Don’t Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle

It’s the most wonderful time of the year … tis also the season where you can find yourself frazzle dazzle!

There’s regular ongoing life and then you pile on ALL the holiday things ...

Decorating

Christmas Cards

Plays

Parties

Shopping

Wrapping

Baking (well for those gals better than myself)

Traveling

Let's just stop there and say etc... shall we

Here are some things that may help prevent getting your tinsel in a tangle!

Remember the reason for the season

I say ‘remember’ because we forget. The arrival of our Savior Jesus Christ is the reason we celebrate.

While I can’t create a post that brings peace, Jesus can!

Enjoy

Running through the tree lot

The whole purpose of gathering and gifting is to love one another in gratitude. 

Enjoying the time is what matters.  Hug, smile and laugh big! Have FUN!!! 

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Decapitated Joseph c/o darling Vivian Louise

Who cares if things aren’t just so (my Type A control freak self does), but in the grand scheme of things what we remember is the people and the memories. Don't let the details spoil your attitude. Just throw your hands up and go with it. I know, easier said than done but focus on your heart not the display.

Say No

Vivian is still terrified of Santa & is saying NO to seeing him again this year

Calendars are very full this season.  Consider saying no, or as my Mammas would advise, politely decline to some commitments so that you have room to spend quality time at home, with your family, and with your traditions. I know we are eager to make up for the gatherings missed last year but not at the sacrifice of the season's spirit. The hustle and bustle can rob us of appreciating the Christmas magic. 

Dress Beautifully Without

Getting Your Tinsel in a Tangle

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Present Over Perfect During the Holidays

 

Gracious we are entering into the 'busiest' time of year! I'm not sure if I've ever shared this but I absolutely despite the word 'busy'. It's become a form of salutation: "Hi, how are you ... oh you know busy". Well, I don't know anyone who is just sitting around bored in the house. Just sayin. 

I prefer to use the word, full. Our days are full of things we get to do, full of family & friends to love, full of laughter to share, full of strength to conquer, and yes, full of responsibilities to manage. But rather than view the fullness as 'have to's' why not embrace the fullness of life as a blessing.  

This time of year can be frantic and stressful but it can also be peaceful and simpler.

Here are some things I believe will help us be present this Holiday Season:

1. PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN

That's an easy one. Putting your phone down and placing your eyes up to see the beautiful people and surroundings you're blessed with is by far the best thing you can do of yourself and others. Being attentive is far more gratifying. Listen, share and love! 

I promise what's around you is far better than anything on your screen :)

Tip: I often use airplane mode so that I'm not alerted but can still sneak a picture of a precious moment.

2. PRIORITIZE

You can NOT do it all! Do you even want to? Choose what and who gets your time.  

Say yes to those that are the most important and no to what isn't.

Quality will always trump quantity.  Those that make the yes list will be blessed with your full attention.

3. INDULGE A LITTE

This is a very difficult for me. I am extremely rigid when it comes to maintaining a clean diet but having my darling Vivian has motivated me to soften my nutritional perimeters so that she doesn't inherit my aversion to food. I want her to see Mommy enjoying a piece of birthday cake, a scoop of ice cream and a Christmas cookie. 

I do hold firm that being healthy is important but not at the price of missing joy shared with others. 

Go to the party, have a piece ... just not several!

4. GO OUTSIDE

If your yard is anything like mine it's buried in leaves! Go rake. 

Go for a walk and admire the colors of the leaves.

Bundle up & sip your coffee watching the sunrise.

Being outside provides peace.

5. ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

It can be very stressful with all the emphasis on gifts, things, decor, activities etc...

But look around. Take it in. You have so very much to be grateful for. Your needs are met. Enjoy what you have, right where you are! 

6. HELP OTHERS WITH A FOCUS ON JESUS

There are others all around us that are in despair. They may be in physical need and/or emotional. Think of those less fortunate, those that are grieving and those that can be blessed by your resources. Use your time, talents and money to help others the way Jesus would.

7. PLAY

I took her teepee out of her play room and outside for pretend camping

 it's the only version I'm up for and it was the most fun afternoon

Don't let the list take over.  Sure there's lots to do, but playing is much more fun. Throw the ball around, dress the barbies, dance to a couple songs, or play one more round of a game.  The tasks will still be there but the memories & laughter don't keep!

8. REST

Be still & pray. Wake up a little earlier and/or skip watching a show at night and just talk to Him in the quiet. Find peace and comfort in the calm. 

Dress Beautifully Embracing 

Presence Over Perfection

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Finish Strong

Happy Monday Gals! A new start to the week and it's the start of the last month of the year.  It can be the most wonderful time of the year and the most busy!  There's so much to do (decorate, shop, wrap ...) and so many shindigs! And for a lot of folks there's traveling.  Not to mention the end of 4th quarter push at many jobs.  It's safe to say everyone has full calendars in December.

She LOVES dressing up! Just like her Mamma :)

I get so much enjoyment seeing her in costumes!

Rather than wait until the new year to start strong in your goals I encourage you to finish strong on the goals you started this year.  Or even set goals for this last month so that you enter 2020 in the best way!

'Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today' 

Here are 5 ways I'm going to finish strong in 2019:

1. Focused Fitness

I exercise on a daily basis but I'm going to kick it up a notch and go hard this month with focused weight training.  Just like the last leg of a race I'm going to sprint it out!

2. Guarded Nutrition

This time of year is full of parties with heavy foods and lots of desserts.  I am extremely disciplined and eat as clean as possible but I often feel pressured to indulge at events or when gifted sweet treats. While trying to be polite I am creating stress and upset for myself if I partake.  So I'm going to exercise kind manners and avoid/decline the treats.
Tip:  I often eat a salad or light meal prior to events so that I can easily avoid harmful foods.

3. Tidy Home

'Spark Joy' in your closets and cabinets by removing unwanted items. I did a wardrobe cleaning on Saturday and it was very refreshing.  My desk is next followed by the insane amount of photos on my phone/computer I want to organize! I despise clutter and enjoy seeing emptiness in the storage places of my home. Enter into the new year clean!

4. Execute a New Skincare Regiment

I have to admit I'm not as strict with my creams and serums as I should be. Especially since I'll be 37 sooner than I'd like.  It's a shame because those products are expensive and make a difference.  I know that having things where you can see them helps them to be utilized but I absolutely despise items on countertops so I'm going to have to work really hard to pull out my vanity drawer and take the time to apply as directed.

5. Correspondance

Send some snail mail to dear friends.  While I adore sending out Christmas cards to loved ones near and far, I'm going to go a little extra and catch up with hand written letters.  It could be catching up on the year, sending encouragement or just a friendly reminder of your care.

Dress Beautifully and Finishing 2019 at Your Best

XOXO Sarah-Louise