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I can't believe it! I missed posting yesterday. While no one probably noticed, I did and I have to be honest it tore my nerves up! I thrive on staying true to my schedule but you know what ... it will all be ok. (I'm still going to be bothered - like for forever!) 

This Memorial Day weekend was unique for us. Ryan was off of work!!! He rarely has weekends off much less a holiday. It was also cold and rained cats and dogs. As disappointing as that was for our outdoor fun, the slow time inside was exactly what we needed.

So I closed my computer and was present.

I really find dressing important, meaningful and down right enjoyable but I've also come to love dressing comfortable and cozy on the couch with my loved ones. 

Whether your in or out it's the people that dress the time beautifully.

Dress Beautifully Even at Home

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Memorial Day Weekend

 This is a special Friday! It begins the weekend where we honor those that served our country, protected our freedom and sacrificed it all doing so. We do this enjoying this life on this land with each other having fun - hopefully outside including grilling, splashing and a whole lot of laughing! 

This weekend also includes a lot of red white and blue to color the occasion properly and some perks, like sales! 

My Dress

Here are some pretty pieces to celebrate Memorial Day that are on sale ...

Smocked Waist Eyelet Midi Dress

Stripe Sweater Lady Jacket

Ruffle Linen Top

One Shoulder Swimsuit

I have 4 of these!

Classic Tee

Light Sweatshirt

Wrap Neck Satin Maxi

Smocked Cami Dress

Star Sweater

Red Check Top

Belted Chambray Shorts

Dress Beautifully & Patriotically 

XOXO Sarah Louise

Memorial Fun

Happy Memorial Day!

I believe it's very important to have fun and celebrate the freedoms we have today. People have given their lives so that we would have these liberties and out of gratitude we should enjoy them fully.

Yesterday we did just that and worshiped outside in our church's parking lot.  Oh what joy it was to 'see' our dearest friends.  It was also so fun to leave our house in our Sunday best (matching naturally). Similar Jumpsuit

Some of our most fun memories are made in the great outdoors / our backyard. So I thought I'd share some of them with you and encourage you to share your laughter under the sun.

This splash-pad was such a treat for Vivian when she woke up from her nap on Saturday.  She had a blast jumping and playing in the water.
Vivian's Swimsuit
Splashpad

That tiny water heinie!

I bit the bullet and embraced one of those toddler activities and honestly it wasn't that bad.  It was amazing how long she was entertained washing her outdoor toys. It also made me happy because they had collected dirt and pollen and benefited from good scrub.

Another good one was painting the fence with water using a sponge brush. 

Excuse her mismatched outfit, her Daddy dressed her for bed the night before and rather than soil her clothes for the day we had a late morning getting dressed. 

She received this picnic table for her 2nd birthday from her grandparents and it's one of my most favorite things.  We do ALL the crafting activities here (because I'm surely not letting her make a mess inside). Watercoloring is fairly easy and a washable mess. 

Another great idea is to take a trip to a park.  While the playground is still off limits (I may have let her play on it anyways ... until the park police showed up with their sirens and announced on their megaphone to 'get off' UGH While it was breaking the rules I'm so glad she got 15 mins of play) you can visit the pond and have fun with a scavenger hunt, ball or hollering at geese.

This car is one of her favorites.  She drives to the 'grocery store' b/c it's the only place she's gone in months. We also push her in it around our neighborhood on our evening strolls.

Vivian's Sunglasses

She's really getting the hang of her tricycle. I love that she always wants a baby or animal companion.
Vivian's Shoes (a fav for summer - great for outside & water play)

Bubbles = Happiness!

She loves this chair! She moves it from her play house to our patio to the backyard.

We Hope that You have so Much Fun Under the Sun!

Dress Beautifully Making Memories Outside

XOXO Sarah-Louise

All American

Happy Memorial Day!!!

While you are probably enjoying this Monday with your family at the pool, grilling out or just spending quality time at home take a time out to give gratitude to those that gave it all for this freedom we enjoy every day!

It's just Vivian and I today. Mr's been working nonstop at the hospital since we will be taking a week long vacation at the beach starting Thursday!!!! Oh if you could just see the excitement on my face :)
We visited friends this morning and will visit more friends this afternoon after nap and hopefully Mr will be home in time to grill some dinner and love on us.

We always dress in red white and blue for Memorial Day, the 4th of July and Veterans Day!

How sweet is it that Vivian can still wear her flag smocked dress from last year and gracious it still has plenty of room to last through this year. Our darling petite princess 💜

Here's what we wore yesterday to church ...

She's so precious in the pews 

My Jumpsuit

Flag Smocked Dress

Today we're keeping it casual in our all American Style!

Dress Beautifully in Red White & Blue

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday 5: Memorial Day

TGIF!!!! … the excitement never fades!

It’s another edition of my Friday 5 favorites.  This one is all about what I’ll be wearing this Memorial Day weekend.  This year is special because I rarely get to spend it with Mr and it’s our first long weekend in the 2 months he’s been back from deployment! Cheers to that!

We will be spending it on the coast of NC with our dear friends.  Our goal was ‘toes in the sand’ and our ‘buns in the sun’ but the weather has a different plan #BOO L  But we won’t let rain ruin our party. My bikini is packed and I’m keepin the faith for some sunshine!

This look is what I typically wear on Saturday’s running errands, brunching with my gal pals or just chillin at home.

Distressed jeans, tank top, sandals and a baseball hat (essential when it’s day 4, or let’s be real 5, of not washing my hair).

Side Note: Distressed jeans are just the best! They’re soft and already broken in.  Something about those ripped up holes make me feel super cool – Mr “Whatever you need to tell yourself”  Bless him, I AM cool! J

Also, tank tops are not all created equal.  It must conceal ALL of my bra straps, not be too clingy and not too loose that I look like a sac either.  These tanks in linen are the perfect balance of softness and shape.

Since it’s summer, I ditch the blues and am almost exclusively wearing white denim.  I found these distressed boyfriends a few days ago and am thoroughly excited to wear them this weekend.  They have just the right about of rips, loose but not too big of a fit, and super soft fabric. 

The tote.  It’s a must in your handbag inventory.  Currently I’m a fraud.  I don’t have one. I want one but I’m having commitment issues! My elbow bags have been great over the years but I need variety. I’m finding them a bit cumbersome when I’m shopping or traveling.  A tote is a NEED!  But how do I chose?  It’s basically coming down to price. I have so many designer bags on my wish list that a compromise is going to have to happen.  Stay tuned.

This tote is on my list of options and the price is right!

This hat is my #1 go-to for hats.  The needlepoint flag says it all. Check out Smathers and Branson’s other needlepoint items including belts and gifts for the menfolk.  

Tip:  Opt for darker ball caps, they hide the inevitable make up stains from your forehead.  Oh and it’s a given for your  ball caps to have the hole for your pony tail.

Whatever you’re doing this Memorial Day weekend, whether it’s vacationing, grilling out, partying with friends or just relaxing at home, please take time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, for our country and freedom!  It’s a strong reminder of just how grateful I am that Mr returned home safely to me!

Flag Hat  -  Tank  -  Distressed White Jeans  -  Sandals  -  Tote 

Dress Beautifully this Memorial Day Weekend

XOXO Sarah Louise

Stars & Stripes

Today is Memorial Day - a day to remember those so brave that sacrificed for our freedom.  We celebrate today with weekends at the beach, backyard barbecues, and the company of great friends cherishing the blessing to live in America!  For me, married to a US Naval Officer and with family members who have served, I have a greater appreciation for what that sacrifice means.  

Just recently we came to learn that Mr will not be completing his service in January but rather continuing as the battalion surgeon for a marine unit overseas for 9 months.  We will be separated almost a year -NOT our plan.  I have moments of sadness as I prepare to move into our new home (Excitement to share soon!) alone but days like today, I'm proud to sacrifice my Mr for a short time as there are others that sacrificed much more! 

So I ask you to take a moment and give gratitude for those that made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can freely enjoy this beautiful day! 

Now, this top! As soon as I saw it in the catalog fresh out of my mail box I had to have it. I instantly knew it would be perfect for summer holidays and soirees! The construction with bands of heavy elastic, create a strong shape.  The sweetheart crossing lines and peplum flair have a vintage look with a modern touch added in the exposed back zipper.   I paired it with high waisted white skinnies but plan to style with navy/denim shorts, black culottes, and perhaps a pencil skirt. 

This top is fun, flirty and forever a festive piece for your wardrobe! 

Top: Anthropologie || White Jeans: Loft || Heels: Similar || 

Earrings: Kate Spade || Polish: Essie || 

Dress Beautifully in Stripes

XOXO Sarah Louise