Treasure Hunter

Sarah Louise treasure hunter here! Those who know me well know I enjoy searching for special things. Every Summer I spend lots of time combing through the sand for seashells and shark teeth. I bring home bags of beautiful treasures to marvel over. 

Note: I'm working on a creative way to store and display them. Currently Vivian & I play with them.

The beach isn't the only place I hunt for treasures. I enjoy collecting rocks & leaves from the mountains, vintage decor from thrift shops, designer pieces from resellers and handmade gifts from small shops.

Here are some of my favorite places to hunt ... 

NATURE

I find the most majestic works of art outside.

You can keep them in a keepsake box or on display in shadow boxes or frames.

No one could ever create something as unique or beautiful as the Creator! #facts

Last week I found the ultimate treasure.

A MEGALODON tooth!!!!!

It's been on my bucket list and I even have a trip planned to fossil hunt for one.

These extinct massive sharks lived 3.6-25 million years ago (according to scientists)

and were the largest predators known. 

This find is EPIC! 

THRIFT & ANTIQUE STORES

I've been hunting here for decades. I find china, silver, linens, art, furniture, books, jewelry .... the list goes on and on! I have an affinity for old things and the stories they hold.

Even my engagement ring is an estate piece dating back to the 1920's.

I often imagine the memories these pieces help make. I can be very sentimental :)

My favorites in Charlotte are: The Assistance League & Sleepy Poet.

When I travel I often visit local stores.

RESALE BOUTIQUES

Consignment shops & resale sites are fantastic places to find unique and designer pieces at a great price.

Here in Charlotte I visit J.T. Posh & Divine Consign.

In Wilmington, Hope Consignment.

For online sites I have been successful shopping on 

Poshmark (shop my own closet here later this week!) & Ebay.

HANDMADE SHOPS

Local markets & Etsy are great places to find handmade items from artists. 

There is something special about something that's created by hand and is truly one of a kind.

These make the best gifts! Even Instagram is a place to find works from talented makers.

I encourage you to search behind the big box sellers and see what treasures you can find!

FACT: There is no greater place to find eternal treasures of truth, hope, peace and love than in HIS Word!

Start there before seeking anywhere or from anyone else!!!

Vivian's favorite beach treasure is sea glass

Dress Beautifully Treasure Hunting

XOXO Sarah Louise

Baby, Bows & Monograms Oh My!

One of the sweetest things about having a baby girl is adorning her in bows and monograms!
Like mother like daughter!

When I was pregnant I dreamed of dressing Vivian up (smocking dresses galore ... I should really share her amazing wardrobe/closet) and her newborn pictures were the first major occasion.  I knew she'd be tiny, never did I imagine bringing home a 4lb 11oz tiny, so rather than 'outfits' I wanted to present her as the bundle of joy that she truly is.

I love to support small businesses and entrepreneurs so I often turn to Etsy for unique and handmade items.  This is a great avenue for baby items.  I ordered this pale pink silk sash the day we brought her home because her one month early arrival wasn't in my plan but the shop owner made her sash and shipped the very next day! I simply used a solid white swaddle blanket to wrap her and then tied the bow around her.  This sash is not only a keepsake but could be worn around her dresses when she's several years older.

I found my photographer months in advance and had her on standby because I wanted to capture her brand new.  We took these pictures in her nursery when she was only 12 days old. I made sure she was good a fed prior so that she would sleep peacefully through all the moving around.
As for our outfits I kept them light and bright - see my previous post as I wanted the pictures themselves to be soft.  Her pastel nursery was the perfect backdrop.

Vivian Louise

Monogrammed Silk Sash

Dress Your Baby Beautifully in Monograms & Bows

XOXO Sarah Louise