Belief

 To me, yesterday was the start of the new year. I felt like I could say hello to 2025 now that school, work and routine can resume. After taking a nearly 2 week break from my job, and other responsibilities there's pressure to produce on top of the weight of the new year culture of change and habits. 

I love goals! I make them daily, monthly yearly ....

But here's the truth:

JESUS SAID

"APART FROM ME, YOU CAN DO NOTHING"

JOHN 15:5

He didn't say it would be harder, you'll need better strategies, you can handle small stuff, just try harder .... He said we can do nothing.

As you reflect on your intentions, do you believe that He will provide, protect and be present?

I hold on to so much of what I want, that I realized I have some unbelief that is in the way. 

  BELIEVE IN HIM & HIS PROMISES

Dress Beautifully Believing in Him for Everything

XOXO Sarah Louise

How does it end?

 You know when you're half way through a good book and you find yourself wondering - how does it end? I find that most people hope it ends happily ever after, because isn't that what we all want? 

We have 1 more month of this year and while it can most certainly be the fullest with all the holiday things, I believe it's just as important as the first & all the months in between. This last month can set you up for an awesome new year. 

Here are some thoughts to reflect on, to end this year our best ....

WHERE ARE YOU WITH THE GOALS YOU SET IN JANUARY?  

ARE YOU PROUD OF YOUR PROGRESS?

WHAT CAN YOU BETTER PRIORITIZE?

WHERE CAN YOU BE MORE INTENTIONAL? 

HOW CAN YOU FOCUS YOUR TIME THIS SEASON? 

I ENCOURAGE YOU TO FINISH THIS YEAR STRONG! 

Note: We are not called to perfection! Simply do your best.

Dress Beautifully Finishing 2024

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pursuit of Cooking

I've been keeping a BIG secret! At the start of 2023 I made a goal that I stuck with the entire 12 months.

I cooked!

BACKSTORY

Food is only important to me in a nutritious and functional way to feul my organs & muscles. I do not have much concern for taste and find all aspects of preparing a meal a torturous chore.

For my husband food is VERY important to him in a tasty and enjoyable way. He truly appreciates a delicious hot meal and a variety of them.

I've known this since I met him 17 years ago as it's a priority in his family. I'm utterly embarrassed to share that I dismissed something so valuable to him because it wasn't to me.

I made a heartfelt decision to cook several times a week beyond raw fruits, veggies, salads and sheet-pan dinners (the extent of my creations for decades).

WHERE I STARTED 

I committed! Commitment is essential to success. I had to recommit myself each and every time I set out to prepare a meal with reminders of who & why I'm serving. 

Searching for recipes and guidance was a bit daunting. I find Pinterest to be the best resource although IG has inspired me some.  To accommodate my nutritional requirements (I avoid all processed foods, dairy, sugar & need high protein) I searched these key words: Whole 30, Easy, Simple & Paleo.

WHAT I LEARNED

I like greek food and I prefer making my own salad dressings.

Ultimately, giving selflessly out of love for someone else is the greatest gift/act I can do. Serving my family a cooked meal is a big sacrifice for me on a lot of levels (meal selection, shopping, preparing, and cleaning ...) BUT the joy and love it brings them is above and beyond worth it.

WHAT CHANGED

I still have the same feelings about cooking, painful and unnecessary, which is disappointing. However, I now have a more positive attitude about it and am more confident being hospitable with others now that I'm a bit more competent.

FUTURE 

Now that I've accomplished cooking for an entire year I want to refine my efforts with efficiency. I'm going to start meal planning so that I can save time by consolidating shopping trips and align the process with our schedules to create ease. 

I encourage you to explore serving others in your goals and know that it's ok to share selectively (not everything is for everyone to know!).

Dress Beautifully Pursuing Your Goals

XOXO Sarah Louise

Finish Line

I go beyond my abundant list making each day and set goals all throughout the year. I enjoy challenging myself and working towards an achievement for growth. For most this occurs at the start of the year and I do embrace New Year goals but I also find that how we finish a year is equally as important, if not more! 

This also sets you up for a great start to the new year!

Here are my goals to finish these last several weeks of 2023 ...  

STRONGER

I want to finish this year stronger, literally! I've increased the weight factor for nearly all lifting exercises a couple weeks ago and intent to maintain. It's a challenge but I've done it! I also am going to participate in 2 local charity runs something I used to do a lot of. This time of year with so many indulgences and social engagements exercising can diminish but I'm determine to make it an upmost priority.

INTENTIONAL

There is so much busyness and hurry in our world and particularly during the holiday season. I want to work very hard to have margin in my days and white space on my calendar. I want to focus on discerning what I commit to and to be ok with declining engagements. I want to be present with others especially Ryan and Vivian.

I'm going to complete the gift shopping and tasks as efficiently and early as I can for a more relaxed season of fun! 

QUIET

I've been decreasing screen time all year. I've incorporated more reading and even puzzling. There's A LOT of content and noise out there that is just too much! While some is good it's hard to moderate. Outside influences (FB, IG, Streaming, Podcasts etc.) can easily take an inappropriate priority.

SERVING

I want to love my neighbors, friends and community well. I want to donate, support and gift those around me with thoughtfulness and kind acts. I'm looking at creative ways to do this that do NOT involve sugar/baked goods. I personally value good nutrition and there's just too much unhealthy treats this time of year (diabetes is not a gift) and honestly I feel it may even get tossed.

Options: a plant (Christmas cactus is my fav - my neighbors still have the ones I've gifted), seasoned roasted nuts, ornaments, tea towel, candle ...

EDIT

Before I drag out the Christmas decorations and before the influx of gifts I want to edit the closets, cabinets and drawers throughout our home for a clean and tidy refresh. 

This prevents an overwhelming state at the New Year.

I encourage you to pray and think about how you want to finish 2023

and what goals you can set for more love, joy and peace!

Dress Beautifully as You Finish 2023

XOXO Sarah Louise

EST 1983

 

Tomorrow is my 40th birthday!

I am going to rejoice in it with gratitude! In the months leading up to this occasion I have felt worldly pressure to make this milestone a significance that it isn't. I suppose a new decade is a turning point but in reality it truly is another year and each and every day we have breath is one to honor.

I'm going to jump in focused on ...

PERSPECTIVE

I want to look at life's circumstance with a perspective of hope and confidence. Despite what comes my way I want to be grounded knowing it was His plan and I will be protected, provided for and never alone. I also don't want the challenging times to get more attention that the every day or joyous times. I want to fully appreciate it all!

PEOPLE

I want to love people well! I want to cherish them, celebrate them, encourage them, and support them with a generous heart. I want to use my gifts and talents to bless others. People are given to me to teach me, guide me and strengthen me and I want to honor them.

PURPOSE

I was born with a unique and profound purpose just as every single person is! I want to be all in on what He has designed me to do (even when it's hard). I want to glorify Him in the way I live, what I do and say and how I give to this world. I want to embrace the person he made me to be confidently and shine my light where ever I am.

These are wonderful goals but they're not always easy.

I encourage you to find areas that you want to focus on, pray over them 

and with His help we can grow in them!

Dress Beautifully Established in Who You are Made to Be

XOXO Sarah Louise

2023 Word of the Year

 Happy New Year! I'm so jazzed about what 2023 will bring! 

I'm an eternal optimist, always looking ahead with enthusiasm - frankly I just don't see any other way. It's not that I am naive to challenges but that I know there is so much good that accompany them making the future exciting to see what's in store.

Rather than resolutions, that most often never come to fruition, I make goals and most prominently a word that I focus on applying throughout my life. I have found this very impactful over the past 4 years! 

Here are the posts from the past 4 years sharing my word and application  ...

2019's word of the year - Contentment 

2020's word of the year - Giving 

2021's word of the year - Purpose

2022's word of the year - Enjoy

Now, without further adieu, 2023's word of the year is ...

BEAUTY

1. Seek It 

It's easy to see a sunrise over the ocean, the valley from the top of a mountain hike or wild heron in the marsh and find beauty in this world. However it's more challenging to see beauty in relationships, circumstances and in hard times.

I want to strive to see the beauty in others, as God's creation, even when they are difficult and hurtful. 

I want to strive to see the beauty despite my circumstances not being what I want or expect.

2. Share It

Within my life I want joy, peace and hope ... who doesn't?! I want to share beauty to others with encouragement, my time & talents and as many moments of laughter as possible. Life is meant to be enjoyed and that's done best with others.

3. Create It 

I'm not an artist by the world's standards but that doesn't mean I can't make beautiful things. I want to strive to create beauty in my home with time well spent having fun, by opening our doors giving hospitality and by inspiring others with my creativity and compassion. 

I have other goals:

- drink more water (I've managed to fail at this my whole life - who knows maybe 2023 is my year) 

- Consistent skin care routine - I'm turning 40 this year!!

- Floss regularly 

- More dates with Ryan

- Take as many trips with Vivian as possible

- Give grace to myself when nutrition, exercise or schedule upsets occur

- Learn to play tennis - I plan to start lessons when Vivian starts kindergarten

- Decrease screen time 

- Increase reading

- Be proud of my body and wear the things I want to wear despite my insecurities

I encourage you to find a word to inspire your year

Dress Beautifully in 2023

XOXO Sarah Louise

Your Best for Success

I don’t know of a time where I haven’t felt the pressure of ‘success'. From getting good grades in school, performing in my career and even in relationships. 

I’m a Type A (& Enneagram 1 for further explanation) driven person that is constantly striving for the best in everything I do.  I was chatting with my oldest and dearest friend on Friday and she pointed out that I (and Ryan too) am so intense and always doing things above and beyond.  We both laughed at this truth!! 

There are so many measurements in this world: salaries, square footage, dress size, milage pace, rsvp’s and oh the ‘likes’ (hiding that count on IG is my most favorite feature). They are all quantifiers we easily use to define us. 

But when I die (y’all know now that I have my funeral planned out - if not go read this fun fact post about myself) I hope to goodness my family and friends don’t remember me for my resume, assets, waistline, running speed, party size or social media popularity!

I’m not saying your work, investments, fitness, friends or platforms are bad.  In fact, they are all super important to me because those are the avenues in which I serve and encourage others. 

However prevalent these are in our world I do not want to be defined by them. This was solidified in me after Vivian was born and I chose to be out of the office. It’s amazing the perspective you gain from loving others & following God's plan and purpose. I’m back at work in a very different capacity now but want to continue to grow with a mindset of living for Him not the world.

Here’s what I’m going to do for the success I do want to have …

MY BEST

My Mamma said this is all she ever wanted from me.  

I’m not called to perfection.

Keep trying - never ever give up. Continue to grow and learn.

Dress Beautifully in Your Best

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Happy 2022 - Word of the Year

Happy New Year!!! I'm the kind of gal that is always looking forward (and on the bright side) but when I do look back at the practice of having a focus 'word of the year' it really has made a huge impact. Resolutions are great, but not always realistic and goals, well I make goals daily, weekly, monthly etc... You could say I'm goal/list obsessed but it works for my energetic heart. 

2018 was my first year of motherhood which was truly the most amazing of my life. It was also one that shifted my priorities in the best way ever. I wanted to not just live out my days but to do so intentionally and purposefully make the most of each and every moment I'm given. So I chose a word to focus on throughout each year.

2019's word of the year - Contentment 

2020's word of the year - Giving 

2021's word of the year - Purpose

Now, without further adieu, 2022's word of the year is ...

ENJOY

1. Enjoy - Jesus. I want to see Him more than a resource but as a friend with His humble, generous, kind, joyful and loving character. He has blessed me with a life to be enjoyed!

2. Enjoy - the little things. The way Ryan kisses me on the forehead, Vivian's tiny hand in mine, just the lamp light at 5am during my quiet time, my Mamma's laugh, the sun sparkles on the water ... I could write forever. My life is sprinkled with joy, beauty and blessings and I want to see, appreciate and enjoy them.

3. Enjoy - people. Each and every person in my life is there for a great purpose. I want to enjoy the unique gifts they bring. 

4. Enjoy - what's mine. I want to enjoy the things I've been blessed with, and avoid comparing to what others have or seeking out new/more. 

5. Enjoy - my body. Sigh I really struggled to add & share this one. I want to celebrate the fun, strong and fast things it can do because it is a healthy body. For over 20 years I've been intentional about what I eat and intense exercising but still often find myself discouraged. Despite how disciplined or hard I work I am challenged to be content. I want to work towards a place where I wear what I want, move with confidence and enjoy all the things my body can do.

I encourage you find a word that encompasses your focus for 2022.

Dress Beautifully Enjoying Life

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Woman on Mission

Mission: Dress Beautifully in All Things

An organization or business often has a 'mission' to describe their core purpose.  While I'm not an institution I am a woman on mission. I have goals and intent not just for my life but for this blog and my spaces on social media. 

Dressing Beautifully starts on the inside in your heart by filling it with the most beautiful thing there is, God's love. It is then that it will shine through on the outside.

For me, this blog started and continues to be a creative outlet.  Dressing myself has helped me conquer so many challenges. I not only feel like the valuable person God made me to be but I also am able to share that value with others. 

Now, this fashion blog has taken twists and turns, particularly when I became a Mamma.  For the first 4 years I primarily shared work wear and how to transition those pieces to the weekend as I spent most of my time in a professional office setting. While I still believe in classic dressing I've added posts on motherhood, beauty, personal life perspectives and home design. Fashion will always be my main focus (one thing's for sure, you'll never see food #iykyk) but I like to sprinkle in other ways I dress my life beautifully.

Which brings me to this, I'm a real person, Sarah-Louise.  I'm not a brand or market here to sell you things you don't need. But a child of God, wife to Ryan, mamma to Vivian Louise, daughter to the most remarkable mother, sister to 3, Sunday school teacher to teenage girls and gal pal to some of the finest friends. And I just so happen to love fashion!

My mission for this blog & my social media can be defined by these three objectives:

ENCOURAGE

I want to share God's love and His impacts in my life through the words I type, the pictures I post and messages I exchange. He has given me everything I have and I want to use it to bring joy to my world and the world of others. That explains all the pictures of our darling Vivian and her precious smile you'll see. This may not get me the most likes, comments, shares, readers or make me any money but it's honest.

A purchase or red heart can't do what He or relationships can. I want to have real (even if virtual) relationships with my readers over a quantified following.

INSPIRE

I love styling pretty outfits. Dressing beautifully not only helps me value and be grateful for the body God gave me but gives me the confidence to bless others.  I hold my head high with a smile, self assured in that He has a purpose and plan for me so when others cross my path I'm ready to fulfill that. 

I hope that the creative way I put pieces together helps inspire others to do the same.

LOVE

The Bible says to do all things in Love. That means from the mundane to the big tasks we are to do everything out of love with grateful and joyful hearts. That can be challenging as we often compare, compete and have human (often selfish) feelings. I want to strive to make my online outlets a place of generosity.

I'm not reaching for popularity (which can be hard) but to simply give where I am. I'm sure I'll make many missteps along the way but I thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart for every one of you that read and continue to bless me through this virtual space!

Even this morning I received a message, Hi Tiffany!, from one of my readers that I was privileged to actually meet when she stopped me in the mall one day (so grateful she did). She told me that what I posted made her smile during a tough day (it was actually Vivian's sweetness that deserves the credit). THIS is why I continue to write & share!

This mission isn't new. I wanted to share it as a reminder to you and myself.

Dress Beautifully as a Woman on Mission

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Making 38 Great!

Yesterday I celebrated my 38th birthday! I did it with the loves of my life, Ryan & our darling Vivian. 

I spent the prior 3 days vacationing with dear gal pals.  What an absolute treat to get away to somewhere warm, sunny and fun! 

While enjoying the sand between my toes, sound of the ocean waves and beautiful blue sky against the never ending clear water I reflected on this amazing life of mine.

Another year is truly an undeserved blessing. My heart feels like it's going to just burst with gratitude for my family, friends, health, home and most of all, God's grace! 

Here's what I plan to do to make 38 Great ....

1. Do ALL things with Love - from the daily chores to time with others I want to do it ALL with gratitude and kindness. 

2. Be Present - focus on people over projects & perfection. There's always things to do and an idea of how we think it all should go but putting the expectations aside and giving attention to those around us is most valuable.

3. Have fun - skirt the rules and jump into doing the silly things, messy things and fun things. Vivian is such an encouragement for me to do just that. A little adventure and the laughter shared is better than anything else in the world. 

4. Give Generously - blessings are meant to be shared. I want to use my talents, resources and time to encourage others.

5. Take More Trips - I want to throw the schedule & routine out the window, pack a bag and enjoy weekends away visiting friends and family. I get anxious about traveling with a toddler, my to-do lists etc... But I know the memories made are worth every mile in the car!

Cheers to another fun trip around the sun!

What are you doing to make your years great?

Dress Your Years Beautifully 

XOXO Sarah-Louise