Tinsel in a Tangle

It’s the most wonderful time of the year … tis also the time where you can find yourself frazzle dazzle! There’s regular ongoing life and then you pile on ALL the holiday things ...

Me and my sidekick running around town 

Here are some things that may help prevent you from getting your tinsel in a tangle ...

REMEMBER THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

We have a headless Joseph - but the message still conveys 

that it's not about perfection but the presence of Him

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!

DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF

Gracious Trixie! Her hair and inability to stay off of my furniture drives me up the wall ...

BUT she brings joy to Ryan & Vivian

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

Enjoying the time is what matters not all the 'things'.  Hug, smile and laugh big! Have FUN!!! 

CHECK THE LIST

Prioritize your to-do's by time and necessity. The reality is a lot of 'wants' just don't get done. Make the magic for your immediate family come first.

SOFT TRADITIONS

I am having to loosen the reigns on traditions. It means a lot to me to have things 'like we always do' but in reality some years things don't happen the same. Ryan often works on Christmas so we have to adjust, friends aren't available every year so we have to skip a celebration or 2 and it's perfectly fine to miss fun things.

You can have a lot but not all.

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.

Dress Beautifully Enjoying Christmas

XOXO Sarah Louise

My top 5 gifts to give

 Fun Fact: When taking the love language test, I do not have any answers that align with gifts. And neither does Ryan!  When it comes gifting others, it can be overwhelming.

Here are 5 things I've found that I enjoy gifting others ...

PRESENCE

Time spent with undivided attention, to me is the best gift ever! Time is of high value and something that we never seem to have enough of. So put your phone away (unless you're on video) and take a walk, share a meal, and set a date to be present. I promise the quality time is priceless.

FRAMED PHOTO

There are so many fun memories captured on our phones and on display online but I like to see them in my home so that when I walk by I smile remembering the moment. Like a handwritten note, printed & framed photos are tangible and beautiful. 

TREASURES

I love finding old and unique objects when I'm antique and thrift shopping. Things like trinket dishes, brass figurines and decor make for one of a kind gifts. 

Bonus, they're usually a bargain!

PAPER

Journals, stationary and books are timeless gifts that are always beloved. For books coffee table ones or ones that relate to the recipients interests are pretty and resourceful.

Be sure to write a note on the inside cover!

GAMES/PUZZLES

I love to play games and put together puzzles! In fact we play card and board games several nights a week. There are even party games for adults and question games to really get to know a crowd. It brings people together and they're just as fun the 10th time playing as they are the 1st. 

Dress Beautifully Gifting

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

At The Table

There is great significance at the table. It is where we are still, where we are together and where we nourish our bodies, minds and souls. 

When you are seated at the table this Thanksgiving I encourage you to 

BE PRESENT

Leave your phone and troubles put away in another area.

Give your undivided attention to others, listening attentively.

SHARE LOVINGLY

Let your words be truthful, free from gossip and exaggeration. 

Share things that are good and useful.

Talk about ideas not people.

GIVE GRATITUDE

Stop and look around you. Go outside.

Go to God in prayer thanking Him for the abundance of blessings.

Dress Beautifully at Your Thanksgiving Table

XOXO Sarah Louise

Just Do It

 Fact: I do NOT like going to the doctor. So much that I don't do it. 

And the super horrible part is that I've had my own diagnoses along with family history. 

Like everyone who avoids doing things they don't want to do I have excuses. I eat healthy and exercise so I'm good, I'm married to a physician so I'm good, it's expensive, time-consuming and they do so little and the worst: ignorance is bliss so I don't want to know.

Also Facts: I have great health insurance, can make the time and it means the world to my family and friends that I'm healthy and taken care of so that I'm around to share life with.

We all procrastinate on the things we need/should do for all kinds of reasons. 

Recently I've established a primary care physician, was examined by the dermatologist (and had a spot frozen off my face) and had my 2nd mammogram. I'll see my gynecologist in December. 

3 Ways To Over Come Procrastination: 

Reward - when you complete the thing you don't want to do, allow yourself to something you do enjoy.

Prioritize - examine how you spend your time and adjust.

Accountability - calendar/set a date and let an encourager in your life help you. 

I have a monthly work project that I absolutely dread!!! Slowly but surely I'm improving on completing it on time using the 3 things above!

Dress Beautifully Getting it Done

XOXO Sarah Louise

Willpower < Surrender

Can you have too much of a good thing? I'm learning yes! 

I've always known I've had excessive willpower. I take disciplined to a whole new level and live a regimented life particularly when it comes to my schedule/routine, exercise, nutrition, cleanliness etc... 

#controlfreak

BUT often I find myself frustrated when outcomes are not what I'd expect. Unlike a mathematical equation or chemical reaction (I'm a nerd & can do them in my sleep) life doesn't always balance or equal what we think it should. 

I work hard, I try to do the right things and yet often I do not receive the results I expect. 

Rather than willpower, I need to surrender. 

Surrender to the plans and path God has for me.

Gracious that's not easy for me and I know I'm not alone. I've been wrestling and praying over this for several weeks now. 

I hope that this encourages you in your circumstances and relationships!

Dress Beautifully in

Surrender Over Willpower 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Heart of the Matter

I have this great love for beautiful things, people and God. My hope is that by sharing them it spreads joy.

Today is my 4,000th post on Instagram and by then end of this year I aim to have written 1500 blog posts! It's a perfect time to share the heart behind it all. 

I believe that dressing beautifully starts on the inside so I share encouraging messages in growing faith & love for others.

I believe that what you wear can showcase the unique and special person that you are and give you confidence to go out and shine your light bright. I share outfits to inspire you to create looks that suit your fancy and help make you feel your most beautiful.

Life is too short to wear boring clothes

Dress Yourself Beautifully! 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Handling the Hard

 Throughout my life I've heard the question "how did you get through that" or "I don't' know how she does it". I'm NOT a superhero but I do have God. 

I've had some very challenging seasons growing up, caring for my Mama, living long distance from Ryan, stressful corporate career, enduring a year long military deployment and heart shattering loss. They were all so very very hard.

Ryan has been practicing emergency medicine for a while now working very long hours and mostly nights and weekends ... it has done me in so many times! This past summer he accepted a new position traveling out of state for over half the month. Our thought is it would be less days and more time at home but again more hard. 

These are just a few of life's challenges I'm willing to share here and I know you could share a big list with me. We ALL have hard!

How do we get through? GOD!

We go to Him! 

He will give us strength, patience, endurance, knowledge, wisdom and peace and so much more to put one foot in front of the other. 

Stop over and over throughout your days and give thanks for all things big and small.

Note: the hard time may persist and sometimes for a long time but He is with you, providing for you and protecting you!

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; Isaiah 43:2

I've had several friends with challenging circumstances lately and even this weekend neighbors without power and the Western side of our state in devastating ruin. You still have hard but so do others.

Pray - there is power in Him.

Give - share your blessings.

I see that throughout my life God prepared me with skills and grew my character to persevere my hard times.

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5: 3-5

Dress Beautifully in the Hard Times

XOXO Sarah Louise

Welcome Interruptions

 I don't know about you but I plan! I plan my months, weeks, days and even hours with lists on top of lists.

BUT here's the truth - these plans will be interrupted. They will not go as I have designed them to go. 

Something or someone is going to delay or halt my productivity and I've learned it's for good. God has bigger and better plans for my time than I do. He will take my day and use it for His glory when I am open and welcome to it. 

Last week my bestest gal pal of nearly 30 years called me in the mid afternoon and I almost didn't answer it ... but thank the Lord above I did because she needed me and I needed to care for her!

Today in the midst of tasks a dear friend called with a sad heart and my tasks could wait to lift her spirits.

Note: My Sunday School student, Juliet, really enjoys baking.

She made Italian lemon cookies especially for me (lemon is my fav!)

I was tickled to share them with my Mama!

Then as I was getting back on track, my Mama called and said she was close by (she had an appointment and naturally she didn't tell me when I saw her Saturday). So I got myself together and welcomed her into our home with lunch and tea for two!

Putting people over projects is the best priority! 

When we've made our plans and lists ...

First, make sure there's 'white space' on the calendar = room for the unexpected

Then, give it to God to do with it as He will.

Welcome, with discernment (work does have to get done), interruptions ... they just may be a much needed blessing!

Dress Your Day Beautifully Welcoming Interruptions 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Million Dollar Smile

 Gals, for the past week I've smiled so big my cheeks are sore. I completed 18 months of Invisalign and now I have the prettiest teeth!

Backstory: I was born without lateral teeth, baby and permanent leaving my two front teeth very gapped. My mother worked very hard to put me in braces as soon as she could. My top teeth were all moved forward to close the gap and reshaped to look like I wasn't missing teeth. 

Fast forward 30 years, a lot of shifting occurred resulting in misalignment and bite/jaw issues. Atheistically they were also not their best.

I can NOT believe I'm sharing this!!!

I find that we all have areas of insecurity in our appearance. My teeth were just one of mine. 

I'm still the same lady on the inside, but gracious I am more confident on the outside. My teeth are also healthier now that my bite and teeth are aligned. 

Note: it's important to know that even with this new confidence, my relationships did not change as they are NOT dependent on my appearance nor possessions. They are built on how we treat each other!

Invisalign or any orthodontic appliance is a commitment and must be in the care of a board certified Orthodontist! Mine was conservative and thorough which is very important. 

I wore my trays 22 hours a day!! I brushed and flossed nearly every single time I ate something.

I carried zip lock bags, toothbrush & floss in my handbags where ever I went. 

I cleaned them every day in RetainerBrite

Having plastic in my mouth was not fun and I was self conscious about it!

Note: It's also a financial commitment! I used our HSA account which helped. 

About half way through I got very antsy to be finished but I'm so proud I stayed the course as it is 100% worth it! Here's a post I wrote nearly a year ago in the midst of treatment where I shared what you're getting in to. 

My tear stained, very happy and proud face leaving my final appointments!

Technology today is far superior to when I originally had braces. If you are considering orthodontics, I encourage you to schedule a consult with your dentist and orthodontist!. 

My dentist played a role too in keeping my teeth clean, healthy and finishing the treatment with some cosmetic work. 

Going forward I have two veneers giving me teeth that look like laterals for the first time in 41 years!

I cried in my car leaving my final appointments!

I have permanent retainers on my top & lower teeth and will sleep in retainers at nighttime for my lifetime. Again, worth it! 

I believe in dressing your outsides beautifully

but remember, know and believe that

dressing your inside beautifully is what shines so bright!

Dress Your Smile Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise

Waves on Waves

Last week at the beach I squealed with joy at Vivian surfing the waves of the ocean. I have to share that our darling Vivian has become so bold in the water this Summer! 

As I watched her float in the calm ripples, surf in fast on the high waves and even tumble on the ones that were just too much I realized that it was quite the representation of life.

Sometimes we are smooth surfing in the everyday and then we get something big and exciting to surf and then there's the waves that throw us off balance and take us down. 

The thing about the ocean is that it's constant. The tide & waves are always coming but there's also salt that helps us float along despite the conditions. 

The thing about life is that it's constant. If we're lucky we get day after day, there's always to-do's & interruptions but there's also blessings that help us stay afloat despite the unexpected.

As you think about the ocean and how majestic its vastness, beauty and countless wonders are, reflect on the same in your life. Celebrate the big surfs, resurface quickly and float gratefully in the every day.

Tip: Like finding seashells and shark teeth, look for the beautiful treasures in your day amongst people & your surroundings!  

Dress Beautifully Surfing

the Waves of Life

XOXO Sarah Louise

Size Matters

 I spent this past weekend at the beach with my gal pals and gracious did we laugh! I'm actually giggling a bit now just thinking about it.

One of the phrases that created quite the entertainment was 'Size Matters' (I'll spare you the context!). But on my drive home it did get me thinking.

Size does matter, a lot! I'm not talking about diamond rings, square footage or bank accounts.

I believe it matters when it comes to ...

Grace

Forgiveness 

Love

These things are better bigger!!!

Let them be bigger than our grievances, bigger than our inconveniences & bigger than our disappointments 

also hair ... high the hair closer to heaven!

Dress Beautifully 

Super Sizing Your Heart

XOXO Sarah Louise