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

Friday Favorites: Off Screen

TGI - it's almost Christmas! I hope that your spirit is joyful, peaceful and grateful as we prepare to celebrate our Savior's birth. One of my favorite things about the Christmas season are all the gatherings.  They align with the reason we gift each other which is to share gratitude and celebrate the blessing of having each other. 

I love seeing our stockings together on our mantel

For me, life isn't about what we have, but who we have.  
First and foremost we have Jesus #amen. 

And He gave us one another to love, support and encourage. 

In a world that's blessed to have the means to stay connected through technology there's nothing like fellowship face to face. 

If possible, I encourage you to put down your phone and look into the eyes of your family and friends. Share laughter, struggles, hugs and cheers. Partake in a meal, a walk, a drink (or two) and/or a token of appreciation. 

Vivian & bunny Ethel

the cutest things around our tree

Yes, our days are full, but I promise choosing others won't feel like a sacrifice or stressor. 

You won't regret time spent with those you care about. 

And if the stars don't align, I truly recommend video chatting. There's nothing like seeing a smile!

Dress Beautifully Talking Without a Phone

XOXO Sarah-Louise

The Best Gifts

 Happy Monday Gals! I want to Kindly interrupt the overwhelming content of sales, gift guides, giveaways, and home decor because while those can be helpful, they can create feelings of discontentment, inadequacy, want and a big dent in your budget! 

I hope that we are all focusing on the REAL meaning of Christmas, the undeserved gift of our savior Jesus Christ, but still giving gifts is a big part of this season.  To say it is all about the kids is mostly true. We as adults still love to give and receive.  Gift giving is a way to show appreciation and love for someone.  It brings just as much joy to the recipient as it does the giver.

What can diminish that joy is if it was a detriment to your budget, or with intent of extravagance/competition or even just to check a box. 

Here are gifts you can give that will bless someone far greater than anything you can find on a store shelf! #guaranteed

Celebrated my sister's birthday with cupcakes in the car

1. Time - I know, I know, the calendar is already FULL despite the lack of gatherings. Let go of things that are stealing your time: Netflix, Hallmark Christmas movies (record them for later), house projects, online shopping, scrolling on your phone etc.. and replace them with a scheduled date to FaceTime, phone chat or a safe meet up for hot chocolate, errands, or walk in the park with a loved one. The fellowship with a friend is more valuable than the most precious of presents! 

Tip: Scheduling isn't just to satisfy the Type A gals, it solidifies the event.  Because we're all guilty of casual intentions 'let's get together' or 'we should grab coffee sometime'.

2. Handwritten Note - Ok this will cost you $0.55 for a stamp. Gracious! They've really gone up in price. Personally, I absolutely love mail to an extreme. I've shared before how I mail notes each week and have a ball checking our box each day with Vivian.  I even believe that your mailbox is one of the most important elements of your home ... another post. A handwritten note is far more sentimental than a text or email.  It's a meaningful way to share encouragement that can be held and cherished through time. 

Tip: Include a printed photo - I've found that Walgreens can do it for me through their app on my phone in less than an hour! 

3. Share Scripture - Now this can be done over text or email because timing is sensitive.  We need His word every hour and encouragement can't wait for 2 day service. Even a shared verse on an IG post will be a blessing.  If you're crafty paint scripture on a rock, canvas, tile, wood ... I'll leave it up to you creative gals. I dare say there is nothing that has brought me more peace and joy than Him! 

4. Baked Goods - Lord know's I'm a disaster in the kitchen but even I can follow instructions on a box mix and for someone I love, sigh, I may even go the extra mile and use a recipe.  Now, desserts are plentiful this time a year and they're not good for our bodies.  Consider making smoothies or I love these blender banana spinach muffins. Drop it off on their porch or better yet, enjoy a bite together.

5. Service - Offer to babysit, dog sit, help fold laundry, organize a closet, rake leaves ... Lend a helping hand. We all need it. It takes a village and many hands make light work. 

In a culture of buying, more and just so much #Extra, sometimes the simple things mean the most! 

Dress Beautifully Gifting Others

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Together

It's so great to be together this Tuesday, virtually that is but still truly it is great! I missed my 'Mamma Monday' post yesterday and you know what? It worked out perfectly because the more I thought about it the topic it really is for everyone and after yesterday I have new thoughts to share that I wouldn't have before.

I want to share with you the importance of fellowship. Having friends isn't about having the coolest 'squad' or 'tribe' ugh social media can add pressures and expectations and just lies about life! It's about having sisters in Christ to bear each others burdens and to 'show up'. God did not create us to live in solitude but to commune together.

As hard as it was in high school, it's just as hard as adults to develop friendships. And with the seasons of our lives relationships look different and often some end.  Let me say this, the world shows us an ugly picture of what friendship looks like (real housewives of ...) but IRL they are full of encouragement and love.

In my 20's and first half of my 30's fellowship happened so freely whether it was shopping, dinners, workouts or even weekends away. As a Mamma I have found that fellowship is planned (nap times and babysitters rule) and take place on playgrounds, in our homes and occasionally out on the town and gracious those nights are exciting!

God uses people in your life for his purpose. And liking each other's posts on FB and Instagram is NOT fellowship. There is great reward in face to face time.
It's challenging at any age. Everyone has responsibilities.
FYI: I HATE the phrase 'I'm busy'!!!

Here are some ways to incorporate fellowship in your life:

Join a Nonprofit / Volunteer
     I joined the Junior League of Charlotte back in 2009 and love it more and more each year.  It's rewarding giving back to my community in so many ways, I've developed leadership skills and met so many wonderful ladies along the way.  I also contribute to 3 other nonprofits in my area.

Find an organization that matches with your interests.

Participate in Gym Classes / Exercise Groups
     I love taking classes at the gym.  They're challenging and keep workouts exciting.  You can also make friends!

Sunday School Class & Bible Study
    Participating in Ladies ministry has been the most impactful and encouraging aspect of my life. We gain so much from each other as we study.  And the food these Southern ladies make is always a treat! That's saying a lot because I'm the farthest thing from a foodie. When it's my turn to bring a dish I definitely purchase from a local store. BSF is a wonderful bible study that's national.

MOPS
   I just recently joined MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and LOVE it! The gals all live close and most have children at Vivian's school.  We're all in the same boat and it's nice to support one another in this season. It's a national group too!

I've also met other Mammas at story time/library, at the pool and through preschool. Don't hesitate to exchange phone numbers when you meet someone you connect with. It's not creepy it's friendly.

Whether its a bunco group, book club or trivia team, just fellowship!

You can't love on others or be blessed by others hiding in your room with Netflix.
You won't be lifted up and encouraged through the joys and hardships of life by yourself.

Before you were a mother, a wife or professional you were a woman created by God to glorify Him in great ways.  Make fellowship one of those!

Dress Beautifully in Fellowship

XOXO Sarah-Louise