Dress Beautifully: gift guide

Showing posts with label gift guide. Show all posts

Dec 11, 2023

My Christmas List

Seeing Vivian sit down and work so hard to write her Christmas list for Santa is one of the sweetest things. She doesn't ask for too much and what she wants she's wanted for quite some time. Now, she's absolutely terrified of the jolly man and will NOT get within 10 feet of him to actually tell him (it's been this way for 5 years!) but she finds everything about him including his gifts wonderful.

As for me, while I have more than I could ever want and am far from a child, it's fun to have a wish list and to provide help for others that want to gift the gal that has everything!

I hope you'll find this post gives you ideas for yourself or others.

Note: I'll be sending the link to this post to Ryan for him & Vivian to use!

DYSON AIR WRAP

GOLD BUG EARRINGS

MAH JONGG SET

I'm starting a monthly game night in the new year!

CONCERT TICKETS

I'm starting next year!

There's nothing like the joy of Christmas morning!

Dress Your List and Gifts Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise

May 15, 2023

Gifts of Appreciation

This week is Teacher Appreciation week and I believe with confidence that all mothers burst with gratitude for those that work in education. The reason being is that it's not just a job to them, it's a service that comes from the heart. While they put forth lots of effort in teaching them academics they most importantly pour into building their character and caring for them with love.

My sister and I say all the time they are Angels!

Showing appreciation outside of a simple 'thanks' really does make an impact. Gift giving isn't my love language (in fact when taking the quiz I never answer a single question that aligns with gifts) but it is an appropriate gesture in showing appreciation to others particularly when they are outside your close knit friends.

Tip: Keep some of these on hand in a closet and always include a handwritten note!

Here are some gifts I enjoy gifting in appreciation ...

Mani/Pedi Gift Set with Polish

this is especially nice in the Spring

I gifted this to Vivian's school teachers & staff.

Inspirational Bracelets

I've given so many of these and my sweet friend gave me one of my own for my birthday!

They're beautiful reminders and encouragements.

Beauty Basket

My sister gifted one to her neighbor.

The basket can be used for home organizations while the products being consumables aren't just clutter.

She included face masks, nail polish, lotion, soap, lip balm, hair clips etc ...

Tip: use the dollar store!

Kitchen Set

a tea towel & utensil ... perhaps add nice loaf of bread, wine, coffee ...

simple yet so enjoyable & useful

You could also add a cookbook

Potted Plant

I prefer this over flowers!

The recipient can care for it and enjoy watching it grow over time.

Consider herbs as they can be incorporated into cooking.

This lily was gifted to me at a time of loss over 6 years ago

Bird Feeder

this is lovely to add to someone's home.

Watching and listening to birds sing adds wonder to the yard

Devotional Books - Journals

I know I need daily encouragement and reminders

These books will be a blessing

Pictures

We tend to keep photos on our phone & posted online but I find that rarely do we print them for display.

Seeing them in your space brings a smile at the memory.

Print a photo of your time together and enclose in a card or even frame!

Meal

This one is outside my comfort zone but I'm slowly but surely getting better.

Bringing a family a meal is the ultimate gift of hospitality.

Especially to elderly and those with little children.

Tip: Explore your local grocery store deli for simple heat and serve packages

Keepsake Box

I'm super sentimental. A decorative box is not only beautiful to display but can

serve as a special place to store thoughtful treasures.

Dress Others in Appreciation Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise

Dec 23, 2022

The Greatest Christmas Gifts

Only 2 more nights until Christmas! This year is particularly special because for the first time in 4 years Ryan is off of work!!! I can't wait for us to share the magic of that day all together!

While shopping is a very big element of this season, I want to share some things that you can gift that don't require money or shipping!

PRESENCE

It's been said and shared a lot - but your presence is more valuable than any present!

Spend time with those around you listening and sharing with one another.

And for goodness sake laugh as much as you possibly can!

A HUG AROUND THE NECK

I love a good squeeze! One that's just a little too hard and holds on longer.

HANDWRITTEN NOTE

I have boxes of handwritten notes that I cherish and often carry some in my purse for when I need encouragement. Take the time to write down your appreciate and care for someone. I promise it will be one of the most valuable things they open.

Above all, the greatest gift any of us will ever receive, is the love of Jesus!

I hope you have a Very Merry Christmas

XOXO Sarah Louise

Nov 8, 2021

Guide to Gifting

Everywhere we turn and scroll we are influenced to buy things in such a shiny sparkly way. I can't tell you the number of gift guides I've seen and we just entered the month of November, where we are supposed to stop and give thanks for all that we have. While gifting is so fun it can also be overwhelming!

I thought I would share a guide to gifting to encourage you this season of shopping ...

Spirit Over Spending

The reason for the season is celebration and gratitude

Let the spirit of love be the focus of your gifting

Love isn't Measured in Dollar Amounts

You can gift someone without spending.

Your time and talents are the most impactful gifts.

I have friends that can bake, knit, paint etc.. and those gifts I cherish the most!

Fellowship is far more valuable than the find off the shelf.

I like to gift framed photos of memories made together.

Blessing others Shouldn't Break the Bank

If it causes financial strain or is done out of expectation, that is not a gift but a harm.

Avoid Greed & Help Those in Need

Sharing your blessings with those less fortunate is a great gift of love.

Samaritans Purse is one of my favorites

As well as local food banks, coat drives, and children charities.

Gals, the meaning of the gift is more important than the money it cost!!!

These little donut dates with my darling, while not too frequent (I'm opposed to giving her sugar), are full of fun!

We sit out on the patio and talk enjoying the scenery.

She loves to share and only her sweet smile can convince me to take a bite.

Bonus: The guy at the shop never charges me and it's the kindest gesture!

Dress Beautifully with a Giving Spirit

XOXO Sarah-Louise

May 3, 2021

Mamma Monday: Mothers Day Gifts

Happy Monday! Mother's Day is 6 days away and to me it's not a 'Hallmark Holiday'. I believe that it's a wonderful act of love to take a day to honor and bless the women that sacrifice so much for the well being of their family.

When it comes to blessing our Mammas/Grandmas it can be a challenge to purchase something when they tend to already have it all. Nobody needs more junk to store and dust. I like to print and frame pictures so that they can see beautiful smiles of the ones they love so dearly throughout their day.

Note: I encourage you to frame candid photos b/c those memories are like sunshine to a home!

My Mamma & Ryan's are receiving these framed portraits of Vivian for Mothers Day.

They will also get a stack of printed 4x6 fun pictures of Vivian and our family to look through in an album.

Note: I will also be mailing cards that include printed photos to the women that encourage me throughout my motherhood journey with sentiments of gratitude.

The digital age can be overwhelming for them and we tend to store images on our phone rather than display them. It doesn't do us any good on the cloud but in a book and in a frame, they're within reach and view so that we can enjoy them as we live out our days.

To me, displayed memories are the most beautiful way to decorate a home.

Ryan & I chose this darling smile to hang in our home.

Now, here are some fabulous things that you can purchase ... I may or may not be sharing these as a hint to Ryan :)

Here's what I'd love to give or receive *wink ...

Pearl Hoop Earrings I also love these & so many pieces by Nicole Bathie

Clutch

Keepsake Trunk

What a precious piece to hold your child's sentimental treasures.

Mama Jewelry & Charms

I love this line of jewelry - And would love it if Ryan started a charm bracelet for me.

My Mamma made one for me when I was a teenager.

Nothing beats a handwritten note. #Priceless

Heartfelt words can be cherished and encourage forever.

I send them. I save them. I encourage you to give them.

Dress Beautifully Honoring the Mammas in Your Life

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Nov 30, 2020

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

Nov 13, 2020

Friday Favorites: Dudley Stephens Fleece

TGIF! Gals, let me just share what an exciting week this has been. It's been 'demo day' for most it, as we are finally renovating our guest bathroom, powder room, sunroom, laundry room and having some exterior work done. The best and last piece of the project is installation of wallpaper in two rooms!!!

That's a whole series of posts to include the process and the amazing before & afters!

I will share that after living here for 2 years and with a 6 month delay #corona I'm just so jazzed to have this project underway! And to have the boxes of tile, sinks and toilets out of our den!

Today I'm sharing with you the softest, warmest, most comfortable fleece pieces ... that are made from recycled bottles!

Note: we will NOT be recycling anything from this Reno (there was nothing pretty about those 1963 raw materials)

I found Dudley Stephens a few years ago and have been a fan ever since. It is a female founded, family run company that manufactures right here in the USA! What started with their signature turtlenecks has expanded into a full line of cozy products for everyone!

I love the array of color options and fabric so soft you just want to hug yourself :)

Style Tip: Don't stick to just casual pairings, a midi skirt or layering over a dress is a warm and chic option!

Here are my favorites tops ...