Right Out Back

 With Spring Break just behind us and Summer ahead there can be lots of talk about vacations, plans and activities. That talk can get us super excited for the fun adventures but it can also create a variety of feelings if we don't have a full calendar. 

Just recently Vivian came home with fairy house figurines from the Dollar Tree (it's her new favorite store!!!). We made a fairy garden at the base of one of our old trees and used pebble's she collected from our trip to the beach a couple weeks ago. It was the most fun afternoon and we enjoy going outside to play & make believe!

Personally, I have found that some of the most fun and memorable moments I have with my family are right out in our back yard.

It's home. It's where we are. It's us and the trees, grass and sun. 

It's not fancy or big but it is ours.

Here are some ways to make magic right out back ...

FIRE PIT

S'mores and conversation are soooo good!

HAMMOCK

1 of my favorite things about our backyard is my hammock.

You can find me reading in it all Summer long! (maybe even a little nap)

SWING

This is our friend's backyard - isn't it magical?!!

We have a swing that my Mama gave me and I sit in it often.

READING

Outside is where I do most of my reading.

Actually I do as much of anything as I can outside!

GARDENING

We are scaling back this year (we've recognized our limits and the perseverance of deer)

BALL

SPLASH

the BEST!

You don't need a Country Club to feel or be cool! 

PATIO LIGHTS

Sparkle!

Dress Your Memories Beautifully in the Backyard

XOXO Sarah Louise

Closets & Cabinets & Drawers Oh My!

TGIF! This isn't my typical 'Friday Favorites' post but it fits because organizing is one of my favorite things. I thrive on a tidy and orderly home. I actually smile when I see empty shelves and space in closets. 

Note: I'm fairly minimal, except in my closet!! 

Please don't judge! We all have our issues.

I took advantage of having Trixie away at training and Ryan being off of work and took an entire day to go through our home and edit/organize nearly every single cabinet, closet and drawer.

There's still a few places left but nothing an afternoon can't tackle. 

There are a lot of popular organizing methods out there and I take a little bit of inspiration from several to make a process that works for my time and house. 

Note: I do not invest much into the trending clear bins, organizers & labels (It can get really pricey) But I do believe in using containers. I use clear shoe bins purchased at the dollar store, nice shoe boxes and baskets I find at low prices. 

Here's how I tackle organizing ....

- Make a list

    I write down what specific cabinets, closets, drawers I need to address

- Schedule a day

    Set intentional time, dedicated to the project 

- Start

    just pick an area and go for it (I started downstairs while everyone was still sleeping in the early morning) 

- Throw away

    Donating is great (do that too) but often it's not something to resale and you don't need to save it!

- Embrace Empty

    Not every shelf needs to be filled. I find empty space enjoyable 

- Do what you can

    Interruptions happen! I had to work, eat lunch, Vivian came home from dance wanting to participate so I had to move around from area to area and that's ok - just keep going.

- Drop off donate immediately

    I'm literally shaking my head as I type this ... I am very guilty of driving around with bags of donate in my trunk for a time I'm too embarrassed to share lol

When deliberating on something that's not easy to decide on whether to keep or donate, I ask myself "If I were moving is this something I would want to pack and move into a new home?"

After all the hard work I have decided to add these products:

Plastic Bag Organizer & Grocery Bag Holder

Dress Your Home Beautifully 

with Organized Spaces

XOXO Sarah Louise

2023 Home Design Inspiration

I have so many design dreams for our 1963 Georgian Colonial home! When we purchased it 4+ years ago every single room needed my touch with the exception of the master bathroom. It was perfect! We started by having every wall painted prior to moving in and slowly we've been remodeling and decorating.

Last year we took a break and invested in lots of travel but this year I'm ready to add a lot of design to a few spaces.

Here's the inspiration I have for our home this year ...

GUEST BEDROOM

I love this calming soft mint green color for the wall. 

Contrasted against our rich wood furniture gives a very traditional look.

I'm going to accessorize the room with crisp linens, pop of print in pillows and with my nature treasures: seashells, rocks, feathers, and sharks teeth!

HALLWAY

I believe hallways are one of the most important spaces in a home and yet they are often the most neglected when it comes to design. They are a high traffic space and a center focal point. We have an extra wide and long hallway upstairs with a large landing area at the top of the stairs giving ample opportunity to make a style statement.

I want to add chair molding with picture framing underneath starting on one side of our stairs up and through the entire hallway. I'll then add this fern branch wall paper above! 

POWDER ROOM

We have remodeled our powder room with new flooring and fixtures but now I want to give it more pizzazz with mural wallpaper!

My gal pal put this scene in her sauna room and I love it!

LIGHTING

I believe lighting is the jewelry for the home! I'm looking for shiny gold fixtures for our sunroom, den, office, guest room, our master closet but perhaps a white one for Vivian's room.

KITCHEN

This will leave only our kitchen left to design and it's going to be a doozy! It may be a few more years of waiting. A complete renovation from top to bottom with a big price tag (so we've saved that one for last). But since I'm sharing here's my inspiration for it. 

Dress Your Home Beautifully

(even if it's just in your dreams)

XOXO Sarah Louise

Home Sweet Home - 3 Ways to Prepare for Your Return Home From Vacation

There's no place like home! After being away every single weekend since the start of Summer this is holding very true for me. This is the second Summer that we've chosen to go, do and experience as much as we can and while these trips are more fun than a barrel full of monkeys it does make from some extra work on the front end.

When we think of preparing for vacation, packing our bags with all the essentials and cute outfits of course :) is first and foremost. For me, I begin preparing our home for our return before I pack my bags.

I do this so that saying goodbye to a destination is then met with a fresh welcoming of home. 

Here are 3 things I do to prepare for the return home from vacation ...

1. Laundered Linens  

2-3 day prior to departure I make sure all clothing loads of laundry are complete.

1-2 days prior, I wash sheets and towels.

Not only does it prevent overload when your return, but there's nothing like coming home to fresh clean sheets and towels after sleeping in a strange place.

This also ensures that all options are clean and available for packing!

2. Prepared Healthy Meal or 2

Dream Kitchen!

That copper vent hood!

While eating what you have in the fridge so that nothing sits and spoils while you're gone is a good practice, I like to make sure I have at least 2 healthy options for  quick meals when I return.

There are always indulgences while traveling (ice cream at the beach is my favorite!) so it's nice to come home to something light and healthy. Since fresh fruits and veggies most likely won't keep here are some options: frozen veggies/healthy meal you can pop in the oven, have a neighbor set out some frozen meat for you or pop in quickly to the grocery store on your way home and grab a bag of salad, veggies, meat etc .. just to get you by and avoid eating out one more time!

3. Shined Surfaces & Floors

Cleaning floors is one of my least favorite chores so we do have hired help that actually scrubs them every 3 weeks. 2 days before departure I give my surfaces an extra thorough wipe down & dusting. Then I vacuum every square foot. In order to do this ALL things must be picked up and tidied so you're ensured to return to a spic & span space.

These 3 areas of tasks not only are essential for maintaining a clean home 

but truly set you up for a prepared departure and peaceful return!

Dress Your Home Beautifully for Your Return from Vacation

XOXO Sarah Louise

America, Home that I Love

Happy 4th of July!

We proudly display a large American flag front & center of our home. It is by far the most important element of our home's aesthetic. It isn't decor, but a symbol of what our country stands for and what we stand for. We love this free land we are privileged to live on.

I remember the night Ryan returned home from deployment to the Middle East as the Battalion Surgeon for a Marine infantry unit every day with gratitude. 

Serving our country is full of risk and sacrifice and I'm blessed to have him home safe.

As you celebrate today, in your red white & blue, I encourage you to do so with gratitude to God and those that have/are serving.  This land is free because of the brave! 

Dress Beautifully as an American

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: All the Things

 TGIF! Gals, there is no slowing down for us this Summer. We are filling nearly every weekend with a trip and weekday with slashing at the pool. The best part of all the Summer fun we are having is sharing it with our friends!

Here are some of my favorite things from my travels, I've worn, found on sale, use and enjoy from day to day. It's a bit random but just maybe one will make it to your list of favorites.

Denim Jacket

I wore this one a lot in San Francisco

I love the soft fabric, modern distressing, shorter sleeve length and 

puff sleeves for a fashionable feminine touch!

Distressed Jeans 

on sale this weekend

Mother is my favorite brand for denim and this pair is not only comfortable but chic and modern.

These do run small so size up.

Sandals

I found these shopping at Neiman Marcus in SF.

They come in several colors but the bright orange spoke to me (pink was my second choice)

I like the more pointed toe (not a fan of the trending square)

and soft leather top band that's not too thick & wide

Ferragamo

One of my all time favorite designers for nearly 15 years!

I have this classic Vera shoe in 4 colors and I fell in love with this pale pink pair the moment I saw them.

I didn't purchase but they're on my wish list.

Embroidered Green Skirt

I got to see the brand Maje in person at the Saks Fifth Avenue in SF

It's now a top favorite. Pretty pieces & great quality

I brought home this skirt.

Wristlet

Perfect for going out and about with ease 

Holds everything you need: phone, cards, lipstick

Puff Sleeve Top

this one is more like a tee. Super soft bodice with casual henley neckline

but with crisp puff sleeves to add a dressy touch

I bought in white & lavender - also in navy

Smocked Flowy Shorts

I recently picked these up on sale and gals they feel like you're not wearing anything at all

From every day at home to nights out these are a winner

Neutral Tunic Dress

This one just spoke to me! I love the print, detailing, shape and sleeves.

Not as casual as most tunic dresses but not too dressy either.

Perfect for hot summer days!

French Cafe

coffee/pastry/food

best little spot in San Francisco for a treat

 

Coffee Maker

we just added this one to our kitchen and we love it

It's low profile (I detest anything on our counters)

fast, delicious and honestly really cool looking

Spruce

Elegant dining in San Francisco

we celebrated our anniversary here

While I may be the farthest thing from a foodie, this was by far the most delicious (and expensive) meal I've ever had!!! 

Pajamas

I buy a pair of these a few times a year for myself and as gifts for new mothers.

Note: when traveling with others it's good to have a nice set of pajamas to wear

Doll Stroller

I Got Vivian & her cousin these doll strollers 

They're not only sweet for playing Mommy but also for taking everywhere since they fold up

Sunglasses

I liked the color on these for something different & fun.

Blush

My sister gave me this and while it looks super bright it wears beautifully!

It's the prettiest pink.

Necklace

these color beaded pieces are all the rage!

The Summer I Turned Pretty

I just watched this and while the focus is on teenage summer relationships

I really enjoyed the friendship between the two moms

I found this very encouraging 

Pony Tails

my sister gifted me these and I wear them Every. Single. Day.

they truly hold back ALL my mane without pulling, slipping or stretching out.

Dress Beautifully in All the Things

XOXO Sarah Louise