Perfectly Pink

Some call it bubble gum, some say cotton candy, some even prefer carnation but my favorite is 'Barbie' pink! Maybe it's because I'm a girlie girl or just maybe it's because pink is in fact the prettiest color (in my opinion at least). And while I'm sharing opinions, pink is not just for the young. Pink is for all ages and actually brings out the youthful fun spirit in all of us.

This dress didn't just strike my fancy for its bright color but also for it's flattering and twirl provoking shape. The ruffled neck, sleeveless (with an ever so slight cut in) shoulder, waist band and tiered skirt that's not too short (praise!) all create a comfortable and feminine silhouette. 

Now because it's solid I highly encourage adding prints and other bright colors in your accessories! 

But neutral is nice too to let the pink speak for itself :)

Dress | Heels & Similar | Earrings

Dress Beautifully in Pink

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mamma Monday: Toddler Activities

Happy Monday Mammas! In case I haven't told you enough, Mondays are my favorite day of the week.  I feel like I start the day with so much fresh energy.  Vivian Louise is as busy as can be and that means so am I. Thankfully I've never been able to sit still so me and my mini fit perfectly.

And since we are on a mission to have the best Summer ever with all the fun we can squeeze in, I've had to embrace toddler activities.  I say 'had to' because I'm NOT a crafty person.  I don't want the supplies cluttering my home and I HATE messes.  I'm leaving a good portion of activities to her pre-school teachers! But I do want to experience some of them alongside her.

Tip:  Doing them outside is the key to enduring the mess.

So here are some toddler loved activities I've found that I hope you'll enjoy ...

Finger Painting (or watercolor for older kids)

I taped the large paper down on a shady spot on our drive way and had her down to a diaper.  This paint come out super clean (praise!). After we were done I carried her up the stairs and straight into the bath. I probably could have washed her off outside but she was due for a good soak and was excited for more play time.  Two of my Mamma friends recommended getting rolls of paper to use for these projects.

Play-doh

Her Aunt Rebecca got her some for Easter and we've gone outside to play with it on top of clear plastic so it doesn't pick up dirt.  She LOVED it! I have actually seen Mammas make it homemade #NOPE.  By all means enjoy yourself but my version of Motherhood has me making as little as possible.

Paint the Fence

I saw this on Pinterest and it is easy enough for me and water is a mess I don't mind.

Frozen Paint

I'm actually going to put forth the effort to try this.

There's also classic coloring! 

Toddler activities are WAY OUTSIDE my box so I'm going to refer you to the Busy Toddler for lots of fun ideas on keeping your toddlers busy!!!

19 months yesterday!

Be the Mamma that you are! That's what our children love about us, just us.  So if something isn't your style don't do it. I certainly don't. Gracious, you couldn't pay me enough to make her baby food or stock shelves of crafting materials. BUT I will happily have all the play dress up clothes :)

Vivian's Dress & Sandals

Dress Beautifully
(in casual/discard worthy clothes)
Doing Toddler Activities

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Summer Tops

TGIF! We are home from our beach vacation and I'm still bursting with joy over all the fun we had!  Life truly is so much better with Vivian Louise in our world.

One of the best parts was my decision to turn off texts and phone calls for the week we were gone.  I chose to only use my phone for pictures during the day and my mother-in-law did most of the capturing.  I did share several online each day but I waited til everyone was tucked into bed.  It was glorious removing distractions and focusing on the family time we so rarely get.
Now, it's back to the real world at home but our spirits are so refreshed it doesn't feel like chores at all.
Oh, and I also didn't wear my watch or my Fitbit.  I was on vacation time!  And because I went running on the beach each morning and chasing after baby girl I wasn't worried about keeping track of my activity.

Now, as much fun as Summer is you can also look pretty while doing so.
Your top can make a statement with a pair of shorts or white jeans.

So here are some of my favorites ...

This top I have and shared with you on this post.

I LOVE it!

One Shoulder Ruffled Seersucker

I adore the oversized ruffles on this top

Flutter Sleeve Top with Embroidery

This embroidery is pretty and just the right delicate detail.

Striped Tie Neck Top

I got this top for a steal and love the pretty bow in the back. 

Perfect for outdoor events when you want to look cute but be comfortable and cool.

Mexican Embroidered Top

I love the story behind the designs and hand made detailing of this line.

These pieces will have you feeling and looking like a world traveler.

They come in so many different color palettes!

Blue & White Off the Shoulder Top

I love decorating my home in the classic blue and white and it looks just as clean and crisp in fashion!

Dress Beautifully in a Fun Summer Top

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Mamma Monday: Salty Toes & Sandy Kisses

Happiest of Mondays that ever was!!! That's what today is.  I'm on vacation but after debating whether or not to write I decided to quickly hop on while Vivian is taking a nap.

There are no words to depict the joy and happiness of seeing sweet Vivian's toes in the sand and her arms splashing in the ocean for the very first time!  Mr and I haven't been on a week long vacation in several years and the escape from the hustle and bustle is such a blessing. We also realized that vacation is way more fun with Vivian! Who knew building sand castles, collecting seashells and splashing in the water could be such a celebration.

I'm truly aware of the luxury that it is to be vacationing in a house ocean front for a whole week. I am eternally grateful for the memories we are able to make.  No picture could ever truly capture them.

But here are some of me and my mini on the seashore ...

Moments after we arrived and the first time her tiny toes were in the sand.

She already found her first seashell.

She wasn't quite sure of the water.

My Tunic - super comfortable, light and just so pretty

Pure Joy

My first one piece and I have to admit, my Mamma gal pals were right, they are more practical for playing in the sand.

Soaking up all her love!

My first tankini and again, very practical for #momlife

Staying hydrated

This two piece is also Mamma friendly with lots of coverage and support.

Her very first taste of ice cream! 

She wouldn't lick the cone but loved it from a spoon.

Isn't it just Marvelous to be a Mamma?!!!!!

Dress Beautifully with Sandy Toes

XOXO Sarah Louise

Skortin Around

Skorts were my jam back in the 90's! 

Skorts are shorts & a skirt all in one. On the outside it looks like a skirt but underneath there's a pair of shorts.  So why should you design shorts sewn underneath a skirt??  Skorts are typically mini in length and by sewing in legs underneath it creates coverage and mobility. 

Shorts can be hard for gals, personally I've struggled with them most of my life.  My legs aren't my favorite and I felt that the leg openings in my size were always too snug.  The skirt topping offers a roomy and modest fit.

Kudos to Lilly Pulitzer for their line of skorts in bright fun prints! 

Skort: Lilly Pulitzer || Top: Similar & Here || Wedges: Kate Spade Similar & Here & Here || 

Dress Beautifully in Skorts

XOXO Sarah Louise

Pink & Green

Pink and green are the signature colors of a true Southern prep.  Together they are a perfect match of bright fun.  And here on the Southern coast, we are all about Summer in Lilly! 

Of my Lilly Pulitzer pieces, almost all are dresses and shorts.  So I decided I had to have a new blouse.  I knew I didn't want sleeves (too darn hot!) but I do love the Elsa.  I also wanted a top dressy enough for date nights and special occasions but that I cold pair with jeans/shorts for casual wear too.

This blouse sold me with it's gold chain at the neckline, silk fabric and bold print.  It's like wearing a silk scarf!  I'd even tuck this into a pencil skirt (navy, taupe or ivory) for an office look.  

Lilly Pulitzer is surely the go-to for all thing bright & preppy and of course lots of pink & green!

Blouse: Lilly Pulitzer || Jeans: Loft || Wedges: Kate Spade Similar Here & Here || 

Earrings: Tory Burch || Cuff: Ann Taylor Similar || Clutch: Similar || 

Dress Beautifully in Pink & Green

XOXO Sarah Louise

#SummerinLilly

I'm Strutting this Summer in Lilly, Lilly Pulitzer that is. 

She's the Iconic Designer for Resort Wear.  Her Designs are Exceptional for their Prints and Vivid Colors.  My Mood Brightens and I Feel Extra Girly when I'm Wearing One of her Pretty Pieces.  

Since the Summer Heat of the South Ranges from Hot to Hotter, Dressing is a Delicate Matter.  In Presenting Ourselves as the Sweet Stylish Belles that we are, Maintaining Our Ladylike Appearance with just a Little Glow (We Don't Sweat We Glisten) is Essential.

Who Wears Short Shorts??!! We Do, ok well Not Too Short, but they're Key To Keeping Cute & Cool.  

The Lilly Pulitzer Callahan Short is a Favorite.  The Prints are Full of Fun Colors Allowing for Lots of Pairing Options in your Top. The Best Part is they're not Too Short and not Too Long!  

Wear them with a Tee/Tank & Sandals for a Casual Look or a Blouse & Wedges for a Dressy Look.

Mr & I will be Beachin with Friends this Week in Celebration of Independence Day and 

These Shorts are Sure to Be Seen! 

Pink Silk Cami - J Crew

Shorts in 'Sea & Be Seen' Print - Lilly Pulitzer

Wedges Kate Spade Similar 

Mother of Pearl Earrings - Kendra Scott 

Enjoy Summer in Lilly

XOXO Sarah Louise