neighbor, sibling gifts)

-Going as a family to see a Live Nativity

-Making Gingerbread Nativity scenes 

-Listening to Christmas music in your home or car

-Watching Christmas movies (The Star, The Nativity Story) 

-Throwing a birthday party for Jesus or making him a bday cake

Dress Beautifully Pointing to Jesus

XOXO Sarah Louise