Coffee & Chit Chat

Late last year a new Ralph Lauren store and a mobile Ralph's coffee truck opened here in Charlotte. I personally love visiting them both! There's something sweet about sipping a cup of coffee and something even sweeter doing it with someone else.

Life is full! But one of my favorite things to do is slow down, sit down and share life across from a friend. 

First, you greet each other with a great big smile and a squeeze! 

Second, it's always nice if one gal makes it her treat.

Third, fill your chit chat with questions, an attentive ear and words that are truthful, good and useful.

If we were having coffee here's what I'd share ...

Image The Southern Gail

she's a fav follow

I've got some beautiful house projects on the horizon. I'm adding molding and wallpaper to our formal living room and up the stairs then through the hallway. Stay tuned!

And FINALLY I've selected a wallpaper for our powder room! It's been years of searching, ordering samples and debating.  I still have to choose a classic molding for the lower walls but the upper is going to be a fun statement!

And on the topic of home projects, we are hoping to create two new outdoor living areas before Spring that include a permeant fire pit and a large outdoor dining area with a pergola!

Work has been at it's fullest this month but sweet puppy Trixie keeps me good company!

Speaking of hard work, I've cooked so many new meals this month and to be honest I'm both proud and exhausted with it.

Read my post about this pursuit! 

Wednesday is Ryan's birthday and I've been counting down to a night out, just us two all gussied up, to cheers and celebrate the gift of him for another year. 

We have our Spring and Summer trips on our calendar and they have me so excited and already thinking about what I'll wear! There's something special about the outfits you pack and wear on vacation.

On the topic of trips it's been a dream of mine to visit Europe but I've minimized it over the years. Last year at my 40th birthday my dear friend encouraged me not to dismiss or put off what may be possible. That we don't know the future and often we can make those dreams come true.

Ryan and I are discussing a trip to Europe next year as a celebration for our 15th wedding anniversary!

More exciting news: I hit a lifting PR last week at the gym!! I'm continuing to challenge myself to be my strongest, fastest and overall healthiest.

I'm hopefully in the last few months of Invisalign for my teeth and I can't wait to wear creamy lipsticks and lipglosses again! They smear all over the plastic so I'm limited to matte stains which is hard in the winter.  I have been wearing lanolin on my lips at night to help with dryness.

I really really miss my Mama! I got the flu at the start of the new year and then she did and so many things have gotten in the way of visiting her.

I decided to fast from spending for myself from December until at least March 1st.  I've done this several times before and each time find it impactful. It increases my contentment with what I have and it even sparks creativity for styling my pieces in new ways.

If I was shopping I'd scoop up this dress - these jeans and this top!

Vivian is wanting a pair of high heels shoes so much so that she can look like me on Sundays for church! It's the most precious thing. I'm going to try to find an appropriate pair to give her on Valentine's day.

I received several puzzles for Christmas and have loved the quiet time working on them.

They're a great alternative to screen time, something I'm trying hard to minimize.

I have recently enjoyed watching the HBO show The Gilded Age! I also loved the book & show Lessons in Chemistry (my first job out of college was as a Chemist). 

The ladies bible study I participate in has started back and I am absolutely thrilled with how much I'm learning, growing and loving the ladies in my small group.

Ryan gifted me a new Bible for Christmas and I smile at the sentiment each time I open it up :)

Last week I was privileged to celebrate one of my dearest friend's 40th birthday at a local tea house.

While it was her day, I found myself full of gratitude for the gift of her!

Whether you're out at a chic shop or in the comforts of home

 I encourage you to sit for a spell with someone sweet!

Dress Beautifully for Coffee & Conversation

XOXO Sarah Louise

Come On Over for Coffee

Back when we were in the US Navy, the wives opened the doors of their homes weekly to host 'Coffees'. Over hot cups and light breakfast we shared the hard things and the highlights of our lives. We got to know each other on a personal level, something that I believe is lacking in our world. The time we spent gathered together was such gift. 

Note: Social Media has us 'seeing' others but that is NOT real community. It is a virtual form that does has its place but it's incapable of replacing face to face time.

Now that Vivian is in kindergarten I am craving connection with others in my season and decided rather than be discouraged to spearhead fellowship by bringing those military 'Coffees' back into my home.

I decided to invite fellow kindergarten mothers from Vivian's school into our home. I want to be honest, I was apprehensive to put myself out there not knowing any of them but I knew my intent to foster friendship was greater than any fears.

I know it's silly but I had such a worry that no one would come ...  I was immediately met with excited responses. 

I ENCOURAGE YOU TO OPEN YOUR HOME TO FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS ... 

ANYONE IN YOUR CIRCLES!!!

Here are my tips for hosting your own coffee ...

INVITE THEM

Don't just talk about it, find a date/time, create your invite. I will print and mail invites whenever possible! But for digital convenience Canva is my favorite via email, evite, text etc. Just SEND IT! 

BRIGHT & EARLY

The timing of hosting a coffee is the best part. Early morning allows for guests to arrive casually and it doesn't infringe on their responsibilities for the day. 

Tip: I put a start and end time and politely wrap up timely thanking guests for attending.

COFFEE

There's a slowness that comes when sipping a hot cup together leaving room for listening and sharing. With a small group your personal coffee maker is just right. When it comes to larger groups, I don't know about you but my coffee pot can not fuel a crowd. To keep things plentiful consider catering coffee - most places you can order in advance and simply grab and go. The single serve coffee makers would also be easy for individuals to make their own.

DELIGHTS

I served far too much but also wanted to make sure I had ample not knowing how many were attending.

I believe a bowl of fruit and 1-2 smalls offerings is plenty.

Do not overlook purchasing premade. This eliminates stress & mess!

Disposable & porcelain dishes are equally great ... I like a blend of both. 

Note: I donated the leftovers to the teachers' break room, neighbors and our bus driver.

HOME

There is far too much unnecessary pressure on the aesthetics of our homes. These are the sacred spaces where we raise our families - not a museum or magazine photo shoot.

Embrace the imperfections and items that represent the people that live there. (we even have a piece of our ceiling missing in the breakfast room from a water leak - we live a normal life in a normal house!)

I adjusted our furniture placement slightly to give greater walking room.

With that the bathroom, floors and surfaces should be clean in the main areas.

Tip: I intentionally schedule cleaning for the day before.

DETAILS TO CONSIDER

Setting aside a space for guests to put their handbags so they're hands free.

Frame tv's are so pretty - but simply uploading an image (possibly the invite graphic) on your tv adds a great backdrop. 

If small children will be accompanying - a basket of toys can save the mothers & children.

Have a small waste basket near the food table - prevents guests from asking.

Label beverages & food with a card

Name tags if guests are unknown

Let guests know where the bathroom is 

HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS

As for your outfit, I believe it's important to be polished but also to be understated so that others feel comfortable. I wore straight jeans, a sleeveless white blouse and ballet flats.

Use what you have for serving & decor, showing your guests who you are - that's the meaningful presentation.

Be sure to include everyone, giving each guest space to share.

A warm welcome and goodbye fills guests with feelings of belonging and friendship.

Hosting doesn't have to be intimidating. Opening your home to others is a great blessing not only to the recipients but it's rewarding to you too! Whether it's a gathering of 2 or many share connection & love with one another.

Dress Beautifully Hosting a Coffee

XOXO Sarah Louise